Abstract: A dissolved gas flotation apparatus and process for removing oils and other contaminants from produced water generated in the production of crude petroleum and natural gas. The invention is particularly designed for offshore applications, where space is limited and natural gas is readily available. The invention includes a vessel for receiving and maintaining a liquid level therein and a circulating pump for introducing tiny flotation gas bubbles into the vessel. Natural gas is used as a blanket gas for the vessel and as a source of gas fed into the pump, wherein the gas is mixed with the pumped liquid. The liquid/gas mixture is transferred into the vessel, wherein the gas releases from the liquid, thereby forming tiny, finely dispersed gas bubbles.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for removing relatively low levels of components, particularly organic components found in an aqueous stream in one or more stripping zones located in a process unit. An eductor means extending into each stripping zone is used to provide micro-fine gas bubbles which will dissolve the volatile components and carry them from the aqueous stream.

Abstract: A method for clarifying a contaminated fluid in a main separator vessel having therein a cyclonic flow chamber. A spiral preliminary spinner introduces the contaminated fluid to be separated in a stratified condition into the cyclonic flow chamber by a tangential inlet so as to establish a swirling body of fluid; the cyclonic flow chamber has concentric shells positioned below the tangential inlet for discharging separated solids to a collection area and separating an oil and water mixture into a fluid flow zone formed by the cyclonic flow chamber and the wall of the separator vessel wherein water and oil are separated by aeration provided by eductors; a vertical outlet port discharges separated oil and gas from the upper portion of the cyclonic flow chamber to a fluid flow zone wherein oil and gas are separated. The separated water, oil, gas and solids are removed through discharge ports.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for clarifying a contaminated fluid comprising a separator vessel having therein a cyclonic flow chamber; a spiral preliminary separator introduces the contaminated fluid to be separated into the cyclonic flow chamber by a tangential inlet so as to establish a swirling body of fluid; the cyclonic flow chamber has concentric shells positioned below the tangential inlet for discharging separated solids to a collection area and separating an oil and water mixture into a fluid flow zone formed by the cyclonic flow chamber and the wall of the separator vessel wherein water and oil are separated by aeration provided by eductors; a vertical outlet port discharges separated oil and gas from the upper portion of the cyclonic flow chamber to a fluid flow zone wherein oil and gas are separated. The separated water, oil, gas and solids are removed through discharge ports.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a multi-st vessel through which the to-be-cleaned fluid flows. Aeration assemblies within the inner cells disperse micro-fine gas bubbles into the fluid for cleaning purposes. Additionally, the inlet piping contains a separator that begins the separation process before this fluid is discharged into the first cell. An L-shaped passageway interconnects the various flotation cells of this separator with the entrance of each such passageway being at an elevation below its exit. A weir is located within each flotation cell that is adjustable as needed. This weir empties into a channel alongside the seprator vessel that collects the separated contaminants flowing over the weir for later disposal.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a multi-stage separator vessel through which the to-be-cleaned fluid flows. Aeration assemblies within the inner cells disperse micro-fine gas bubbles into the fluid for cleaning purposes. Additionally, the inlet piping contains a separator that begins the separation process before this fluid is discharged into the first cell. An L-shaped passageway interconnects the various flotation cells of this separator with the entrance of each such passageway being at an elevation below its exit. A weir is located within each flotation cell that is adjustable as needed. This weir empties into a channel alongside the separator vessel that collects the separated contaminants flowing over the weir for later disposal.

Abstract: A system for removing dissolved and undissolved oil from contaminated water which recycles and reclaims absorbing fluid. An absorbing fluid (CCl.sub.2 FCClF.sub.2) is used in a wet-spiral mixer-absorber-contactor to absorb oil contaminants in produced-water. A downflow spreader system in a processing separator separates the heavier oil absorbing fluid from the oil-decontaminated water. Unspent absorbing fluid is recycled to the absorber-contactor and the decontaminated water is released into the surrounding environment. Spent absorbing fluid is reclaimed in a distillation treatment unit where the oil is used as fuel oil or stored. The absorbing fluid's vapors are drawn off under vacuum from the distillation unit by a jet eductor pump, mixed and condensed with the decontaminated water which drives the jet pump, and then redirected into the system for reuse.

Abstract: A system for removing dissolved and undissolved oil from contaminated water which recycles and reclaims absorbing fluid. An absorbing fluid (CCl.sub.2 FCClF.sub.2) is used in a wet-spiral mixer-absorber-contactor to absorb oil contaminants in produced-water. A downflow spreader system in a processing separator separates the heavier oil absorbing fluid from the oil-decontaminated water. Unspent absorbing fluid is recycled to the absorber-contactor and the decontaminated water is released into the surrounding environment. Spent absorbing fluid is reclaimed in a distillation treatment unit where the oil is used as fuel oil or stored. The absorbing fluid's vapors are drawn off under vacuum from the distillation unit by a jet eductor pump, mixed and condensed with the decontaminated water which drives the jet pump, and then redirected into the system for reuse.

Abstract: A system for removing dissolved and undissolved oil from contaminated water which recycles and reclaims absorbing fluid. An absorbing fluid (CCl.sub.2 FCClF.sub.2) is used in a wet-spiral mixer-absorber-contactor to absorb oil contaminants in produced-water. A downflow spreader system in a processing separator separates the heavier oil absorbing fluid from the oil-decontaminated water. Unspent absorbing fluid is recycled to the absorber-contactor and the decontaminated water is released into the surrounding environment. Spent absorbing fluid is reclaimed in a distillation treatment unit where the oil is used as fuel oil or stored. The absorbing fluid's vapors are drawn off under vacuum from the distillation unit by jet eductor pump, mixed and condensed with the decontaminated water which drives the jet pump, and then redirected into the system for reuse.

Abstract: A water degreaser system which recycles and reclaims absorbing fluid. Freon absorbing fluid is used in a wet spiral absorber-contactor to absorb oil contaminants in produced-water. A downflow spreader system in a processing separator separates the heavier freon from the decontaminated water. Unspent freon is recycled to the absorber-contactor and the clean water is released into the surrounding environment. Spent freon is reclaimed in a distillation treatment unit where the oil is drained off and stored. The freon vapors are drawn off under vacuum from the distillation unit by a jet pump, mixed and condensed with the decontaminated water which drives the jet pump, and then redirected into the system for reuse.

Abstract: This invention involves a process and apparatus for removing dissolved and undissolved oil and chemical additives from waste and/or produced water streams. The process involves contacting a selected gas with the produced water stream, the selected gas utilizing hydrogen bonding and dipole interactions with the contaminants to remove them from the water. The rise rate of the selected gas is accelerated by mixing natural gas with the selected attractive gas. The selected gas and natural gas are recovered by the application of vacuum to the waste stream after treatment. The selected gas is separated from the natural gas by compressing and cooling the combined gas stream, venting the majority of the natural gas stream while the selected gas is liquified, then expanding the selected gas before returning it to the flotation vessel. Means are also provided for mixing the selected and natural gases with the contaminated water stream at line pressure so that mixing is intimate and flotation is accelerated.