Abstract: An oil content monitor/control unit system including an oil/water disperser evice is configured to automatically monitor and control processed effluent from an associated oil/water separator so that if the processed effluent exceeds predetermined in-port or at-sea oil concentration limits, it is either recirculated to an associated oil/water separator via a ship's bilge for additional processing, or diverted to a holding tank for storage. On the other hand, if the oil concentration of the processed effluent is less than predetermined in-port or at-sea limits, it is discharged overboard. The oil/water disperser device is configured to break up any oil present in the processed effluent into uniform droplets for more accurate sensing of the oil-in-water concentration level thereof. The oil/water disperser device has a flow-actuated variable orifice configured into a spring-loaded polyethylene plunger which provides the uniform distribution of oil droplets.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for sampling and examining a fluid from a tank or flow line to determine density or turbidity, including a sampling chamber attached to the tank or line with a piston in a chamber. The piston is provided with a sealing ring which circumscribes one end of the piston and which provides a fluid-tight seal within the chamber so that moving the piston away from the tank or line pulls a sample into the chamber. The sealing ring comprises a main body portion which circumscribes the piston and is in contact therewith but which is not in sealing engagement with the chamber. Extending outwardly from the main body portion of the sealing ring and integral therewith is a frusto-conical skirt. The outermost edge of the frusto-conical skirt is in sealing contact with the cylinder. A light source is provided to transmit light into the sample and a photodetector is provided to detect light from the interior of the chamber.