Dynamic clarifier system

Abstract

A continuous clarification apparatus provides a vessel having a bottom portion and a preferably cylindrical and upwardly extending sidewall defining therewithin a liquid retaining space at least partially filled with a 'floc' carrier forming a moving media bed with flow normally being downwardly through the bed. A clear water discharge outlet allows the discharge of clarified effluent from the vessel. An inlet header allows the addition of an influent to be clarified into the vessel. A vertically extending inner separation wall generally concentric with the vessel sidewall defines a moving bed area and an annulus area. The annulus area provides a lower scour zone, a middle return zone and an uppermost reject zone. The floc carrier is placed within the moving bed area and an aeration means is placed within the vessel annulus with the air being bubbled upwardly in the annulus during continuous cleansing. A pumping created in part by the aeration conveys the lowermost and dirtiest portion of the moving bed to the annulus scour zone where it is lifted thereinto and cleansed. In the scour zone the media is scoured and expanded to clean the moving bed and individual floc carrier particles. As the floc carrier particles rise, individual particles enter a return zone and are directed back to the moving bed, while concentrated detached floc particles enter the reject area for disposal.