Methods and apparatus for removing sediment from a liquid are provided. Pulses
of pressurized air are directed into a conduit having an inlet disposed within
a first liquid-containing vessel adjacent to (or within) the sediment to cause
a slurry of liquid and sediment to flow through the conduit into a second vessel
elevated above the first vessel. The slurry of liquid and sediment is allowed to
drain from the second vessel into a third vessel that is positioned at an elevation
lower than the second vessel. Liquid is drained from the third vessel (to another
vessel or elsewhere) as sediment accumulates within the third vessel. The third
vessel may be removed when accumulation of sediment therewithin reaches a predetermined
amount. The accumulated sediment within the third vessel is removed and the third
vessel is returned to service, or another empty vessel may be substituted therefor.
