Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for separating oil from water in a mixture containing oil and water, as well as to means for performing the separation process. Specifically, the process involves:(a) feeding said mixture to a heated hold-up tank via an inlet located at a lower level of said tank, said tank having a residence time sufficient to permit separation of oil and water and formation of a water-in-oil emulsion which rises to float atop of said water, said tank being heated to a temperature within the range of about 160.degree. F. to about 180.degree. F.
Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for moving articles in a continuous manner through a fluid bath and for cleaning such articles by electrical energy comprising: a trough for holding said fluid bath, having an article feeding area and an article dispensing area; a ratchet conveyor having ratchet surfaces consisting of a plurality of ratchet floors and ratchet walls arranged in a stepwise fashion along a baseline, said ratchet conveyor having at least a portion thereof which is nonconductive; electrical energy cleaning structure including a plurality of electrodes, at least one of which is located substantially at said nonconductive portion of said ratchet conveyor, said structure capable of passing electrical current between said electrodes while in a fluid bath and at a current density sufficient to enhance cleaning of said articles; suspension structure connected to said ratchet conveyor so as to permit movement of said ratchet conveyor cyclically through an arc; and, drive structure connect