A system for separating particles from a contaminated liquid stream
includes an apparatus for mixing the liquid with one or more separation
enhancement additives and gases. A pressure reducing device having a flow
restrictor element within an enlarged tube receives the mixed liquid and
creates bubble laden floccs by reducing the pressure of the liquid
stream. The pressure reducing device empties into a bloom chamber of a
flotation tank, where the bubble laden floccs are directed upwardly to an
upper portion of the flotation tank. The flotation tank is configured
such that the bubble laden floccs circulate within the upper portion of
the flotation tank until they float to the upper surface, while
decontaminated liquid flows to a lower portion of the tank for removal. A
skimmer removes the floated contaminated floccs from the upper surface of
the flotation tank into a dewatering apparatus.