Patent ID: 6655531
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
An assembly for continuous pressure filtration of a slurry, the assembly comprising:a pressurized filtration unit comprising a vessel maintained at a first pressure, filter media in said vessel for separating said slurry into a liquid phase material and a solid phase material, a liquid outlet for discharge of said liquid phase material, and a solids outlet for discharge of said solid phase material from said filtration unit; a depressurizing chamber maintained at a second and lower pressure than said first pressure, said chamber having a solids inlet receiving said solid phase material from said filtration unit and containing the solid phase material as it is exposed to said second and lower pressure; and a material transport including a rotary vane valve disposed between said solids outlet of said filtration unit and said solids inlet of said chamber for maintaining the pressure difference between said filtration unit and said chamber and for continuously moving said solid phase material from said solids outlet of said filtration unit into said chamber whereby said solid phase material is depressurized from about said first pressure to said second and lower pressure.