Ba T Than

US Patent:

6343698, Feb 5, 2002

Filed:

Aug 10, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/636096

Inventors:

Ba T. Than - Antioch CA 94509
Ann E. Farrell - Lafayette CA 94549
William E. Brennan - Martinez CA 94553
Kenneth S. Clark - Antioch CA 94509
Munawar Husain - Piedmont CA 94610
Gary A. Aron - Walnut Creek CA 94598
Kevin H. Monroe - Monrovia CA 91016

International Classification:

B01D 2124

US Classification:

210519, 210520, 210528, 210541

Abstract:

A clarifier feedwell having a seismic protection system. The clarifier feedwell includes a feedwell frame and at least one pressure relief door which is slidably inserted into the feedwell frame. The pressure relief door includes a supporting frame, the supporting frame defining an opening. A flexible panel is disposed in the opening. A first edge of the panel is attached to a first portion of the supporting frame. The remaining edges of the panel are releasably engaged with other portions of the supporting frame such that the panel occupies substantially the entire area of the opening. At least one stiffening frame is disposed on the panel. The stiffening frame increases the rigidity of the panel, so that the panel does not disengage from portions of the supporting frame under a normal hydrodynamic load. However, under a sudden high magnitude hydrodynamic load, the flexible panel disengages from selected portions of the supporting frame, allowing water to pass through the clarifier feedwell without damaging it.