Method of optimizing feed distribution in a sedimentation vessel

1. A feed structure for use with a sedimentation vessel, the feed structure comprising:

a feed chamber housing a central wall, wherein at least one port is positioned at a base of the feed chamber

a feedwell that is substantially concentric with the feed chamber, wherein the feed chamber is in communication with the feedwell, wherein slurry flows through the said port to access the feedwell; and

an outlet positioned on the feedwell, wherein slurry flows through the outlet into the sedimentation vessel;

wherein the central wall is conical in shape and comprises a top portion and a tapered portion that increases in diameter towards the base of the feed chamber, wherein the port is positioned proximate the bottom of the tapered portion.

2. A feed structure as in claim 1 , wherein the port is a continuous gap that extends around the entire circumference of the feed chamber.

3. A feed structure as in claim 1 , further comprising additional ports positioned at the base of the central wall.

4. A feed structure as in claim 1 , wherein the tapered portion causes the slurry to flow generally radially and downward when passing through the port into the feedwell.

5. A feed structure as in claim 1 , wherein the feedwell comprises a lower wall that tapers toward the center of the sedimentation vessel, wherein the outlet is positioned at the bottom of the lower wall.

6. A feed structure as in claim 1 , further comprising a pipe through which flocculation chemicals may be added to the slurry in the feedwell.

7. A feed structure as in claim 1 , wherein the feedwell is configured such that the slurry exiting the feedwell has a concentric flow pattern within the sedimentation vessel.

8. A feed structure as in claim 1 , further comprising a feed pipe, the feed pipe being configured such that the slurry flows through the feed pipe and directly enters the feed chamber.

9. A feed structure as in claim 1 , wherein at least part of the feed chamber is positioned above the feedwell and wherein the port is positioned below the level of liquid in the sedimentation vessel, wherein the level of slurry in the feed chamber is higher than the level of liquid in the sedimentation vessel.

10. A feed structure as in claim 1 , wherein the outlet is positioned at the bottom of the feedwell.

11. A method for increasing efficiency within a sedimentation vessel, the method comprising:

distributing a slurry into a feed chamber, the feed chamber comprising a central wall and at least one port positioned at the base of the feed chamber;

passing the slurry through the feed chamber into a feedwell, wherein the slurry passes through the port to access the feedwell, wherein the feedwell is substantially concentric with the feed chamber;

optionally mixing dilution liquid and/or chemicals with the slurry in the feedwell;

passing the slurry from the feedwell via an outlet into the sedimentation vessel, wherein the slurry passes into the sedimentation vessel at a substantially uniform velocity rate such that the slurry in the sedimentation vessel has a concentric flow pattern; and

wherein the central wall is conical in shape and comprises a top portion and a tapered portion that increases in diameter towards the base of the feed chamber, wherein the port is positioned proximate the bottom of the tapered portion.

12. A method as in claim 11 , wherein the feed chamber is retro-fit onto an existing feedwell.

13. A method as in claim 11 , wherein the feed chamber is installed such that slurry flows generally diagonally when passing through the port into the feedwell.

14. A method for increasing efficiency within a sedimentation vessel, the method comprising:

obtaining a feedwell, the feedwell comprising an outlet through which slurry may flow into a sedimentation vessel;

obtaining a feed chamber, the feed chamber comprising a central wall and at least one port positioned at the base of the feed chamber;

installing the feed chamber proximate the feedwell such that when installed, the slurry will pass through the feed chamber to the port, through the port to access the feedwell, through the feedwell to the outlet, and through the outlet into the sedimentation vessel; and

wherein the central wall is conical in shape and comprises a top portion and a tapered portion that increases in diameter towards the base of the feed chamber, wherein the port is positioned proximate the bottom of the tapered portion.

15. A feed structure as in claim 1 , wherein the port is defined between the tapered portion of the central wall and an outer wall of the feed chamber.

16. A feed structure as in claim 15 , wherein the port is positioned proximate a lower circumference of the feed chamber.