HINDERED-SETTLING FLUID CLASSIFIER

A hindered-settling fluid classifier for processing aggregate in a liquid. The fluid classifier includes a classifier tank comprising a sink chamber and a float chamber, and a fluid inlet and outlet. An elongated rising current column is vertically mounted within the sink chamber, and extends below a surface of the liquid. The rising current column has open upper and lower ends, with an aggregate entry between its upper and lower ends for receiving aggregate into the classifier tank. A float reservoir is located above the sink chamber, and communicates with the open upper end of the rising current column. An overflow passage communicates with the float reservoir, and is adapted for directing the liquid medium outwardly from the reservoir and into the float chamber. A first conveyor removes an aggregate float fraction from the float chamber, while a second conveyor removes an aggregate sink fraction from the sink chamber.