Patent ID: 8070960

Claim:
A method of separating and removing the solids from a liquid-solid slurry stream comprising the steps of: providing a filter retention structure comprising: an elongated, vertically extending bag retainer comprising a skeletal tower framework having a plurality of uprights and rectangular frames that run horizontally around said uprights and are spaced vertically down said retainer and are configured and arranged to provide sufficient strength to withstand pressure generated by any liquid-solid slurry within said structure, while facilitating gravity drainage of said liquid; an permeable filter bag installed within and suspended from said bag retainer using a plurality of hooks or pins located at an upper portion of said bag retainer; means for pumping solids laden slurry into the retention structure; and means for discharging dewatered solids from the bottom of said elongated, vertically extending bag retainer wherein said filter retention structure is positioned above a support structure allowing discharged solids to gravity flow into a transport vessel or hopper and wherein said means for discharging dewatered solids closes around an open end of said permeable filter bag preventing leakage of solids during a filling process; pumping said liquid-solid slurry stream into said filter retention structure using said means for pumping solids laden slurry into the retention structure; allowing said liquid to drain through said permeable filter bag, leaving substantially deliquified solids within said filter retention structure; and opening said means for discharging to allow said substantially deliquified solids within said filter retention structure to exit from the bottom of said structure by gravity.