Abstract: A piping manifold that combines multiple solids fluidizers with a common motive fluid connection and a common slurry discharge connection. The manifold utilizes flexible pipe materials to connect the individual fluidizer feed and discharge connections to a distribution and a collection hub that are combined into a single structure with a common dividing plate between the distribution and collection chambers. An adjustable support structure that allows adjustable positioning of the individual fluidizers without customized design, manufacturing or modification of the manifold.

Abstract: A fluid separation apparatus includes a hydrocyclone (100) having an orifice (134) therein, a housing (202) disposed in the hydrocyclone and having a bore (204), a piston (240) disposed in the bore (204) of the housing (202), and a first annular seal (248) disposed between the housing (202) and the piston (240) and configured to restrict fluid communication between the housing (202) and the piston (240), wherein the piston (240) includes a passage (242) extending through the piston (240) and having a pin (254) coupled to a first end (240a) of the piston, the piston (240) being actuatable to move between a first position (260) where the pin (254) is clear of the orifice (134) of the hydrocyclone, and a second position where the pin (254) is disposed in the orifice (134), wherein, the piston (240) is configured such that as the piston is actuated from the first position to the second position, fluid is permitted to flow into the passage (242) of the piston (240) from the bore (204) of the housing (202).

Abstract: A fluid separation apparatus includes a hydrocyclone (100) having an orifice (134) therein, a housing (202) disposed in the hydrocyclone and having a bore (204), a piston (240) disposed in the bore (204) of the housing (202), and a first annular seal (248) disposed between the housing (202) and the piston (240) and configured to restrict fluid communication between the housing (202) and the piston (240), wherein the piston (240) includes a passage (242) extending through the piston (240) and having a pin (254) coupled to a first end (240a) of the piston, the piston (240) being actuatable to move between a first position (260) where the pin (254) is clear of the orifice (134) of the hydrocyclone, and a second position where the pin (254) is disposed in the orifice (134), wherein, the piston (240) is configured such that as the piston is actuated from the first position to the second position, fluid is permitted to flow into the passage (242) of the piston (240) from the bore (204) of the housing (202).

Abstract: A system and method for extracting oil from a fluid mixture includes a separation vessel having an internal chamber that extends to a chamber elevation, an inlet port, a water outlet port, and an oil outlet port. A liquid storage tank has an inlet port, an upper outlet port located at an upper outlet elevation, and a lower outlet port. A first conduit system interconnects the separation vessel's water outlet port and the tank's inlet port and has a top conduit segment at the upper outlet elevation. A second conduit system interconnects the first conduit system and the tank's inlet port. The second conduit system intersects the first conduit system below the upper outlet elevation and above the chamber elevation. A pump may be employed to transfer fluid from the upper outlet port back to the separation vessel.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting oil from a fluid mixture includes a separation vessel having an internal chamber that extends to a chamber elevation, an inlet port, a water outlet port, and an oil outlet port. A liquid storage tank has an inlet port, an upper outlet port located at an upper outlet elevation, and a lower outlet port. A first conduit system interconnects the separation vessel's water outlet port and the tank's inlet port and has a top conduit segment at the upper outlet elevation. A second conduit system interconnects the first conduit system and the tank's inlet port. The second conduit system intersects the first conduit system below the upper outlet elevation and above the chamber elevation. A pump may be employed to transfer fluid from the upper outlet port back to the separation vessel.