Apparatus and method for removing water from aqueous sludges
OwnerCourtland J. Martel, Jr.inventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for dewatering aqueous sludge is disclosed. A porous drum is partially immersed in a sludge pond. A porous belt is connected between the drum and a roller which moves the belt. As the belt moves, the sludge adheres to the belt. A vacuum is drawn on the interior of the drum, removing some of the water. Sludge which is conveyed on the belt is frozen as it approaches the roller. The frozen sludge is broken into smaller cakes as it leaves the roller. The frozen cakes are subsequently dethawed providing a solid residue which is disposed.
Claims11
An apparatus for dewatering aqueous sludges comprising:
- a sludge chamber containing aqueous sludges;
- a perforated drum supported in said sludge chamber;
- a vacuum chamber on the inner side of said drum, drawing a vacuum against at least a portion of said drum outer surface;
- a roller supported for rotation at an exit opening in said sludge chamber;
- a porous belt formed as a loop about said drum and said roller, said belt being tensioned to move with rotation of said roller, said belt being coated with sludge as it traverses the outer circumference of said rotating drum, while said vacuum chamber removes a substantial amount of water from said sludge;
- a freezing coil located along said porous belt for freezing said sludge coating said belt as it travels toward said roller;
- and,
- a hopper disposed below said exit opening for receiving frozen sludge conveyed by said roller.
A method for dewatering aqueous sludge comprising:
- partially immersing a porous drum in a sludge chamber;
- suspending a porous belt about said drum, and about a drive roller positioned near an exit of said sludge chamber, whereby sludge accumulates on said porous belt;
- drawing a vacuum on the interior of said rotating drum, whereby moisture is removed from accumulated sludge to the interior of said drum;
- and,
- freezing sludge accumulated on said porous belt as it approaches said exit, thereby further reducing the moisture in said sludge.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.