Self-emptying clarifying drum

In a self-emptying clarifying drum of the type having a substantially frusto-conical separating plate, a first paring disk disposed in a first paring chamber for the removal of the clarified liquid, automatically operating means for sensing the solids level in the separating chamber of the drum and means including the separating plate and drum cover for providing liquid communication between the separating chamber and a second paring chamber provided with a second paring disk for the removal of a small portion of the clarified liquid, the outlet passage of the second paring disk being in communication with the outlet for the clear phase and connected to flow measuring means which is coactive with control means for effecting discharge of solid matter from the drum, the improvement wherein the means providing liquid communication includes means forming at least one first passage for the removal of a small portion of the clarified liquid having an inlet of first cross section disposed at the outer periphery of the separating plate and at least one second passage having the inlet thereof disposed radially inwardly of the inlet of the first passage and having an outlet radially inwardly of the second passage inlet and having a smaller cross section than the first cross section, the first passage being in communication with the outlet of the second passage and the portion of the clarified liquid which is to be removed through these passages being led through the flow measuring means by the second paring disk disposed in the second paring chamber and wherein the flow measuring means has means provided with switch actuating points for effecting control in dependence on the consistency of the solid material.