Method of and apparatus for flow spreading

In combination with a generally vertically oriented, parabolically shaped dewatering surface of relatively wide width consisting of a plurality of generally horizontally extending spaced bars, means for directing a flow of material to be screened across said dewatering surface comprising:

• an imperforate plate having a lower edge thereof adjoining an upstream end of said dewatering surface, said imperforate plate having a curved surface of substantially constant radius of curvature and a substantially greater degree of concavity than that of said generally parabolic dewatering surface, a single conduit substantially centrally disposed with respect to the width of said curved plate and having a flexible outlet end thereof deformed from a generally circular cross section through engagement of said outlet against said curved plate surface, the width of said conduit being substantially less than the width of said dewatering surface and the axis of flow from said conduit intersecting said curved plate surface non-tangentially, whereby material to be dewatered, upon exiting said conduit and impinging on said curved plate surface, is directed about a smooth but relatively sharp curve resulting in said flow from said conduit being transformed to a relatively shallow depth, wide width stream adjacent said upstream end of said dewatering surface.