Apparatus and method for removing fine particles from a liquid medium by ultrasonic waves

Apparatus for removing fine particles from a liquid medium, comprising:

• a container for the particle-containing liquid medium;
• an ultrasonic generator oriented to propagate ultrasonic waves through the liquid medium to cause the flocculation of the particles at spaced points in the direction of propagation of the ultrasonic waves;
• means for periodically energizing the ultrasonic generator to cause the flocculation of the particles and for deenergizing the generator to permit the settling of the flocculated particles by gravity;
• and means for removing the settled flocculated particles;
• said ultrasonic generator being oriented to propagate the ultrasonic waves through the liquid medium in a horizontal direction at a prdetermined level thereof;
• said apparatus further including baffle means disposed in the liquid medium below the level of the propagated ultrasonic waves;
• said baffle means providing a high resistance to the horizontal propagation therethrough of the ultrasonic waves, and a low resistance to the vertical settling therethrough of the flocculated particles;
• the settled flocculated particles being removed from below the baffle means.