Rotary Vacuum and Screen System and Methods for Separating Solids and Liquids

Abstract

The invention describes separation systems and methods for separating solids and liquids from one another. The system includes a rotating screen for supporting a slurry of solids and liquid. A fluid manifold is configured to the lower surface of the screen for applying a downward vacuum force through the screen. A cleaning manifold is configured to the screen for cleaning the screen.

1 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A solids/liquid separation system for separating solids and liquids within a slurry from one another, the separation system comprising:
 a screen operatively connected to a supporting frame, the screen supporting the slurry on an upper surface of the screen when the screen rotates about a vertical axis of rotation and where the screen is a generally horizontal circular disk;   a fluid manifold operatively connected to a lower surface of the screen and wherein the fluid manifold is configured to enable a vacuum pressure to be applied in a first direction and to a first portion of the screen while the screen is rotating to convey fluids through the screen;   a cleaning manifold operatively connected to an upper surface of the screen and wherein the cleaning manifold is configured to enable an air flow pressure to be applied to a second portion of the screen in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction while the screen is rotating;   wherein the vacuum pressure in a first direction draws fluid through the screen into the fluid manifold and the air flow pressure in the second direction induces air flow through the screen in the second direction to clean the rotating screen.   
     
     
         23 . The separation system as in  claim 22 , wherein the cleaning manifold removes solid material on the upper surface of the screen. 
     
     
         24 . The separation system as in  claim 22 , further comprising an inlet sluice for introducing and distributing a slurry of solid/liquid onto the screen. 
     
     
         25 . The separation system as in  claim 22 , further comprising a cover operatively connected to an upper side of the screen. 
     
     
         26 . The separation system as in  claim 22 , further comprising at least one vacuum system connected to each of the fluid and cleaning manifolds. 
     
     
         27 . The separation system as in  claim 26 , further comprising a gas/liquid separator between the fluid manifold and the vacuum system. 
     
     
         28 . The separation system as in  claim 22 , further comprising a gas/solids separator connected between the cleaning manifold and the vacuum system. 
     
     
         29 . The separation system as in  claim 22 , wherein the fluid manifold extends at least  270  degrees around an area of the screen. 
     
     
         30 . The separation system as in  claim 22 , further comprising a drive system connected to the screen and supporting frame to effect rotation of the screen relative to the supporting frame. 
     
     
         31 . The separation system as in  claim 30 , wherein the screen includes a screen support connected to the drive system and the screen is configured to a top of the screen support. 
     
     
         32 . The separation system as in  claim 31 , wherein the screen support includes an outer support flange adapted for rolling contact with the frame, an inner ring and a plurality of ribs connecting the outer support flange and inner ring and wherein the plurality of ribs support the screen at a level below upper edges of the outer support flange and inner ring to contain a slurry on the replaceable screen during operation. 
     
     
         33 . The separation system as in  claim 22 , wherein the fluid manifold includes at least one baffle for sectioning the fluid manifold into zones enabling application of different vacuum pressures into each zone during operation. 
     
     
         34 . The separation system as in  claim 33 , wherein the fluid manifold includes at least two zones having separate outlets. 
     
     
         35 . The separation system as in  claim 34 , wherein at least one separate outlet includes a throttle enabling the adjustment of vacuum pressure within at least one zone. 
     
     
         36 . The separation system of  claim 22 , further comprising a vibration system operatively connected to the screen to effect vibration of the screen.