Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating hydrophobic materials in liquid state from an aqueous liquid or hydrophilic liquid, for separating debris from such liquid, or for purifying hydrophobic materials in liquid state are disclosed. An improved strainer for such apparatus and method is also disclosed. The apparatus and method employ at least one rotatable disk to which hydrophobic materials are attracted and retained; scraper blades to scrape the hydrophobic materials from the disk into a discharge tube from which said materials flow to a pump situated in the apparatus. The pump pumps the materials out of the apparatus. The pump is preferably driven by the same motor which rotates the disk. The strainer has an upper mesh portion and a lower portion where the walls and bottom are solid. The strainer also has an internal diverter plate. Influent containing debris strikes the plate and debris settles in the strainer and is retained in the non-mesh portion thereof.

Abstract: An oil recovery apparatus and method, particularly for removing oil and grease from the discharge of dishwashing machines or the like, provides a small size assembly employing the same principle as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,024. This apparatus and method employs single rotating discs of plastic or plastic coated material and each disk has a pair of scraper blades arranged to scrape opposite sides of the rotating blade. Exterior of the container for the oil recovery apparatus is at least one filter basket adapted to receive the flow into the strainer container of large particles of food and other waste such as cigarette butts and the like. Each filter is disposed for the ready cleaning of accumulated matter from the basket. There is shown plural filters, valve controlls, auxiliary heating and disc support means to be more fully described.

Abstract: There is shown an oil recovery apparatus and method which includes a plurality of like-sized disks carried on a rotatable shaft. These disks are partially immersed in the fluid which contains the unwanted oil or oil-like material to be removed or recovered from the larger body of fluid. The disks are preferably of plastic or are plastic coated and during immersion the oil contaminator is picked up by and with the engagement of the disks in the oil portion of the fluid after which plastic scraper blades engage the sides of the disks to remove this oil from the sides of the rotating disk. The scrapings which are removed are fed by a channel guideway or ways to a collector. Two arrangements of plastic scraper assemblies are shown. In one embodiment there are two blades arranged to straddle the disk and simultaneously scrape opposite sides of this disk as the disk is rotated. The removed oil is carried by two conductors to a collector.