Process and apparatus for removing particles of paint overspray from an aqueous turbid liquid

An apparatus for removing particles of paint overspray from an aqueous turbid liquid, the particles of paint overspray being present in floating, and in dispersed form, as well as in submerged and coagulated form, at least the dispersed and submerged particles of paint overspray sedimenting and then being removed, said apparatus comprising, in combination:

• (a) a first sedimentation tank, onto the bottom of which the dispersed and submerged particles forming sediment can settle out of a quiescent turbid liquid, whereas the floating particles remain on the surface of the turbid liquid;
• (b) a second tank, connected to the first sedimentation tank by a transfer pipe, by means of which the dispersed and submerged particles forming sediment can be flushed out of the first tank by lowering the surface level of the turbid liquid;
• (c) a flow edge, in an upper area of the first sedimentation tank, across which the turbid liquid can be made to overflow;
• (d) a first return line, connected to the first sedimentation tank, through which the turbid liquid that has been cleaned can be drained off;
• wherein the turbid liquid is introduced into the first sedimentation tank from a feed pipe and through a distributor pipe that is arranged centrally relative to the first sedimentation tank and which is open at the top, the diameter of the distributor pipe being at least twice that of the feed pipe.