High-Rate Thickener Eductors for Compact Slurry Separation

The patent transitions from conventional horizontal settling areas to a vertical deep bed configuration. The thickener uses a height of 15-30 feet with a conical bottom, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve hindered settling and compression. This dimensional change allows high settling capacity in a compact footprint, resolving the contradiction between productivity and space requirement.

The patent removes the rotating rake mechanism entirely from the deep bed thickener design. Instead of using mechanical rakes to collect solids, the design relies on the conical bottom geometry and hydraulic forces to direct solids to the central discharge opening. This extraction of the complex mechanical rake system eliminates maintenance requirements while preserving high separation efficiency through the vertical deep bed configuration.

The patent employs an asymmetric conical bottom geometry with a specific slope angle (30-60 degrees) that naturally directs flow and solids toward the central discharge opening. This asymmetric shape creates hydraulic forces that enhance settling rate without requiring additional mechanical flow direction control devices, thus maintaining structural simplicity while improving settling performance.

The thickener design allows solids to be discharged automatically through the central opening at the bottom of the conical structure. The hydraulic forces and gravity acting on the solids naturally move them toward the discharge point without requiring external power or rotating rake mechanisms. This self-service approach eliminates power consumption for solids removal while maintaining effective discharge capability.