Abstract: A mixed density fluid separator and systems for separating fluids of different densities, as well as kits and methods employing the same, are provided. The mixed density fluid separator generally comprises a fluid separation tank having a valve control system and a vacuum pump to direct fluid processing. The tank includes an upper float ball valve having a neutrally buoyant float ball slideably retained therein by a vertically elongated guide cage that is at least twice as long as the diameter of the float ball. The mixed density fluid separator can be adapted for multiple different uses, including with rapid deployment oil-spill cleanup kits that are sufficiently lightweight and compact for easy transport, access and application.

Abstract: A mixed density fluid separator and systems for separating fluids of different densities, as well as kits and methods employing the same, are provided. The mixed density fluid separator generally comprises a fluid separation tank having a valve control system and a vacuum pump to direct fluid processing. The tank includes an upper float ball valve having a neutrally buoyant float ball slideably retained therein by a vertically elongated guide cage that is at least twice as long as the diameter of the float ball. The mixed density fluid separator can be adapted for multiple different uses, including with rapid deployment oil-spill cleanup kits that are sufficiently lightweight and compact for easy transport, access and application.

Abstract: An oil-water separator for separating mixed density fluids, such as oil and water, oily sediment laden water and the like, as well as portable, in-tank and towable and anchorable boom containment systems kits and methods employing the same. The oil-water separator employs at least two oil-separation chambers operating in opposing but synergistic separation modes in parallel. The oil-separation chambers alternate distribution of a single mixed fluid density stream between the chambers using a partial vacuum source to draw the stream into one chamber, while concurrently stopping inflow of the stream into another chamber by removing the vacuum source. The apparatus allows each chamber to switch back and forth between (a) actively separating and removing less dense fluid (e.g., oil) when the partial vacuum is applied, and (b) passively separating the less dense fluid (e.g., oil) and removing the more dense fluid (e.g., water) when the partial vacuum source is removed.

Abstract: An oil-water separator for separating mixed density fluids, such as oil and water, oily sediment laden water and the like, as well as portable, in-tank and towable and anchorable boom containment systems kits and methods employing the same. The oil-water separator employs at least two oil-separation chambers operating in opposing but synergistic separation modes in parallel. The oil-separation chambers alternate distribution of a single mixed fluid density stream between the chambers using a partial vacuum source to draw the stream into one chamber, while concurrently stopping inflow of the stream into another chamber by removing the vacuum source. The apparatus allows each chamber to switch back and forth between (a) actively separating and removing less dense fluid (e.g., oil) when the partial vacuum is applied, and (b) passively separating the less dense fluid (e.g., oil) and removing the more dense fluid (e.g., water) when the partial vacuum source is removed.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to products and processes, and more specifically, to systems and method for recovering oil from water. In one embodiment, a towed net system is provided which has the ability to collect free floating oil to one or more end points from which either/both hydrodynamics and/or one or more powered pumps are used to deliver channeled and collected oil to one or more receiving vessels. In some embodiments, two wing nets are provided, either/each towed by one or more vessels, connected to one or more end receptacle nets. From the one or more end receptacles, the channeled and collected oil is delivered to one or more receiving containers also connected to the one or more end receptacles. The system can be scaled based on the horsepower of the two or more towing vessel.