Lawrence J Glendenning

US Patent:

52681114, Dec 7, 1993

Filed:

Feb 3, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/830067

Inventors:

Jeffrey L. Metz - Gratiot WI
Joel R. Metz - Gratiot WI
Lawrence J. Glendenning - Darlington WI

International Classification:

B03D 300

US Classification:

210712

Abstract:

A separation and reclamation apparatus for separating a first discrete-phase solids material from a fluid mixture including, in addition, a second discrete-phase solids material and a continuous-phase carrier fluid, has a unitary vessel having a discharge tank connected to a receiving tank and in fluid communication therewith through an opening on the bottom side wall of the receiving tank. The receiving tank both mixes and transports the mixture. A controller actuates a door over the opening for transport of the first discrete-phase solids material out of the receiving tank into the discharge tank via a conveyor having an open discharge end higher than the top of the receiving tank. The apparatus includes a pump arranged to intake material from the discharge tank from contents remaining in the vessel after removal of the first discrete-phase solids. The invention defines methods for treating the fluid mixture to cause the first discrete-phase solids material to separate out of the mixture while maintaining constant mixing of the remainder mixture maintaining the second discrete-phase solids material in suspension.