Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling sand production from an oil well. A sand rate comparison value determined at a given oil production rate is used to control the oil production rate by controlling the choke to set the oil production rate to a set production rate corresponding to the oil production rate. The sand rate comparison value is used to confirm that the measured reduced sand flow rate, at that given oil production rate, is below the allowable sand rate (ASR). Since the oil production rate is associated with the sand rate, the sand rate comparison value is used to control the sand rate, by being used to control the oil production rate, and so the sand rate comparison value functions as, and therefore typically comprises, or is, a sand rate control parameter.

Abstract: A separation vessel containing a multi-phase mixture comprising oil and water comprises a buoyant thermal energy transfer device. The buoyant thermal energy transfer device further comprises a thermally conductive body and an internal heating element. The buoyant thermal energy transfer device defines a collective specific gravity between about 0.7 and about 1.2, which may be accomplished by adding positioning floats to the buoyant thermal energy transfer device. With such a collective specific gravity, the buoyant thermal energy transfer device is situated in the emulsion layer of the multi-phase mixture, with the internal heating element applying heat to emulsion layer, aiding in the breakage of emulsions. Demulsified oil and water may then be removed from the separation vessel.

Abstract: Provided is an indirect heated separation assembly that includes a vessel assembly having a heating section and a separation section, a wall separating the heating section from the separation section, the wall configured to be heated by a heating fluid in the heating section to provide indirect heat to the separation section, and a coil assembly at least partially disposed in the heating section, the coil assembly including an inlet configured to receive a process fluid and an outlet in communication with an inlet of the separation section to direct the process fluid after heating to the separation section.

Abstract: Provided is an indirect heated separation assembly that includes a vessel having a heating section and a separation section, a plate separating the heating section from the separation section, the plate being configured to be heated by a heating fluid in the heating section to provide indirect heat to the separation section, and a coil assembly disposed in the heating section, the coil assembly including an inlet configured to receive a process fluid and an outlet in communication with an inlet of the separation section to direct the process fluid after heating to the separation section.

Abstract: A subsea fluids storage facility comprises a tank for holding and separating fluids which is equipped with ballast capacity and a separable base to be deployed upon the seabed in shallow or deep water, and the storage facility is connectable to a surface production facility, especially a buoy for processing fluids. In deep water the tank is held at a depth above the base for temperature controlled stabilization of produced oil in the tank.

Abstract: An automated process and accompanying apparatus simultaneously separates and measures the flow rate of any multiphase mixture of immiscible fluids. Such separation and measurement can occur in a single vessel, or multiple vessels. Liquid levels, together with a material balance analysis, are utilized to determine constituent liquid flow rates. The vessel(s) can be remotely operated and monitored in real time, while also allowing for automated or manual calibration.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus for treating water containing at least some organic contaminants, and having a pre-treatment device for removing organic contaminants from a water stream, and having, a spin up bowl; a recovery bowl; an annular flow passage between the bowls; a magnetic member around the flow passageway; a magnetic body positioned adjacent to the member wherein the magnetic member and the magnetic body define a restricted annular flow passageway between them for flow of water from the spin up bowl to the recovery bowl; Also disclosed is a method of water treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anaerobic water purification system, conversion kit and method for treating a liquid. The anaerobic water purification system according to the invention comprises: —a container for the liquid for treatment provided during use with a sludge bed; —a supply conduit operatively connected to the container for supplying the liquid for treatment; —a distribution system connected to the supply conduit for distributing the liquid over the sludge bed from above; —carrier material which is arranged during use in the container and to which anaerobic sludge material can attach; and—a gas roof arranged at or on the container and provided with a volume which can be adapted during use to the biogas production. The carrier material is preferably free-floating material. The discharge conduit for discharge of treated liquid is preferably connected to a riser pipe.

Abstract: Embodiments of a filter device for use in fuel dispensing systems can comprise an inspection element that permits visual observation of fuel that flows inside of the system. The filter device can include a body with a wall that forms a filter chamber. The wall can have one or more apertures that couple with a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet to allow fuel to flow into and about the filter chamber. In one embodiment, the body includes a boss member with a bore that penetrates the wall to expose the filter chamber. The inspection element includes an optical element that fits within the bore and a retaining element that secures to the boss member to retain the optical element therein.

