Abstract: Oil-water mixtures are by-products of a number of known commercial activities such as crude oil production and power plant operation. Disposition of such mixtures in most all cases is prohibited by environmental regulation. Disposition may be effected, however, after separation of the oil from the water. This separation may be accomplished in a deepbed type filter. Where the oil in the water is unusually viscous or has a waxy, tar-like, or sticky consistency, for example, rejuvenation of the filter bed is enhanced by the addition of a small amount of a solvating liquid to the oil-water mixture before filtering.

Abstract: Oil, used as a lubricant and coolant in an industrial process, may become contaminated by foreign materials, for example, water and solid particulate. Because of its cost, continued use of the oil is desirous but impossible if the foreign materials are not removed when the concentration of such becomes excessive. By heating the contaminated oil and adding a chemical agent such as an alkaline solution of sodium metasilicate, the oil may be selectively separated from its contaminants allowing its further use.

Abstract: Particulate matter collected by an environmental air quality control device may be in part toxic in nature and thus not readily disposable. By separating the toxic portion of the particulate matter from a nontoxic portion, disposal of nontoxic portion may be more easily accomplished. This separation may be readily effected where the toxic portion is soluble and the nontoxic portion is insoluble, thus allowing the toxic soluble portion to be formed into a solution with a dissolving liquid. The nontoxic insoluble portion then may be filtered from the toxic solution, rinsed, dried and disposed of accordingly.