Abstract: A method for removing floating immiscible liquids from a well containing both the floating immiscible liquids and water, where the floating immiscible liquids and water meet at a water interface, by controlling a cone of depression within the well. A removal system for removing said floating immiscible liquids is used including a microprocessor, a discharge water line and an upper water interface sensor where at least a portion of the discharge water line is located within the well. The upper water interface sensor is located within the well at a sensor location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing floating, substantially immiscible liquids such as hydrocarbons from containers or wells containing both floating liquids and water. In one aspect of the invention, a microprocessor control receives and processes input signals from a liquid sensor, an upper water interface sensor and a skim pump. The skim pump is located in the well proximate to the water interface. The liquid sensor is located proximate to the skim pump. The upper water interface sensor is located adjacent to and below the liquid sensor. The microprocessor control is initialized by setting certain parameters such as the initial conditions for pump output values. The microprocessor controls and operates the skim pump in response to the input signals so as to operate the skim pump in a manner responsive to the input signals.