Abstract: An oil/water separator is provided that is suitable for use aboard an oil spill recovery vessel and elsewhere. The separator comprises a tank structure divided into first and second compartments that communicate via a bottom channel. An inlet pipe supplies an oil/water mix to be separated into the first compartment. An oil suction pipe draws oil out of the first compartment on a continuous or intermittent basis. Water discharges unassisted from the second compartment once the water level in the second compartment has reached a certain level. A heating compartment is provided adjoining the first compartment thereby to enable the oil in the compartment to be heated to reduce its viscosity in cold conditions; this heating compartment is arranged to serve as a reservoir for hydraulic fluid whereby heating of the oil results from heat given up by worked hydraulic fluid returned to the heating compartment after operational use.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for separating a supernate from a suspension. The apparatus consists of a sample zone, a controllable gate, and an analysis zone. The sample zone holds the suspension. The analysis zone passively transports a supernate formed from the suspension by capillary transport. A controllable gate prevents the suspension in the transport zone from flowing into the analysis zone. The controllable gate can be triggered after the supernate has separated from the suspension to allow the supernate to flow into the analysis zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant for separating grinding slurry originating from grinding machines into metal chips and grinding oil. According to the invention, a carrier bowl (3) in a frame (1) is filled with a divided volume of the grinding slurry (10). The carrier bowl (3) has a perforated plate (4) having an edge (5) as a floor and a sieve-like intermediate floor (8). By means of a lifting device (2), the carrier bowl (3) is moved to the effective region of an inductor plate (9) serving as a heater. The induction heat heats the ferromagnetic steel or iron particles present in the grinding slurry (10). Said heating effects a reduction in viscosity of the grinding oil in the grinding slurry (10), from which substantial portions flow downward through the openings (6) or (7). In certain cases, the effect can be improved by placing a steel plate on the free surface (16) of the grinding slurry layer (10).

Abstract: Treated sewage sludge containing a flocculant is discharged from bottom of a bin, with the discharge being facilitated by heating sloped walls of the bin an amount sufficient to increase the ability of the sludge to slide along sloped bin walls. The flocculant in the sludge includes a polymeric material which, when heated to a sufficient temperature effects a phase separation of the polymeric material from water, decreasing the viscosity of the polymeric material, facilitating its sliding along the sloped walls. The heating of the polymeric material in the flocculant enables the sloped walls of the bin to be flatter than they would otherwise be, allowing an enhanced volume of sludge to be present in the bin. A programmable logic computer controls the provision of heat to the sloped walls, as well as controlling an openable closure at the bottom of the bin and/or controlling the rotation of a displacement device in the bin.

Abstract: A processing apparatus (1) for the processing of process or industrial wastewaters is provided. The processing apparatus (1) has an evaporator (4) in which a tube bundle heat exchanger is provided, whose pure distillate side is connected to a separating apparatus for separating the distillate from floating organic phase or similar free liquid constituents. This separating apparatus is intended to collect the floating organic phase from the condensate, in order that this phase can be sucked back into the evaporator (4). In addition, the vapor mixture is conducted from the separating apparatus (8) to a recuperator (3) and cooled to such an extent that the water, the volatile solvents and the organic material dissolved in the vapor can be condensed and discharged separately or can be sucked back into the evaporator (4). This allows significantly better distillate qualities to be achieved.

Abstract: An oil/water separator is provided that is suitable for use aboard an oil spill recovery vessel and elsewhere. The separator comprises a tank structure divided into first and second compartments that communicate via a bottom channel. An inlet pipe supplies an oil/water mix to be separated into the first compartment. An oil suction pipe draws oil out of the first compartment on a continuous or intermittent basis. Water discharges unassisted from the second compartment once the water level in the second compartment has reached a certain level. A heating compartment is provided adjoining the first compartment thereby to enable the oil in the compartment to be heated to reduce its viscosity in cold conditions; this heating compartment is arranged to serve as a reservoir for hydraulic fluid whereby heating of the oil results from heat given up by worked hydraulic fluid returned to the heating compartment after operational use.

