An arrangement and a method for controlling a dewatering process including measuring values representing operating parameters of the gravitational sedimentation device and using the values as input values for a predictive multivariable model for predicting an operating state of the gravitational sedimentation device. The disclosure further relates to obtaining reference values for the operating parameters, determining at least one predicted output for an operating parameter of the gravitational sedimentation device, and comparing the predicted output to at the reference values to determine control values that will affect changes in operation of the gravitational sedimentation device.

An apparatus for reducing the water content of waste water sludge includes a column for receiving waste water sludge, an outlet at a lower end of the column, a first closure for closing the outlet of the column, a controller for controlling the opening and closing of the closure. The controller is adapted to open and close the first closure to periodically discharge amounts of settled fines from the lower end of the column. A water outlet is adapted to receive water overflowing from an upper end of the column.

An apparatus for reducing the water content of waste water sludge includes a column for receiving waste water sludge, an outlet at a lower end of the column, a first closure for closing the outlet of the column, a controller for controlling the opening and closing of the closure. The controller is adapted to open and close the first closure to periodically discharge amounts of settled fines from the lower end of the column. A water outlet is adapted to receive water overflowing from an upper end of the column.

Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and or platelet poor plasma (PPP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma into separate receivers while retaining the platelets and other factors in the centrifuge chamber. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.

Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and or platelet poor plasma (PPP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma into separate receivers while retaining the platelets and other factors in the centrifuge chamber. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.

A system for automatically discharging sand from a sand separator. The system includes a first and second valves and a choke valve disposed in a discharge line from a sand separator. A pressure transducer measures pressure in the line between the first and second valves. A control panel operates the valves to initiate and terminate the discharge sequence. An emergency shutdown valve is positioned upstream of the sand separator and is operative to shut down the system if the pressure reading by the transducer exceeds a predetermined amount.

A system for automatically discharging sand from a sand separator. The system includes a first and second valves and a choke valve disposed in a discharge line from a sand separator. A pressure transducer measures pressure in the line between the first and second valves. A control panel operates the valves to initiate and terminate the discharge sequence. An emergency shutdown valve is positioned upstream of the sand separator and is operative to shut down the system if the pressure reading by the transducer exceeds a predetermined amount.

A cyclonic inlet diverter for initiating the separation of a multi-phase inlet fluid flow comprises an enclosed tubular body mounted crosswise within a larger separator vessel. The inlet diverter includes a splitter plate positioned within a center portion of the tubular body and configured to split the inlet flow into a first stream and a second stream, and a swirl plate positioned on each side of the splitter plate with angled surfaces configured to increase the cyclonic motion of the first and second streams within the tubular body. The inlet diverter further includes elongate apertures formed through bottom sidewall portions of the tubular body on each side of the splitter plate, an axial aperture formed through opposing end caps of the tubular body, and at least one radial aperture formed through lateral sidewall portions of the tubular body proximate each opposing end cap.

An extrusion system for separating particulates entrained in wash water, e.g. from harvesting tuberous produce, includes a settling tank configured to receive a flow of particulated water. A diffuser suspended within the tank converts the flow of particulated water into multiple transverse flows to avoid churning settled particulates. A particulate filter fixed within the tank includes a central channel surrounded by a cylindrical array of cantilevered parallel vertical blades. The channel directs the flows below the blades, causing dynamic movement of the blades as the particulated water rises therebetween to trap particulates along boundary layers, promote particulate settling by gravity, and allow clarified water to rise to the top of the tank. A sensor detects settled particulate reaching a predetermined setpoint, and in response the system actuates an auger and opens a pinch valve to force concentrated particulate from the bottom of the tank.

An extrusion system for separating particulates entrained in wash water, e.g. from harvesting tuberous produce, includes a settling tank configured to receive a flow of particulated water. A diffuser suspended within the tank converts the flow of particulated water into multiple transverse flows to avoid churning settled particulates. A particulate filter fixed within the tank includes a central channel surrounded by a cylindrical array of cantilevered parallel vertical blades. The channel directs the flows below the blades, causing dynamic movement of the blades as the particulated water rises therebetween to trap particulates along boundary layers, promote particulate settling by gravity, and allow clarified water to rise to the top of the tank. A sensor detects settled particulate reaching a predetermined setpoint, and in response the system actuates an auger and opens a pinch valve to force concentrated particulate from the bottom of the tank.