Patent ID: 6187178
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A hydrodynamic separator, having an inlet for a liquid-solid mixture, an outlet, a hydrodynamic separation device for the mixture where solids therein are separated out due to a flow pattern of the mixture, and, downstream of the hydrodynamic separation device and upstream of the outlet, a diverter for solid material in a form of a perforated barrier located such that the mixture passes to the barrier, with liquid passing generally downwardly through the barrier towards the outlet and solid material being retained on the barrier and being washed by the liquid towards a solids collection region, characterised in that the separator further comprises, located in the outlet, an automatic mechanism responsive to a level of liquid in said mechanism for alternately preventing and allowing a flow of liquid through the outlet, such that, when liquid flow is prevented through the outlet, the flow of the liquid backs up from the outlet and liquid flows back up through the barrier, until it reaches a level at which the mechanism operates to allow the flow of liquid through the outlet.