Abstract: A system is provided for the separation of oil from oily water, particularly where the oily water is available only at relatively low pressures insufficient ot drive a hydrocyclone separator. Particular combinations of pumps and hydrocyclones can be effective in these low pressure situations where the pressure boost required is not substantially greater than a differential pressure at which the pump begins to substantially degrade the volumetric mean size of droplets of oil in the oily water passing therethrough. This is achieved by operating the pump at relatively near its maximum flow rate capacity to substantially reduce on a percentage basis the effect of fluid slippage within the pump. Improved techniques for analysis of oil droplet size distribution are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system is provided for the separation of oil from oily water, particularly where the oily water is available only at relatively low pressures insufficient to drive a hydrocyclone separator. Particular combinations of pumps and hydrocyclones can be effective in these low pressure situations where the pressure boost required is not substantially greater than a differential pressure at which the pump begins to substantially degrade the volumetric mean size of droplets of oil in the oily water passing therethrough. This is achieved by operating the pump at relatively near its maximum flow rate capacity to substantially reduce on a percentage basis the effect of fluid slippage within the pump. Improved techniques for analysis of oil droplet size distribution are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of increasing the efficiency of a cyclone-fired boiler which uses high sodium lignite as fuel. The fuel produces ash deposits on heat transfer surfaces within the boilers, and in accordance with the method, powdered limestone is periodically injected into the firebox of the boiler in a quantity and for a time period such that the limestone is heated to a temperature in the range of from about 2200.degree. F. to about 2700.degree. F. and reacts with ash deposits in the boiler to form layers thereon. The layers so formed have a higher ash fusion temperature than the unreacted deposits and cause the resulting composite deposit to be more friable whereby the deposit can be removed using conventional soot blower apparatus.