Darrell R Richards

US Patent:

59220945, Jul 13, 1999

Filed:

Dec 11, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/763830

Inventors:

Darrell Richards - Morro Bay CA

International Classification:

F16T 554

US Classification:

55355

Abstract:

An apparatus for automatically removing water from a digester system includes a sediment trap attached to a drain system wherein gas, water and sediment enter the sediment trap by way of gas lines, water and sediment are separated from the gas and settle within the sediment trap while the gas is expelled from the sediment trap, and wherein the gas pressure and weight of the water column within the sediment trap are balanced against a water column within a water outlet line to form a water seal to prevent gas from escaping into the atmosphere while simultaneously expelling excess water accumulating in the sediment trap.