A dual deck vibratory separator is provided having an improved mud flow path that provides for higher flow capacities overall is provided. The shaker has a lighter basket possessing a full-size upper deck extending across the width and length of the basket. Operational efficiency and operability is improved with flow deflecting and energy absorbing plates disposed intermediate along the mud flow path. The screen assemblies are secured with improved wedges, improved wedge guides, screen cushions, and cushion stops on transverse structure members for longer screen and slide life. An optional vacuum tray on the finishing trays further enhances recovery of drilling fluid. Maintenance, when required, is improved through ease of upper screen removal for inspection and access. Inclined side windows on each side of the basket may provide cleaning and viewing access.

The present invention is directed to a drilling fluid reclaimer. The reclaimer has at least one adjustable screen assembly for providing a leveling filter for reclaimed drill fluid. Used drill fluid is placed at the screen assembly at the front the of the screen assembly. The at least one screen is vibrated to separate large particulate matter from liquid drilling fluid. A second screen is provided for additional filtering. Large particulate matter is expelled by a chute at the back of the screen assembly. Drilling fluid passing through the screen is reclaimed for use with a drilling system.

The present invention is directed to a drilling fluid reclaimer. The reclaimer has at least one adjustable screen assembly for providing a leveling filter for reclaimed drill fluid. Used drill fluid is placed at the screen assembly at the front the of the screen assembly. The at least one screen is vibrated to separate large particulate matter from liquid drilling fluid. A second screen is provided for additional filtering. Large particulate matter is expelled by a chute at the back of the screen assembly. Drilling fluid passing through the screen is reclaimed for use with a drilling system.

A rotating drum screen method for separating solids from thin stillage obtained from ethanol fermentation, the thin stillage comprising one or more of solids and suspended solids. Thin stillage is chemically treated with an anionic polymer to form stable particles of one or more of solids and suspended solids. Introducing the treated thin stillage into a rotating drum screen system. The drum screen includes a filter screen that retains at least a portion of the solids within a hollow portion of the drum screen and which produces a liquid effluent that is discharged from an outer surface of the drum screen. The retained solids are removable from the drum screen via a solid discharge end. A head box is disposed within the hollow portion of the drum screen and has a plurality of fluid flow channel dividers dividing and directing an influent stream outwardly against the drum screen.

A rotating drum screen method for separating solids from thin stillage obtained from ethanol fermentation, the thin stillage comprising one or more of solids and suspended solids. Thin stillage is chemically treated with an anionic polymer to form stable particles of one or more of solids and suspended solids. Introducing the treated thin stillage into a rotating drum screen system. The drum screen includes a filter screen that retains at least a portion of the solids within a hollow portion of the drum screen and which produces a liquid effluent that is discharged from an outer surface of the drum screen. The retained solids are removable from the drum screen via a solid discharge end. A head box is disposed within the hollow portion of the drum screen and has a plurality of fluid flow channel dividers dividing and directing an influent stream outwardly against the drum screen.

An extractor can be used to extract solvent-soluble molecules, such as aqueous or organic-soluble molecules, from solid material feedstock for downstream processing and recovery. In one configuration, the extractor is a percolation extractor having one or more extraction chambers each containing a screen supporting the solid materials as it is conveyed through the chamber, a fluid supply system delivering extraction fluid disposed above the solid material, and a fluid recovery system disposed below the solid materials for receiving the extraction fluid and solvent-soluble molecules contained therein. The extractor further includes a screen washing system disposed under the screen and supported against movement. The screen washing system includes a washing fluid intake and a plurality of outlet nozzles directed upward towards the screen. The screen washing system can keep the screen from plugging during operation, improving the extraction efficiency of the extractor.

An extractor can be used to extract solvent-soluble molecules, such as aqueous or organic-soluble molecules, from solid material feedstock for downstream processing and recovery. In one configuration, the extractor is a percolation extractor having one or more extraction chambers each containing a screen supporting the solid materials as it is conveyed through the chamber, a fluid supply system delivering extraction fluid disposed above the solid material, and a fluid recovery system disposed below the solid materials for receiving the extraction fluid and solvent-soluble molecules contained therein. The extractor further includes a screen washing system disposed under the screen and supported against movement. The screen washing system includes a washing fluid intake and a plurality of outlet nozzles directed upward towards the screen. The screen washing system can keep the screen from plugging during operation, improving the extraction efficiency of the extractor.

A feed diffuser for use in a rotating screen having drain holes is provided, comprising a flow chamber having an upstream end and a downstream end and defining a flow path for a slurry having solid material larger than the drain holes flowing between the upstream end and the downstream end; the flow chamber having an intermediate portion disposed between the upstream end and the downstream end; the intermediate portion having a first opening; the flow chamber having an inclined floor, the lowest point of the inclined floor being adjacent to the first opening; whereby the inclined floor is sufficiently inclined such that when the slurry flows down the flow path, the larger solid material is directed towards the first opening.

A device is for separating a medium comprising a mixture of a solid portion and a fluid portion. The device has a filter arrangement with a displaceable filter element having a plurality of openings that allow the fluid to be disposed through the openings while maintaining the solid portion on the filter element. The device further has an inlet for feeding the medium to the filter element and an outlet for discharging the solid portion from the filter element after that the fluid has been separated from the solid portion. The device further has an obstruction has an elastic element extending towards a surface of the filter element and adapted to contact the surface while allowing the medium to be displaced from the inlet to the outlet.

A device is for separating a medium comprising a mixture of a solid portion and a fluid portion. The device has a filter arrangement with a displaceable filter element having a plurality of openings that allow the fluid to be disposed through the openings while maintaining the solid portion on the filter element. The device further has an inlet for feeding the medium to the filter element and an outlet for discharging the solid portion from the filter element after that the fluid has been separated from the solid portion. The device further has an obstruction has an elastic element extending towards a surface of the filter element and adapted to contact the surface while allowing the medium to be displaced from the inlet to the outlet.