An apparatus and a method for separating one solid component from another solid component in suspension in a liquid

摘要

A separator is disclosed for separating out a first solid component from a mixture thereof with a liquid and a second solid component which is of smaller average particle size than the first solid component, the first and second solid components being in suspension in the liquid and with the percentage by mass of the second solid component being substantially greater than that of the first solid component. The separator includes an endless cloth which is foraminous and has foramen which are of a suitable size to permit the second solid component to pass therethrough and to impede the passage therethrough of the first solid component; a feed means for feeding the liquid and the solid components onto the cloth; a liquid collecting means for collecting liquid and material that has passed through the cloth; a first component removal and collecting means for removing material from the cloth and collecting it; and a drive means for displacing the cloth past the feed means, the liquid collecting means and the first component removal and collecting means.