Abstract: A continuous sludge decant system and associated methods are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment an apparatus for decanting sludge includes: a decant vessel configured to receive sludge influent, to contain the sludge to be heated and decanted, and to discharge the sludge and a decanted liquid from the sludge, and a heating/directional grid disposed within an interior of the decant vessel and around which the sludge is circulated, mixed, and stirred, the heating/directional grid comprising a plurality of heating coils and configured to circulate heat from a heat source through the decant vessel to decant the sludge. The vessel and the heating/directional grid are configured to contain, heat, mix, and decant the sludge without shearing the sludge.

Abstract: A device for separating platelets from a fluid suspension comprises a mixing chamber operable to receive and mix fluid suspensions and an aggregating agent to form platelet aggregates and residual fluid components. A filter can be configured to be in fluid communication with the mixing chamber and can be further configured to collect platelet aggregates and allow residual fluid components to pass therethrough. The mixing chamber and the filter are operable by a user without input from an external energy source.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing oil from sea ice comprises modular crusher units which may be pivotally mounted on a barge or other vessel. A rotating, toothed drum crushes the ice against a grating and mixes it with warmed, recycled water to form an ice/water slurry which is conveyed by means of an auger to one or more melting units. The liquid phase output of the melting units is first conveyed to a surge tank and then to a separator unit which separates the oil from the water. The oil is conveyed to a storage tank for subsequent offloading and disposal and the water is returned in a recycle line to sprayers mounted in the crusher unit(s) for deicing the intake section of the crusher and mixing with the crushed sea ice to form an ice/water slurry for subsequent, on-board treatment. The modular design of the apparatus permits a plurality of units to be mounted on a vessel in a side-by-side array such that substantially the entire beam of the vessel at the stern (or bow) may be covered and used for ice intake.

Abstract: A process and a device implementing the process, for separating fluids in emulsion and/or in solution, and/or for low pressure distillation, in particular of water and/or gaseous hydrocarbons dissolved in crude petroleum, and/or for separation of crude petroleum droplets emulsified in water, to obtain water with necessary characteristics for its injection without pollution of underground aquifers, and/or when the mixture is dominant in crude petroleum, acceleration of settling of the water in the lower part of the mixture, and/or for low pressure distillation of crude petroleum. The method creates a localized zone of reduced pressure on part of the free surface of a liquid to be processed, within a closed processing tank, without the overall pressure inside the closed processing tank being affected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for producing hot water without a flame. The system and method heats water to at least a specified temperature without a flame by providing a source of water and a prime mover, pumping water from the source of water into one or more heat exchangers, pre-heating the water using the one or more heat exchangers, heating the pre-heated water to at least the specified temperature without a flame using a dynamic heat generator driven by the prime mover, using the heated water in the one or more heat exchangers to pre-heat the water and providing the heated water to an output.

Abstract: A continuous sludge decant system and associated methods are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment an apparatus for decanting sludge includes: a decant vessel configured to receive sludge influent, to contain the sludge to be heated and decanted, and to discharge the sludge and a decanted liquid from the sludge, and a heating/directional grid disposed within an interior of the decant vessel and around which the sludge is circulated, mixed, and stirred, the heating/directional grid comprising a plurality of heating coils and configured to circulate heat from a heat source through the decant vessel to decant the sludge. The vessel and the heating/directional grid are configured to contain, heat, mix, and decant the sludge without shearing the sludge.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for treating by itself an organic waste material which can treat the waste material with steam having a high temperature and a high pressure and which can separate and recover the waste material and a liquid material given by performing the treatment continuously by a simple operation. An apparatus (10) for treating an organic waste material characterized in that it comprises a sealed vessel (12) having a closed space (S1) for holding an organic waste material therein, a steam jet means (14) provided in the sealed vessel (12) for providing a steam jet having such temperature and pressure that the waste material can be carbonized, a discharge port (16) arranged at the bottom of the sealed vessel (12) and having an opening/closing mechanism, and a separating and recovering means (18) for separating the waste material and a liquid material given after the treatment only by direct discharge operation from the discharge port (16) and recovering the waste material and the liquid material.

