An apparatus for processing an alkaline solution includes a storage tank
storing the alkaline solution to be processed; a processing unit sucking
a foam phase disposed on the liquid surface level of the alkaline
solution in the storage tank, defoaming the foam phase by centrifugal
separation, and extracting the foam phase outside the storage tank, the
processing unit including an extraction tube; a separating tank
separating scum and a liquid, the separating tank being connected to the
extraction tube; a scum-discharging component discharging the scum in the
separating tank outside the separating tank; and a liquid-discharging
component discharging the liquid in the separating tank outside the
separating tank. In the apparatus, the scum and the liquid separated in
the separating tank are separately discharged outside the separating tank
with the scum-discharging component and the liquid-discharging component,
respectively.