Patent ID: 7491333

Claim:
A process for the treatment of waste water comprising the steps of: admixing partially-treated waste water containing precipitated impurities with a flocculating agent in a flocculation basin; directing the admixed waste water to an elongated sedimentation basin having a plurality of suction devices disposed along the longitudinal axis thereof wherein the sedimentation basin comprises a pair of sloped sides to consolidate settled solids at the bottom of the basin, and is free of mechanical devices to move or consolidate solids; allowing flocculated solids in the waste water to settle to the bottom of the sedimentation basin and form treated water; removing the settled solids from the bottom of the sedimentation basin wherein the suction devices are positive displacement withdrawal devices utilizing one or more stationary pumps to remove settled solids, whereby the withdrawal devices minimize degradation of the flocculating agent in the removed solids; and directing the treated water from the sedimentation basin.