Abstract: Impedance level sensor with a probe, which is influenced by a medium surrounding the probe in a measuring capacity, with the probe comprising a measuring electrode and a reference electrode isolated from the measuring electrode, between which the measuring capacity forms, a measuring oscillation circuit, in which the probe is arranged as a capacity-determining element, an electronic unit with a signal generator to excite the measuring oscillation circuit, an evaluation and control unit for generating a measuring signal, which is connected to the electronic unit, characterized in that the electronic unit comprises a current meter for detecting a current at the input of the signal generator.

Abstract: A filling pipe arrangement for filling an automobile fluid tank with fluid, especially aqueous urea solution, with a passage passing through a predetermined passageway along the filling pipe arrangement, wherein the passage extends from an inserting mouth to a discharge opening, wherein an inserting end section of the passage comprising the inserting mouth is designed to hold at least temporarily an output end section of a delivery device, such as a spigot, a Kruse bottle, or the like, wherein the passage comprises, at a distance from the inserting mouth, a conducting section designed to lead fluid introduced into the filling pipe arrangement through the filling pipe arrangement, wherein the filling pipe arrangement comprises a magnetic arrangement whose magnetic field reaches into the passage in one section of the passageway, the magnetic arrangement is received in the filling pipe arrangement so that it is movable along the passageway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical probe which consists of a cannula with a multilumen stylet inside. The multilumen contains at least two lumen. Both the multilumen as well as the cannula may have beveled ends. In the lumen straight optical fibers (i.e. no angle end face) are present that can be connected at the proximal end to a console. The cannula, multilumen, fiber system forming the medical probe comprises at least in one of the lumen of the multilumen more than one optical fiber. Preferably the source and detector fibers for the fluorescence detection are contained in one single lumen of the multilumen.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting a position of an oil-water interface layer. A vessel, such as a free water knockout or a treater used in the processing of heavy oil, contains a fluid comprising the interface layer. A nuclear densitometer is positioned to obtain density measurements of the fluid at various heights along the vessel. Based at least in part on these density readings, a valve controlling flow out of a water discharge port on the vessel may be actuated, with the flow of water through the water discharge port being inversely proportional to the height of the interface layer.

Abstract: A solenoid operated unit for detecting and bleeding undesired liquid present in desired liquid of different resistivity and specific gravity, the two liquids being immiscible with each other; with an electrical arrangement having a pair of parallel sensor pins and a pair of serial sensor pins. A dual function diaphragm ensures suitability for use with contaminated fluids. A pressure equalization outlet ensures smooth and speedy bleeding of undesired liquid. A modular mechanical sensor, when provided, provides redundancy such that desired fluid is not drained in situations of any electro-mechanical failure.

Abstract: Laundry washing machine (1) includes an outer casing (2) and, inside said casing (2), a washing tub (3). A rotatable drum arranged in an axially rotating manner inside the washing tub (3) and is structured for receiving the laundry to be washed. A detergent dispensing assembly (9) is structured for supplying detergent into the washing tub (3). A first fresh-water supply circuit (10) is structured for selectively channeling a flow of fresh water from the water mains towards the detergent dispensing assembly (9) and/or the washing tub (3). A water softening device (11) which is interposed between the first fresh-water supply circuit (10) and the detergent dispensing assembly (9) or the washing tub (3), and is structured for reducing the hardness degree of the fresh water supplied to the washing tub (3).

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a front and a rear opposite to the front in a front-rear direction of the work vehicle, and a lateral direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The work vehicle further includes an engine, a hood, a fuel tank, a fuel supply path, a separator, and a front protector. The hood is to cover the engine. The fuel tank is to store fuel. The fuel stored in the fuel tank is to be supplied to the engine via the fuel supply path. The separator is provided in the fuel supply path to remove water in the fuel flowing through the fuel supply path. The separator includes a protruding portion protruding from the hood in the lateral direction. The front protector is provided at a front side with respect to the protruding portion of the separator to protect a front portion of the protruding portion.

Abstract: An analysis apparatus is provided with: a light emitting part, a light dispersing part, a light detecting part, a storage unit, and a control unit. The light dispersing part disperses first reflected light reflected from a food product when the food product has been irradiated with light from the light emitting part. The light detecting part: generates first detection data by detecting the first reflected light dispersed; and, when a food product sample containing known ingredients is irradiated with light from the light emitting part, generates second detection data by detecting second reflected light reflected from the food product sample and dispersed by the light dispersing part. The storage unit stores a regression formula computed using the second detection data as a parameter. The control unit estimates the ingredients contained in the food product using the first detection data and the regression formula stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: An automatic water drain apparatus includes a reservoir, a fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet. A first valve member is moveable between an open position for admitting fluid to the reservoir via the fluid inlet and a closed position for preventing admission of fluid to the reservoir. A second valve member is moveable between an open position for exhausting fluid from the reservoir and a closed position for preventing exhaust of fluid from the reservoir. At least one actuator is operable to move the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet between their respective open and closed positions. A sensor is disposed outside the reservoir and is operable to produce a first sensor output signal in response to detection of the presence of water, wherein the at least one actuator moves the first valve to the open position in response to the first sensor output signal.

