Abstract: A liquid--liquid separating hydrocyclone that utilizes gradual taper angles to reduce energy loss, helical precession, and velocity differentials and, thereby, increase the efficiency and capacity of the hydrocyclone. A separation portion of the hydrocyclone tapers to the underflow outlet orifice and no cylindrical portion is used at the underflow end. The hydrocyclone has either one or two frustoconical taper sections that have predetermined taper angles. The hydrocyclone cavity conforms to specified relationships that limit the taper and length to provide sufficient retention and to maintain the centrifugal force at the underflow end. The hydrocyclone includes inlets for introduction of a liquid mixture and separate outlets for the less dense liquid and the more dense liquid. An improved method of separating a less dense liquid from a more dense liquid is to functionally apply the above described hydrocyclone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for subjecting a fluid to a controlled pressure drop. Fluid is supplied under pressure with a tangential velocity component to an annular passageway (17). The fluid swirls around the axis of the passageway while flowing axially along the passageway to an outlet (6). A cross section of at least a part of the passageway (17) is adjustable to enable the flow rate to be adjusted for a given pressure loss or the pressure loss to be adjusted for a given flow rate. The outlet (6) includes a second annular passageway (22) surrounding the first annular passageway so that the first annular passageway leads to, and the second annular passageway leads from, a chamber (21) common to the passageways. The second annular passageway is of increasing outer diameter and cross sectional area in the direction of flow from the chamber to the outlet.

Abstract: An oil spill recovery system includes a first hydrocyclone separator and optionally a second hydrocyclone separator located on a floating vessel floating on a body of water from which spilled oil is to be recovered. A recovered fluid containing oil and water emulsion and a large amount of free sea water is recovered from the body of water. The first hydrocyclone separator separates the recovered fluid into a first underflow stream containing oily water and a first overflow stream which contains substantially all of said oil and water emulsion. The oily water underflow stream from the first hydrocyclone separator is then directed to a second hydrocyclone separator which separates it into a second underflow stream which is returned to the sea as clean water, and a second overflow stream. The first overflow stream is stored in on-board ship's storage. The second overflow stream may be stored in ship's storage or recycled for further separation.

Abstract: An oil spill recovery system includes a first hydrocyclone separator and optionally a second hydrocyclone separator located on a floating vessel floating on a body water from which spilled oil is to be recover. A recovered fluid containing oil and water emulsion and a large amount of free sea water is recovered from the body of water. The first hydrocyclone separator separates the recovered fluid into a first underflow stream containing oily water and a first overflow stream which contains substantially all of said oil and water emulsion. The vessels having cyclones or centrifugal separators in series for separating oil and water.

Abstract: A hydrocyclone separator separates an oil and water stream into an underflow stream containing primarily water and an overflow stream containing a relatively higher oil concentration than the underflow stream. Quality control of both the underflow stream and the overflow stream is of concern, and typically a de-oiling separator is placed downstream on the underflow stream, and a dewatering separator is placed downstream on the overflow stream from the hydrocyclone separator. A degassing separator is also generally utilized upstream of the inlet to the hydrocyclone separator. Various monitoring and control systems are provided for controlling the split ratio of the underflow and overflow streams of the hydrocyclone separator.

Abstract: A high efficiency hydrocyclone for separating liquid constituents of a mixture wherein one constituent is a dispersed phase in another continuous phase constituent. The separation chamber of the hydrocyclone is configured such that a first steep tapered or curved portion progresses to a second less steeply tapered or curved portion with the beginning of such second less tapered portion being arranged close to the inlet end. A third substantially cylindrical portion extends from the second portion to an underflow outlet and is of an extended length to provide for continued separation of the mixture and particularly to separate smaller droplet sizes of the dispersed phase.