Abstract: An apparatus for treating contaminated, e.g. oily, water including a floating skimmer (3) for skimming the surface of the contaminated water (2). The contaminated water from the skimmer is fed to a hydrocyclone (6) for separation of the water and contaminant. The hydrocarbon rich stream from the hydrocyclone undergoes further separation using a spear (8).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of multiphase mixtures and more particularly, though not exclusively, to multiphase mixtures in which at least two of the phases are liquids and the least dense liquid phases is present in quantities of at least 5%. One preferred application of the present invention relates to the treatment of oil/water mixtures (which may include gaseous and solid phases) such as that discharged from oil wells.Research into the use of cyclone separators for the separation of oil/water mixtures has increased in recent years. One of the reasons for a growing interest in this area is because of the particular problems associated with off-shore platforms. One of the major problems is that of the weight of processing equipment and, as a result of this, attempts are continuously being made to try and reduce the weight of processing equipment. It is with this in mind that investigations have been conducted into the use of cyclone separators.

Abstract: Provided is a method of making a cyclone having an ejection moulded plastic inner body.

Abstract: A cyclone separator (10) for liquids having a denser liquid component outlet (23) and a less dense liquid component outlet (32). In order to improve separation efficiency a third outlet (54), for the less dense liquid component is located within the separator adjacent the denser liquid component outlet.

Abstract: A method for continuous analysis of mixtures for determining selective properties of components in the mixture flowing along a flow path includes the steps of, firstly, directly measuring and/or calculating the pressure, temperature, density and mass flow rate of the mixture at a first point upstream of a characteristic change zone in the flow path. A change in the characteristics of the mixture flow is caused in the characteristic change zone, and thereafter, the pressure, temperature, density and mass flow rate are measured directly and/or calculated at a second point downstream of a characteristic change zone. Selected properties of the mixture are determined on the basis of the information collected together with known parameters using algorithms.

Abstract: Oil processing apparatus for the treatment of a mixture containing oil and other constituents. The apparatus comprises two types of separators arranged to co-operate together, the first separator (22) being of the type capable of handling a mixture containing a relatively high percentage of oil and the second separator (26) being of the type capable of handling mixtures containing a relatively low percentage of oil so that substantially full separation of the oil and other components can be achieved. There is also provided a system for recovering oil from a subterranean reservoir wherein apparatus which may be of the type described above is at least partially located underground.

Abstract: Provided is a system of process components which will enable conversion of a bank of hydrocyclones from parallel operation to series operation and vice versa.

Abstract: A cyclone separator having an inlet with inner and outer profiles, viewed in section transverse to the separator axis. This location of any particular point on the outer profile is defined by a vector contained in a plane normal to the separator axis, and having its origin at a location (C) where the outer profile meets the adjacent inner circumference of the separator. As the magnitude of the vector (T) increases, an angle (.theta.) between the vector (T) and a tangent to the circumference (C) which passes through location (C) never decreases and never becomes less than negative 0.1 radian. The location of any particular point on the inner profile is defined by a vector (U) having its point of origin at a location (E) where the inner profile or at least its projection meets the separator circumference. As the magnitude of vector (U) increases, an angle (.zeta.) between vector (U) and a tangent to circumference which passes through location (E) never decreases and never becomes less than negative 0.