Abstract: An inlet device is provided for providing a mixture of a less dense liquid component and a more dense liquid component to a separator vessel. The inlet device comprises an annular chamber and an inlet which causes the mixture to swirl around the axis of the annular chamber. As a result, a vortex is caused in the separator vessel as the mixture enters it from the inlet device. This vortex is used to separate the more dense liquid component from the less dense liquid component, with the less dense liquid component being forced to the centre of the vortex where it is removed via an outlet which runs through the centre of the annular chamber. The inlet device also comprises a gas distributor for introducing gas bubbles into the mixture before it enters the separator vessel, thereby improving the separation of the more dense liquid component from the less dense liquid component.

Abstract: A cyclone apparatus for separating a mixture containing at least one fluid and a further constituent based on the densities of the mixture constituents. The apparatus includes a first hollow pressure vessel having an overflow plate positioned at an overflow end of the first hollow pressure vessel and an end plate for sealing the overflow plate. The cyclone apparatus also comprises an underflow plate positioned at an under-flow end of the first hollow pressure vessel and a hollow pressure vessel with one end being sealed against the under-flow plate and another end being closed. The overflow plate and the end plate are shaped such that when they are brought together they form separate adjacent overflow compartments between them. The underflow plate and the second hollow pressure vessel are shaped such that when they are brought together they form separate adjacent under-flow compartments between them which correspond to the overflow compartments.

Abstract: Particles of sand coated with oil are loaded into a housing (1). A fluidizing unit (3) is provided towards the bottom of the housing. The fluidizing unit fluidizes the particles and discharges them from the housing to a separator, such as one or more hydrocyclones (8, 14), in which the oil and sand particles are separated. The coated particles can be introduced in the housing (1) via a cyclonic separator (50, 52) which provides some preliminary separation.

Abstract: A fluidising unit (1) comprising a supply duct (2) which is arranged to be fed with liquid under pressure, and a discharge duct (5) within the supply duct and projecting beyond the outlet of the supply duct. The end of the supply duct (2) is closable when the fluidising unit is not in use. A screen (9) is associated with the supply duct (2), the screen having at least one oblique opening (10), and being positioned so that liquid passing through the supply duct passes through the or each opening in the screen and is caused to swirl.

Abstract: A treatment device such as a filter device, containing a treatment bed (2) of particulate treatment medium. A fluidizing unit (9) associated with the treatment medium particles, for removing the treatment medium particles from the treatment bed for rejuvenation. The fluidizing unit (9) comprises a liquid supply duct (11) having an outlet (10) and which is arranged to be fed with liquid under pressure from outside the filter bed, and a discharge duct (14) having an inlet (15) and which projects beyond the outlet (10) of the liquid supply duct.

Abstract: A water management system is disclosed comprising a first distribution system having a wastewater outlet connected to a settling chamber, which has an overflow to a discharge chamber. The settling chamber has a means for removing settled solids comprising a fluidizing duct having a supply unit connected to a source of water under pressure and a discharge duct within the supply duct for discharge of a slurry of solids from the settling chamber. The discharge chamber is connected to a storage tank for supplying treated water to a second water distribution system.

Abstract: A method of raising material, such as production fluid (6), from a bore hole (3) involves pumping water down a pipe (7) to a fluidising unit (A) so that the water activates and entrains the material and carries it up through a discharge conduit (8) to a separator (B).