KONTINUIERLICH ARBEITENDE ABSETZVORRICHTUNG

摘要

An apparatus for suspending particles in a continuous flow of liquid. The apparatus comprises: 1) an agitation vessel, containing particles suspended in the liquid, wherein the density of each particle is greater than the liquid density; 2) a flow source for the continuous flow of liquid into the agitation vessel; 3) a first variable inlet/outlet for allowing the periodic free flow of a portion of the particle suspension between the agitation vessel and a settling vessel; 4) a second variable inlet/outlet for allowing the free flow of a portion of the particle suspension between the agitation vessel and the settling vessel; 5) a settling vessel located above the agitation vessel which has: i) a body for allowing the settling of the particles whereby the particles separate from a portion of the liquid; and ii) an outlet for allowing the removal of liquid; and 6) a vacuum source for drawing a portion of the particle suspension into the settling vessel and for periodically removing a portion of the liquid out of the settling vessel, whereby a continuous flow of the liquid enters into the apparatus and a portion of the liquid periodically exits the apparatus wherein the liquid exiting the apparatus is particle free. In addition, the apparatus of the present invention is suitable for growing particles or for separating liquids of different densities.