Apparatus for dewatering solids-laden liquids

An apparatus for separating and removing solids from a solids-laden slurry comprising:

• a vertical filter retention structure defining an interior and a bottom, wherein the retention structure has a height that is at least 1.5 times its width or depth;
• a liquid-permeable filter having a sidewall and an open bottom and which is installed on the interior of the retention structure and capable of retaining solids;
• and
• means for sealing or otherwise closing access to the open bottom of the filter,
• wherein water in the slurry may be released through the sidewall of filter and collected solids may be discharged through the bottom of the retention structure.

A filter retention structure comprising:

• an elongated, vertically-extending filter retainer comprising a skeletal tower framework having:
• a bottom,
• a plurality of uprights, and
• lateral frames that run horizontally around the uprights and are spaced vertically down the retainer and are configured and arranged to provide sufficient strength to withstand pressure generated by any liquid-solid slurry within the framework, while facilitating gravity drainage of the liquid;
• a liquid-permeable filter installed within the filter retainer;
• and
• means for discharging dewatered solids from the bottom of the filter retainer,
• wherein the filter retainer is positioned above a support structure allowing discharged solids to gravity flow into a transport vessel or hopper and wherein the means for discharging dewatered solids closes around an open end of the permeable filter, preventing leakage of solids during a filling process.

A portable apparatus for separating and removing the solids from a liquid-solid slurry comprising:

• a filter retention structure fabricated in a tower configuration with a skeletal framework defining an interior and a bottom;
• a liquid-permeable filter bag or liquid-permeable filter plates installed in or around the interior of the retention structure;
• means for discharging dewatered solids through the bottom of the retention structure;
• and
• a wheeled base,
• wherein the filter retention structure is pivotably coupled to one or more points on the base, allowing the retention structure to be positioned in a first orientation permitting transport and a second orientation for dewatering the liquid-solid slurry.