Abstract: A mobile separator system for oil and gas well production fluids consisting of a sled supporting a horizontal three phase separator vessel having an upright vessel or blowcase, with an upper section open to a lower section through a check valve, and a vertical two phase vessel mounted beside each other and seated within the horizontal vessel. A direct fired heater in the horizontal vessel provides the required heating for all three vessels. Production fluids tangentially enter the upper section of the upright vessel with gas rising and the fluid descending through a check valve to the lower section and then transferred into the horizontal vessel. The rising gas outlet is connected to the suction of a compressor and discharged under pressure to the intake of the vertical vessel. Separated gas from the horizontal vessel also is directed to the intake of the compressor. Oil and water separated in the horizontal vessel are transferred into storage or pipelines.

Abstract: An above ground oil and water separator including a pump to draw potentially contaminated water from a containment area, and to supply a flow of water to an enclosure. An enclosure inlet pipe takes water from the diaphragm pump into the enclosure. A first sub-enclosure is formed within the enclosure by a wall containing a plurality of coalescing spheres. The coalescing spheres are bagged within the first wall and can be removed through an external lid during cleaning and removal of coalesced oil. A heat source contained within an electrical panel heats water and supplies the heated water to the enclosure to prevent freezing within the enclosure.

Abstract: A continuous flow multistage aerobic wastewater sludge digestion system comprising at least two stages connected in series, each stage comprising one or more covered tanks, tank segments or compartments, each having an enclosed separate gas headspace, wherein the gas headspaces of each stage are connected in a specified sequence that may be identical to or different from the staging sequence followed by the sludge liquid. An oxygen containing gas stream, such as air or an oxygen enriched gas stream, is supplied to the headspace of each stage, and a means for aerating the sludge in one or more of the tanks, tank segments or compartments is provided to enhance the transfer of oxygen from the gas headspace into the sludge liquid for use by bacteria in digestion of the sludge. At least one stage of the sludge digestion system is operated at a thermophilic temperature above 50° C.

Abstract: A container for receiving and holding effluent water containing oil/grease to be removed has sectional covers. A main sectional cover supports a partially immersed rotatable disk; a drive on the main sectional cover rotates the disk; a trough on the main sectional cover straddles the disk; and a blade on the trough scrapes a side of the disk, to direct oil and grease from the disk along the scraper blade along the trough for collection in a storage container. Efficiencies of construction of the sectional covers, disk and a sensor probe are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid filter, which is adapted for separating a less dense fluid floating on a high dense fluid, includes at least a fluid filtering arrangement including a floating wing adapted for floating on the less dense fluid and at least a fluid outlet formed on the floating wing, and a container body, which is extended from the floating wing, having a fluid collecting cavity communicating with the fluid outlet, wherein the fluid outlet is formed at a position above the fluid collecting cavity. Therefore, when a downward force is applied on the floating wing until the fluid outlet is slightly positioned below a surface level of the less dense fluid, the less dense fluid is allowed to flow into the fluid collecting cavity through the fluid outlet by gravity.

Abstract: An above ground oil and water separator including a pump to draw potentially contaminated water from a containment area, and to supply a flow of water to an enclosure. An enclosure inlet pipe takes water from the diaphragm pump into the enclosure. A first sub-enclosure is formed within the enclosure by a wall containing a plurality of coalescing spheres. The coalescing spheres are bagged within the first wall and can be removed through an external lid during cleaning and removal of coalesced oil. A heat source contained within an electrical panel heats water and supplies the heated water to the enclosure to prevent freezing within the enclosure.

Abstract: A container for receiving and holding effluent water containing oil/grease to be removed has sectional covers. A main sectional cover supports a partially immersed rotatable disk; a drive on the main sectional cover rotates the disk; a trough on the main sectional cover straddles the disk; and a blade on the trough scrapes a side of the disk, to direct oil and grease from the disk along the scraper blade along the trough for collection in a storage container. Efficiencies of construction of the sectional covers, disk and a sensor probe are disclosed.

Abstract: An energy efficient and compact oil and water separator through which the oil and water flow for the purpose of extracting water from the oil and oil from the water made more efficient and compact by incorporating a precise control of the hydrodynamics through the application of permeable barriers on which the permeability is adjustable to compensate for variations in flow rate, density and viscosity of the oil and water, a downward flow of the oil through an electric field to mitigate the problem of high water content causing an electrical short circuiting of the electric field and a heating means with enhanced heat exchange capability.

