Self-cleaning sedimentation unit

摘要

A gravity sedimentation unit for thickening or clarifying a solids containing liquid is disclosed. The unit comprises a settling basin for receiving the feed and permitting the suspended solids to settle. A pump moves around the basin to discharge solids accumulating at the bottom. Support and vertical positioning of the pump is effected by a pump suspension which comprises a winch and a solids level detector. Horizontal positioning of the pump is effected by a bridge-type crane including a traverse with a drive for moving the traverse over the basin and a motorized trolley for moving the pump suspension back and forth along the traverse. Control of the pump travel is effected by a controller programmed to carry out regular search patterns through the basin.