Abstract: An improved gravitational separator for mixtures of immiscible liquids of different densities, particularly oil and water, includes a reaction member in the form of a dome or diaphragm immersed in more dense liquid to be separated and which floats upwardly in the more dense liquid under the influence of liquid of less density accumulated beneath the dome or diaphragm. A coalescer screen filter system is provided in the water outlet path in the separator, the coalescer screens being contained in a chamber provided with automatically operating, one-way, pressure responsive valves to ensure proper flow of water in a forward and backflush sense through the chamber. A flotation feature for the reaction member is provided, and the reaction member includes an auxiliary air chamber to prevent loss of a minimum desired residual layer of less dense fluid beneath the reaction member when air accumulates in this area. A specific inflow and outflow conduit arrangement is provided to minimize turbulence in the separator.

Abstract: An environmentally protective bilge water disposal system utilizes an inverted dome gravitational oil separator unit in combination with an engine exhaust flash water vaporizor to remove and recover oil contamination from the bilge water prior to its disposal by flash evaporation in the exhaust stack. The system is capable of operating continuously under regulation by an electrical control arrangement that ensures safety of the engine, and shutting down of the system if certain key components do not function in a proper manner. The system includes a pump, an oil separator, control valves and sensors for various operating parameters and mechanical functions of the system, such parameters and functions including bilge fluid level, water pump function, water flow valve function, engine fuel pressure, engine throttle air pressure, engine exhaust stack temperature, separator function, separator dome position, and oil storage level.

Abstract: An improved gravitational separator for mixtures of immiscible liquids of different densities, particularly oil and water, includes a reaction member in the form of a dome or diaphragm immersed in more dense liquid to be separated and which floats upwardly in the more dense liquid under the influence of liquid of less density accumulated beneath the dome or diaphragm, and a precise, passive balance means for the reaction member used to sense the accumulation of a predetermined volume of less dense liquid in the separator. The balance means is a system of weight masses contained entirely in the separator that are raised by the upward movement of the reaction member under the influence of accumulated less dense fluid, in combination with remote sensing means outside the separator for sensing the respective balance conditions and signalling appropriate system controls to cause suspension of the influx of mixture into the separator and discharge therefrom of accumulated lighter liquid.

Abstract: An environmentally protective bilge water disposal system utilizes an inverted dome gravitational oil separator unit in combination with an engine exhaust flash water vaporizor to remove and recover oil contamination from the bilge water prior to its disposal by flash evaporation in the exhaust stack. The system is capable of operating continuously under regulation by an electrical control arrangement that ensures safety of the engine, and shutting down of the system if certain key components do not function in a proper manner. The system includes a pump, an oil separator, control valves and sensors for various operating parameters and mechanical functions of the system, such parameters and functions including bilge fluid level, water pump function, water flow valve function, engine fuel pressure, engine throttle air pressure, engine exhaust stack temperature, separator function, separator dome position, and oil storage level.