Abstract: A system for composting-free disposal of organic waste and method thereof included a heating apparatus, a pretreatment apparatus, and a decomposition apparatus. The heating apparatus heats the pretreatment apparatus and the decomposition apparatus. The organic waste is separated into a slurry and a surface oil-water mixed liquid by the pretreatment apparatus. Microbial enzymes and raw material are added into the slurry to become a mixture. The mixture is then decomposed and sterilized by the decomposition apparatus to become a composting-free organic fertilizer product. All these procedures can be carried out within 3 to 24 hours. The system and the method thereof provides an efficiently fast, space-saving way to deal with organic waste and achieve environmental protection and sanitation.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a mixture of a less dense fluid, a more dense fluid, and fines. The less and more dense fluids are immiscible with each other. The apparatus comprises a housing having an inlet at an upstream end thereof and an outlet at a downstream end thereof. A separation chamber is located within the housing between the inlet and the outlet. The separation chamber comprises a generally horizontal enclosure and a screw defining a helical passage through the enclosure. The separation chamber has at least one upper aperture located in an upper portion of the helical passage and at least one lower aperture located in a lower portion of the helical passage. A baffle is attached between the housing and the separation chamber for directing at least a portion of the mixture into the separation chamber.

Abstract: A grease removal system includes a solid interceptor fluidly coupled to a grease trap tank, which is fluidly coupled to a secondary tank. The secondary tank contains an enzyme solution which biodegrades the grease. The grease removal system may also include a solid interceptor fluidly coupled to a grease trap tank which is fluidly coupled to a replaceable container. Grease is diverted from the grease trap tank into the replaceable container and thereafter discarded. The grease removal system may include a grease trap tank utilizing a unique arrangement of grease baffles and solids baffles which work together to isolate grease within a single region of the grease trap tank for ease of disposal. Finally, the grease removal system includes two level sensors which detect the level of grease within the grease trap tank and, at the appropriate level direct the accumulated grease from the grease trap tank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a septic heater system and method for preventing a freeze-up in a septic system. The heater system typically is used with a previously-installed septic system that includes a septic tank, drop boxes, connecting sewer pipe, a drainfield, and one or more vertical access/cleanout pipes which rise from one or more portions of the septic system to corresponding access ports at ground level. The heater system, which is adapted for connection to the access ports of one or more of the vertical access cleanout pipes, comprises a heater and fan system defining an output port for providing a flow of heated air at the heater output port. The heater output port is defined by a structure configured for coupling the output port to one or more of the access/cleanout pipes. The heater and fan system, when activated to provide the flow of heated air and when coupled to an access/cleanout pipe, prevents septic-system freeze-up by delivering the heated air down the access/cleanout pipe to the septic system.

Abstract: A small and cost effective sewage treatment system intended for unattended use in individual homes, small industries or businesses in locations where a central sewage treatment plant is not available. The sewage treatment system comprises a conventional septic tank which drains into a smaller aerated holding tank, a pump to transfer effluent from the holding tank into a disinfecting chamber, a regenerative heat exchanger used to raise the temperature of the effluent while being aerated in the holding tank, means for pumping the effluent at a controlled rate through a microwave field, and a conventional drain field used to release the disinfected water into the surrounding soil. Operation of this system is fully regulated by a micro-controller, thereby eliminating the need for human intervention during normal use.

Abstract: An oil/grease separator separates a lighter liquid from a mixture of the heavier liquid and a lighter liquid. A housing has an inner volume, an inlet to receive influent flow, an outlet to discharge the heavier liquid, which defines a static liquid level, and an outlet port above the static liquid level to discharge substantially all of the lighter liquid and portions of the heavier liquid. The lighter liquid floats on the heavier liquid, so that large volume flows into the inlet raises the liquid level in the housing, flowing the floating lighter liquid through the outlet port.

