Variable flow self-diluting feedwell system
AssigneeFLSmidth A/S
InventorTimothy J. Laros
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In a feed dilution system and method for a thickener or settling tank, a feed pipe nozzle has a variable orifice configured to provide an infeed slurry flow stream of substantially constant velocity. The feed pipe orifice is disposed in a mixing conduit proximate an upstream end thereof, while a downstream end of the mixing conduit is functionally attached to a feedwell inside the thickener or settling tank, so that the mixing conduit communicates with the feedwell. Where a diluting liquid is introduced into the mixing conduit, the variable-orifice nozzle ensures a substantially uniform degree of dilution of the influent slurry feed stream by the diluting liquid.
Claims18
A feed slurry dilution system for a thickener or settling tank, comprising:
- a slurry feed pipe;
- a nozzle attached to a downstream end of said feed pipe, said nozzle having a variable orifice configured to provide an infeed slurry flow stream of substantially constant velocity;
- a mixing conduit, at least a portion of said nozzle being disposed proximate an upstream end of said mixing conduit;
- a source of diluting liquid to said mixing conduit;
- and
- a feedwell disposed inside the thickener or settling tank, a downstream end of said mixing conduit being functionally attached to said feedwell so that said mixing conduit communicates with said feedwell.
A method of conditioning a slurry feed stream flowing into the feedwell of a thickening or settling tank, said tank including a tank inlet system comprising an influent slurry feed pipe and orifice directing the influent slurry feed stream into a mixing conduit, said mixing conduit including a source of diluting liquid and a bottom and leading to the feedwell, said method comprising the steps of:
- flowing the influent slurry feed stream through the feed pipe and orifice into the mixing conduit and using the feed pipe orifice to manage the influent feed stream so that the influent feed stream has a substantially constant velocity on an output side of said orifice;
- introducing diluting liquid into the mixing conduit;
- mixing the influent slurry feed stream and diluting liquid within the mixing conduit thereby forming a diluted and mixed slurry feed stream;
- and
- flowing the resulting diluted and mixed slurry feed stream into the feedwell.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.