Apparatus for production, withdrawal and transfer of highly viscous slurry
US7473376B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 22, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/20
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Method and apparatus for separating components of slurries by gravity settling thereby forming a thickened slurry and a clarified liquid. The apparatus comprises a vessel for decanting a volume of slurry, the vessel having a top and an interior formed by a side wall and a bottom wall for holding the slurry, a slurry inlet means, an outlet for the clarified liquid near the top of the vessel, and a slurry withdrawal apparatus for removal of the thickened slurry from the vessel at or near the bottom wall thereof. The slurry withdrawal apparatus physically engages a portion of the slurry within the vessel interior and transports it through a vessel outlet. The apparatus may include an elongated, rotatable, open spiral-shaped element extending a distance into the vessel from outside near the bottom wall of the vessel, the open spiral-shaped element being in direct and open communication with the interior of the vessel over at least a significant portion of the distance, and a rotational drive mechanism for rotating the open spiral-shaped element, at least intermittently.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.