Patent ID: 6966985

Claim:
A diluting structure for a sedimentation apparatus configured to contain a level of liquid therein having an intended liquid level, the diluting structure comprising: an influent slurry feed pipe including an eductor nozzle outlet disposed below the intended liquid level to direct a flow of influent slurry from the feed pipe; an eduction zone adjacent the eductor nozzle outlet and configured to convey the directed flow of the influent slurry discharged from the eductor nozzle therethrough; a diluent inlet positioned at least partially below the intended liquid level and proximate the eduction zone such that the flow of influent slurry conveyed through the eduction zone draws liquid therethrough; a mixing zone positioned below the intended liquid level and configured to receive the liquid and the influent slurry to create a diluted slurry; and a discharge zone positioned below the intended liquid level and configured to discharge the diluted slurry into the sedimentation apparatus such that the discharged, diluted slurry exhibits a downward component and a radially outward component of flow with respect to the diluting structure.