The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 25, 2003
Filed:
May. 04, 2001
Michael K. Hodges, Colorado Springs, CO (US);
Larry D. Campbell, Harrah, OK (US);
Black & Veatch Holding Company, Overland Park, KS (US);
Abstract
A system and method for dewatering a continuous stream of slurry at high flow rates demonstrates enhanced efficiency, economy and ease of operation. A stream of slurry is subject to continuous or continual measurement of flow rate and pulp density and the measurements are used to control the rate of addition of a flocculating agent to the slurry. The flocculated slurry is delivered to a dewatering unit where it is passed through a diffuser and evenly delivered to a tracking screen for filtering solids from a liquid filtrate. The pulp density of the filtrate may also be measured and used to control addition of a flocculating agent. The tracking screen is adjusted to achieve an angle of repose suited to the particular composition of the filter cake. The diffuser has a base having a horizontal section aspect ratio of from about 1:1 to about 4:1 and continuously changing vertically into an upper portion having a horizontal section with an aspect ratio of from about 40:1 to about 100:1. The ratio of the horizontal sectional areas at the upper portion with respect to the base is from about 1:1 to about 3:1. The dewatering unit of the invention may be adjustably mounted on a transport means for deployment of the high speed dewatering system and method at any convenient location.