Sludge extraction apparatus and method

Abstract

There is provided sludge extraction apparatus (10) including a collection pipe (13) having a plurality of spaced, a suction pump (23), a suction pipe (15) with an end connected to the suction pump (23) and a suction head assembly (16) connected to the other end and slidable through the collection pipe (13) from an end, the suction head assembly (16) including a leading body portion (17) spaced from and connected to a trailing body portion (21) having an axial bore (19) connected to a suction pipe (15), the leading (17) and trailing (21) body portions substantially occluding the collection pipe (13) in use and defining there between a suction zone (22) of a length selected to open to at least one said opening at selected positions of the suction head assembly along the collection pipe.

Description

[0001]This invention relates to a sludge extraction apparatus and method.[0002]This invention has particular but not exclusive application to a sludge extraction apparatus and method for extraction of sludge from palm oil waste settling ponds, and for illustrative purposes reference will be made to such application. However, it is to be understood that this invention could be used in other applications, such as pit sludge extraction generally.PRIOR ART[0003]Unless explicitly indicated to the contrary, none of the following prior art constitutes common general knowledge in the art.[0004]In the conventional processes for extraction of palm oil from oil palm kernels, a waste stream is generated including water and fibrous and other particulate organic materials, dirt and other minerals, filter cakes and the like. The wastes are piped to lined or unlined open pits where the waste undergoes environmental degradation to produce CO2 and other digestion gases and a sludge residue. Periodica...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a sludge extraction apparatus and method for removing sludge from palm oil waste settling ponds. The apparatus includes a collection pipe with openings, a suction pump, and a suction head assembly. The suction head assembly has a leading body and a trailing body with an axial bore connected to the suction pipe. The assembly is slidable through the collection pipe and the openings in the pipe are positioned to open to the suction zone at selected positions. The invention provides a more efficient and effective way to extract sludge from palm oil waste ponds."

Problems solved by technology

Once the membrane is in place the access to de-sludge is limited.

This fixed manifold arrangement has its limitations due to suction efficiency falling off with distance in the pit, as the apertures closer to the suction pump draw liquid with little entrained sludge at the expense of suction at the remoter apertures.

The disadvantage is that at any point in the outer, perforate sleeve the nozzle is attempting to depress the pressure in the whole of the sleeve ahead of the nozzle.

Suction efficiency falls off with distance from the nozzle but inefficient suction at a distance robs the suction zone near the nozzle of power.

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