Abstract: A grease removal system includes a solid interceptor fluidly coupled to a grease trap tank, which is fluidly coupled to a secondary tank. The secondary tank contains an enzyme solution which biodegrades the grease. The grease removal system may also include a solid interceptor fluidly coupled to a grease trap tank which is fluidly coupled to a replaceable container. Grease is diverted from the grease trap tank into the replaceable container and thereafter discarded. The grease removal system may include a grease trap tank utilizing a unique arrangement of grease baffles and solids baffles which work together to isolate grease within a single region of the grease trap tank for ease of disposal. Finally, the grease removal system includes two level sensors which detect the level of grease within the grease trap tank and, at the appropriate level direct the accumulated grease from the grease trap tank.

Abstract: A low cost oil, grease removal assembly includes a rotomolded plastic container having an inlet and an outlet; a rotomolded plastic basket support located at the inlet inside the container; a rotomolded plastic outlet baffle located in the container at the outlet; a plurality of container cover sections including a first section to cover the basket support, a second container cover section having an oil, grease removal mechanism downstream of the basket support and upstream of the outlet baffle, and a third container cover section to cover the outlet baffle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating fluid mixtures, in particular for separating water from oil, comprising a vacuum container (10) with several sub-chambers (26, 44, 40). According to the invention, at least one liquid constituent of the fluid mixture can be transported from the vacuum container after separation, by means of a transport device (12) and the other constituents can be extracted from the vacuum container (10) in the form of gas and/or steam, using a vacuum pump (20). One of the sub-chambers (26) of the vacuum container (10) houses a heating device (28, 30), which heats the fluid mixture, the latter being guided into an additional sub-chamber (40) and being separated into its constituents by traversing a packed bed. The invention therefore allows even cold and consequently viscous fluid mixtures to be supplied, by means of the heating device, for separation inside the aforementioned vacuum container.

Abstract: A method and device for separating grease from waste water. The separator device includes a receptacle with an upper first part and a lower second part separated by a plate. The receptacle further has an inlet port for waste water, a discharge port for separated waste water, discharge means for grease and/or sludge, and an overflow pipe establishing a connection between the receptacle first part and the receptacle second part. Waste water is supplied through the inlet port to the upper first part, and the waste water is allowed to undergo a separation by gravity, whereby a grease layer is formed on a separated waste water layer and a sludge layer on the plate. In order to achieve a high degree of separation, separated waste water is allowed to flow through the overflow pipe to the receptacle lower second part. Grease is removed from the grease layer and/or sludge from the sludge layer through the discharge means, and separated waste water is discharged through the discharge port.

Abstract: A heated inclined separation pressure vessel for receiving an oil emulsion. A shell is supported at an oblique angle to horizontal, thereby defining an upper and lower end. An elongated sleeve extends coaxially through the vessel. A heat pipe bundle extends coaxially through the lower vessel end and sleeve, terminating at an intermediate position within the sleeve. A furnace is provided for heating the heat pipe bundle. An inlet, adjacent to the upper end, admits emulsion to the elongated sleeve. Gas liberated from the oil is allowed to flow to the upper end of the sleeve and into a gas separator located above the upper end of the vessel. Emulsified water falls towards the lower end of the sleeve and exits the vessel via a water outlet adjacent to the lower vessel head. An oil outlet, adjacent to the upper vessel head removes clean oil from the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A solvent separator apparatus having a vertical accumulator tank with a top end and a bottom end, the accumulator tank being serially connected to a vertical reservoir tank having a top end and a bottom end; a down tube vertically positioned in the accumulator tank having a top end nearest the top end of the accumulator tank and a bottom end nearest the bottom end of the accumulator tank, with an inlet at the top end of the down tube and an outlet at the bottom end of the down tube; an inlet conduit connected to the inlet of the down tube, the inlet conduit entering the bottom end of the accumulator tank and defining an upward flow path within the accumulator tank to the inlet at the top end of the down tube; a heat exchanger in communication with the down tube for withdrawing heat therefrom; and a transfer conduit defining a downward flow path from the top end of the accumulator tank to the bottom end of the reservoir tank.

Abstract: A free water knockout designed for removing large amounts of water that is not entrained in the oil is disclosed. The vessel is supported so that the axis is oblique through the horizontal, thus defining an upper and a lower end, each of which is closed by a head which may be hemispherical in shape. An elongated sleeve extends coaxially through the vessel to increase the surface area of the vessel relative to the volume of the vessel. Incoming fluids are spun tangentially to the wall of the elongated sleeve to help promote the separation of oil droplets from the water. A burner system is provided to add heat to the oil after the free water is removed from the production fluids.

