Abstract: A hydrocyclone separator for separating oil from water includes a substantially cylindrical first portion with a central overflow outlet and at least one tangential flow inlet, an essentially single angled conical second portion, and a substantially cylindrical third portion, with a central underflow outlet. The hydrocyclone separator is made in accordance with the following relationships:do<du<Dc0.1.ltoreq. di/Dc.ltoreq. 0.40.01.ltoreq. do/Dc.ltoreq. 0.060.ltoreq. Lc/Dc.congruent. 2.03.degree..ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq. 30.degree.0.1.ltoreq. du/Dc.ltoreq. 0.59.ltoreq. Ls/Dc.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for preventing oil droplet size reduction when introducing an oil/water stream into an oil-from-water separation unit. The system includes a conduit extending from a source of the oil/water stream to an inlet of the oil-from-water separation unit, which can be one or more hydrocyclone separators, centrifuges, settling tanks and the like. A throttling device is operatively connected to the conduit for regulating the quantity of the oil/water stream passing therethrough. The throttling device eliminates the shearing of the fluid, thereby preventing oil droplet size reduction. The throttling device can include a progressive cavity motor with a rotation control mechanism connected to the rotor of the motor to control the rpm of the rotor, and thus the quantity and pressure of the fluid passing therethrough.

Abstract: A hydrocyclone separation system is disclosed for separating a fluid mixture into at least two separate density components and for precluding remixing of semi-separated higher density components. A first and second hydrocyclone separators each has a central overflow outlet, a tangential fluid inlet, and a central overflow outlet. The first and second hydrocyclone separators are oppositely disposed such that a curved flow direction conduit extends from the underflow outlet of the first hydrocyclone separator to the tangential fluid inlet of the second hydrocyclone separator. Thereby, rotating fluid exiting the underflow of the first hydrocyclone separator is tangentially passed into the inlet of the second hydrocyclone separator precluding remixing of semi-separated higher density components and increasing the overall separation efficiency of the system.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus are disclosed herein for controlling the quantity of oil as a contaminant being discharged with water from a hydrocyclone. The hydrocyclone comprises a conical body with an upper liquid mixture inlet, a drive fluid inlet, an overflow outlet for the separated oil and drive fluid, and an underflow outlet for the separated water. The method includes monitoring the quantity of separated oil with the discharged water and varying the quantity of the drive fluid introduced into the interior of the hydrocyclone whereby the quantity of the oil as a contaminant is minimized.

Abstract: A liquid separator is disclosed for separating a liquid mixture into first and second liquids of different densities. The liquid separator includes a substantially conical chamber having a closed upper portion with a liquid mixture inlet therein. A first liquid collecting mechanism is provided in a lower portion of the conical chamber for collecting and removing a first separated liquid, and a second liquid collecting device surrounds the opening in the lower portion of the conical chamber for collecting and removing a second separated liquid. A return conduit mechanism is provided for returning a portion of the second separated liquid tangentially into an upper portion of the conical chamber to act as a drive fluid to cause the centrally introduced liquid mixture to rotate for effective and efficient separation.