Automatic slurry strainer

A method for processing a slurry comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a processor for producing said slurry;
• (b) feeding said slurry to an inlet of an automatic strainer assembly to strain said slurry, said strainer assembly including a rotatable internal shaft located therein, said internal shaft including a helical flange mounted thereon;
• (c) scraping strained material from said strainer assembly;
• (d) collecting said strained slurry from an outlet of said strainer assembly;
• and
• (e) retrieving said scraped material from said strained slurry and transporting said material to a predetermined location.

A system for processing a slurry, said system comprising:

• (a) a supply of slurry product;
• (b) an automatic strainer assembly for receiving said slurry product, said strainer assembly comprising:
• (i) an inlet for receiving said slurry;
• (ii) a horizontally disposed strainer body in fluid communication with said inlet;
• (iii) a rotatable strainer member received within said body having an inner and an outer surface, said strainer defining a plurality of passageways for strained fluid to pass therethrough;
• (iv) a rotatable internal shaft located within said rotatable strainer member, said internal shaft including a helical flange mounted thereon;
• (v) at least one scraper positioned substantially adjacent to and in close proximity with said outer surface of said strainer member;
• (vi) a collection vessel positioned substantially below said body for receiving said material scraped from said outer surface of said strainer member;
• and
• (vii) an outlet for expelling said strained slurry, said outlet being in fluid communication with said horizontal strainer body;
• and
• (c) a transport line for transporting said scraped material from said collection vessel to said supply of said slurry product.