Abstract: A second purifying apparatus 2 for furthermore purifying working solution purified by a first purifying apparatus 1 is disposed downstream of the first purifying apparatus 1. A working-solution introducing pipe 42 which is capable of diffusing and discharging the working solution from the lower end thereof is disposed in substantially the central portion of the working-solution accumulating tank 40 in which the working solution is accumulated. A filter 44 for vertically sectioning the working-solution accumulating tank 40 at an intermediate position is provided. A weir 45 is formed at an upper end of the working-solution accumulating tank 40. Moreover, a separating wall is formed along the inner wall of the weir 45. A solution gathering groove 47 is provided for the outer surface of the weir 45.

Abstract: A treater for electrostatically and/or mechanically separating emulsified brine from oil during longitudinal flow through a horizontally elongate metal tank. Emulsion is directed through a louver stack made up of a large number of inclined parallel plates. The openings on the upstream end and on the downstream end of this louver stack are adjustable from outside of the metal tank, so as to allow the operator to adjust the flow rate through the treater as operating parameters change.

Abstract: A fuel system provides first and second conduits that draw fuel from first and second positions, or locations, within a fuel reservoir. If water exists in the fuel reservoir, the second position is selected to be lowered in the fuel reservoir than the first position so that accumulated water will be drawn through the second conduit under certain conditions, such as when the engine is operating at a speed above the minimum threshold. The fuel reservoir can be a fuel tank or auxiliary fuel tank of a vehicle or watercraft or, alternatively, it can be the housing of a fuel/water separator.

Abstract: An emulsion treater has an elongate vessel for receiving oil in which water is emulsified and gas is entrained, and for separating these impurities from the oil. The vessel is supported so that the axis is oblique through the horizontal, thus defining an upper and a lower end, each of which is closed by a head which may be hemispherical in shape. An elongate sleeve extends coaxially through the vessel and has an upper sleeve end projecting through the upper vessel head, and is itself closed by an upper sleeve head. At the lower end, the sleeve is open, with the open end being located at an intermediate position in the vessel. An elongate firetube extends coaxially through the vessel and the sleeve, and projects through the upper sleeve head and through the lower vessel head, thus defining a chamber with the sleeve which surrounds the firetube. A burner is provided for injecting hot combustion gases into the firetube at the upper end.

Abstract: There is described a method for the separation of liquids of different densities that are not soluble in one another, such as water and oil, where a liquid mixture is placed in a tank in which heat is optionally supplied to the liquid mixture, and separation occurs as the liquid having the highest density sinks toward the bottom of the tank and forms a layer (a) where it may be tapped off, and the liquid having the lowest density rises and forms a layer (c) at the top of the tank (1), and that between the separated liquids is a mixed layer (b) comprising a mixture of the liquids, where the liquid mixture to be separated is fed into the tank in a manner generating the least possible vertical liquid flow, and where the liquid mixture is fed into the tank through one or more outlets that are disposed in a closed-off section of the tank. Also described is an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A multi-chambered portable waste water treatment plant for a mobile home which is installed on or above ground level and can be easily moved from one location to another. The portable waste water treatment plant of the invention is insulated and is internally heated to prevent freezing of the liquids in the plant and promote decomposition of the waste in the plant when ambient temperatures are below freezing.

Abstract: A liquid purification system (10) and method for decontaminating microbe infested liquid (14) is provided. The liquid purification system (10) includes a primary tank (18) which contains both a purifying liquid composition (24) and an initially treated microbe infested liquid (44) with the liquids being immiscible with respect to each other. A heating element (30) is immersed in the primary tank (18) for heating the purifying liquid composition (24). Microbe infested liquid (14) passes through a secondary conduit (16) and is inserted into the primary tank (18) where the microbe infested liquid (14) is heated by contact with the heat purifying liquid composition (24) and descends to a lower portion of the primary tank (18). A primary conduit (34) is mounted within the primary tank (18) and secondarily heats the initially treated microbe infested liquid (44) to provide a purified liquid composition.