Patent ID: 6447674
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: G01G

Abstract:
A system for controlling the flow rate at which sludge is out-loaded from hoppers and the rate at which the hoppers are refilled, said system comprising:a plurality of hoppers, each having an outlet at its bottom and an inlet at its top, said hoppers for receiving, storing and delivering a volume of sludge load-out; a sludge distribution container in communication with a sludge dewatering device of a liquid treatment facility; a powered slide gate interposed between each of said hopper inlets and said sludge distribution container, said powered slide gates having a fully opened and a fully closed position and infinite variable positions therebetween; hopper refill control means for automatically controlling each of said slide gates and the order in which, and the rate at which, each hopper is refilled after out-loading; a sludge metering gate located at the outlet of each of said bottom of said hoppers, said sludge metering gates having a fully opened and a fully closed position and infinite variable positions therebetween; load-out flow control means for automatically adjusting the position of said sludge metering gates for controlling the flow of sludge load-out through said sludge gates; and a support framework on which said hopper and said sludge gate are mounted.