Abstract: A fluid separator for separating a mixture of at least two immiscible fluids having different specific gravities. A fluid intake conduit is coupled to an enclosed separation chamber for admitting the mixture of fluids to the chamber, and a first vertically disposed elongated column extends into the chamber and opens adjacent the bottom thereof. A second column extends vertically upwardly from the chamber at a distance above the upper end of the first column which is approximately equal to H(S.sub.w /S.sub.c -1), where H is the height of the first column between its vertically upper and lower ends, S.sub.w represents the specific gravity of the immiscible fluid having the greater specific gravity, and S.sub.c represents the specific gravity of the other fluid of the mixture. The chamber may also be divided into a plurality of individual separating sections to permit the simultaneous separation of a plurality of fluid mixtures.

Abstract: An improved tanker vessel for carrying a plurality of liquid cargoes each having a specific gravity which is less than that of sea water. The vessel includes a hull comprising a bottom and sides, a top deck, at least one cargo compartment disposed between the top deck and the hull bottom for storing the liquid cargo, and a main liquid cargo charging and discharging system coupled to the cargo compartment for charging and discharging the compartment. The improvement comprises an additional liquid cargo charging and discharging system coupled to the cargo compartment which includes a longitudinal pipe and transversely disposed branch lines coupled to the longitudinal pipe. The branch lines include a suction opening disposed in and opening into the compartment at a distance above the hull bottom which is approximately equal to H(S.sub.w /S.sub.c)-0.10H, where H represents the distance from the bottom of the vessel to its waterline, S.sub.w represents the specific gravity of sea water, and S.sub.

Abstract: A tanker vessel for carrying liquid cargoes having a specific gravity which is less than that of sea water. The vessel includes a hull, comprising a bottom and sides, a top deck and at least one cargo compartment. The top deck is located at a distance above the hull bottom which is approximately equal to H(S.sub.w /S.sub.c), where H represents the distance from the bottom of the vessel to its waterline, S.sub.w represents the specific gravity of sea water, and S.sub.c represents the specific gravity of the liquid cargo. The compartment is filled with cargo to a point below the top deck of the vessel which is located at a distance above the vessel's bottom which is approximately equal to H(S.sub.w /S.sub.c -0.03H.In another embodiment, the top deck is located at a distance above the hull bottom which is approximately equal to H(S.sub.w /S.sub.c.sbsb.L), where S.sub.c.sbsb.

Abstract: An improved spill overflow prevention system for tanker vessels comprising a longitudinally disposed trunk line, branch lines coupled at one end to the trunk line and at the other end to the cargo compartments of the vessel, valves coupled to the branch lines intermediate the ends thereof for permitting the free flow of fluid chemical and petroleum products from the cargo compartments to the trunk line through the branch lines, and a retention tank disposed in the vessel and coupled to the trunk line for receiving fluid chemical and petroleum products from the trunk line. Fluid chemical and petroleum products overflowing from the cargo compartments of the vessel are directed from the compartments through the branch lines and trunk line to the retention tank thereby preventing overflow of the products externally of the compartments. The branch and trunk lines are dimensioned so as to prevent any overpressurization of the compartments during an overflow.

Abstract: A tank vessel for the transportation of liquid cargo having a specific gravity which is less than that of water. The vessel includes a hull comprising a bottom and sides, a top deck, and at least one transverse bulkhead disposed within the hull forming a plurality of watertight cargo compartments between the top deck and the hull bottom. The improvement of the invention comprises a watertight horizontal bulkhead disposed within the hull between the top deck and the hull bottom above the waterline of the tank vessel and at a distance above the hull bottom which is less than or equal to H(S.sub.w /S.sub.c), where H represents the vertical height of the waterline of the vessel above the hull bottom, S.sub.w represents the specific gravity of water, and S.sub.c represents the specific gravity of the liquid cargo.

Abstract: An improved fluid transfer system for a tanker vessel adapted for the transportation of fluid chemical and petroleum products in water. The vessel includes a hull comprising a bottom and sides, a top deck, a plurality of watertight cargo compartments disposed within the hull between the top deck and the hull bottom for receiving the fluid products, cargo expansion trunks coupled to and opening downwardly into each of the cargo compartments, branch vent lines coupled to the cargo expansion trunks and including pressure/vacuum relief valves, and a longitudinally disposed trunk vent line including a pressure/vacuum relief valve coupled to the branch vent lines and communicative with the atmosphere for venting contaminated gases formed by the fluid products and contained within the cargo compartments of the vessel from the cargo compartments through the cargo expansion trunks and the branch vent lines to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for venting hydrocarbon gases from the cargo compartments of a tanker vessel for the transportation of oil in water, which tanker vessel includes a hull comprising a bottom and sides, a top deck, a plurality of watertight cargo compartments disposed in the hull between the top deck and the hull bottom for receiving the oil, and vent means coupled to each of the cargo compartments and communicative externally of the compartments for venting hydrocarbon gases to and from the cargo compartments and the atmosphere during loading, discharge and transfer of oil and ballast from the compartments.