Abstract: A storm water catch basin hazardous liquid valve that is automatically responsive to the presence of hazardous liquids in storm water run-off, the valve utilizing a hydrophobic barrier member to separate hazardous liquids from water. Collection of a sufficient amount of hazardous liquids across the hydrophobic barrier member initiates a float release member to seal off the catch basin. In the neutral or non-activated status, the storm water run-off enters the catch basin, passes through the valve assembly and out through the storm water conduit system in normal manner. When a hazardous liquid, such as oil, gasoline, chemicals, etc., is present in the storm water run-off above a threshold amount, the valve activates to close off the catch basin such that the storm water run-off is precluded from entering the storm water conduit system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an engine protecting apparatus for preventing the inflow of moisture, which drops the RPM (revolutions per minute) of an engine by generating an RPM drop request signal when moisture drain does not occur, wherein a time is counted from the point when a moisture detection signal is received from a WIF sensor installed in a moisture separator, and moisture drain is checked at the point when a counted cumulative time exceeds a set time. When moisture drain is not performed even after a signal for moisture drain is received from a moisture detecting sensor installed in the moisture separator, a driver is aware of the seriousness of moisture separation to thus separate moisture in the moisture separator as soon as possible. This prevents fatal damages which may be aroused in an injector or fuel system due to the introduction of moisture into an engine.

Abstract: A fluid flow control system includes a fluid inlet, a central chamber, a first nozzle extending from a first side of the central chamber and comprising a first throat, a second nozzle extending from a second side of the central chamber opposite the first side and comprising a second throat, and a flow control shuttle. The flow control shuttle includes a first needle having a first tapered portion positioned within the first throat for controlling flow through the first nozzle and a second needle having a second tapered portion positioned within the second throat for controlling flow through the second nozzle.

Abstract: A multi-phase separation flow management apparatus has a housing with an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet and in which a movable element is mounted. The movable element has a first passageway with an inlet and an outlet and a second passageway having an inlet and an outlet, and are disposed in the element so that the inlets of the first and second passageways are adjacent one another and the outlets of the first and second passageways are spaced apart from one another. The inlets are disposed adjacent a housing inlet, the first passageway outlet is disposed adjacent a first housing outlet and the second passageway outlet is disposed adjacent a second housing outlet.

Abstract: A choke assembly comprises an inlet (48) for a multiphase fluid stream, the stream comprising a first relatively heavy fluid phase and a second relatively light fluid phase; a first fluid outlet (116); a choke element (22) disposed between the inlet and the first fluid outlet operable to control the flow of fluid between the inlet and the first fluid outlet; a separation chamber (40, 114) disposed to provide separation of phases in the fluid stream upstream of the choke element; and a second outlet (118) for removing fluid from the separation cavity. The choke assembly is of particular use in the control of fluid streams produced from a subterranean well, in particular oil and gas produced from a subsea well.

Abstract: A floating plug emergency drain valve for a floating roof used with a storage tank for volatile fluid, where the floating roof includes vertically spaced apart top and bottom surfaces and a duct having open top and bottom ends that extends through the roof for drainage through the roof of water accumulated atop the roof, the valve having an open state for allowing the accumulated water to drain downward through the duct and a closed state for blocking vapors from rising upward through the duct, the valve including a valve seat having an upper sealing surface, and a valve sealing element having a buoyant ball-like upper part, and a bottom part formed as a plug extending downward with a bottom sealing surface sealing with the valve seat upper sealing surface when the valve is in its closed state.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is a method of forming a nanochannel including depositing a photosensitive film stack over a substrate and forming a pattern on the film stack using interferometric lithography. The method can further include depositing a plurality of silica nanoparticles to form a structure over the pattern and removing the pattern while retaining the structure formed by the plurality of silica nanoparticles, wherein the structure comprises an enclosed nanochannel.

Abstract: Some water drain valves tend to fill with water which may freeze, thereby jamming the valve. This invention provides an aircraft water drain valve comprising a passageway, a shaft, a first sealing member and a second sealing member. The shaft is moveable between an open position in which the first and second sealing members are arranged to allow free passage of fluid through the passageway, and a closed position in which both the first and second sealing members are arranged to prevent free passage of fluid through the passageway thereby preventing ingress of fluid into the region between the first and second sealing members. Thus water may be hindered from collecting and freezing in the part of the valve close to the cold wall of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A portable fuel tank includes a recess formed in a top wall that accommodates a fuel/water separator canister. The canister includes an inlet in fluid communication with liquid fuel in the enclosure and an outlet in fluid communication with a motor. The canister retains water separated from the fuel. A fuel intake tube is disposed within the tank and a fuel inlet conduit is disposed externally of the tank. The fuel inlet conduit has a first end in fluid communication with the fuel intake tube and a second end in fluid communication with an inlet of the canister. A manifold includes a first branch providing fluid communication between the fuel inlet conduit and the canister inlet and a second branch providing fluid communication between the canister outlet and a fuel outlet conduit that supplies water-free fuel to a motor.

Abstract: A floating plug emergency drain valve for a floating roof used with a storage tank for volatile fluid, where the floating roof includes vertically spaced apart top and bottom surfaces and a duct having open top and bottom ends that extends through the roof for drainage through the roof of water accumulated atop the roof, the valve having an open state for allowing the accumulated water to drain downward through the duct and a closed state for blocking vapors from rising upward through the duct, the valve including: a. a valve seat mountable in the duct below the top surface of the roof, the valve seat having an upper sealing surface, and b. a valve sealing element having (i) a buoyant ball-like upper part, and (ii) a bottom part formed as a plug extending downward with a bottom sealing surface conforming generally to and sealing with the valve seat upper sealing surface when the valve is in its closed state.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a vehicle including an engine and a fuel system. In one embodiment, a water drainage system for a fuel system comprises a fuel tank, a fuel-water separator, a separator water sensor, a drain valve, a purge tank, a purge tank water sensor, and a purge port. The fuel tank is in fluid communication with the fuel-water separator which is in fluid communication with the fuel-water separator which is in fluid communication with the drain valve which is in fluid communication with the purge tank. The purge tank is enclosed within and in fluid communication with the fuel tank. The separator water sensor may be operably disposed in the fuel-water separator and the purge tank water sensor may be operably coupled to the purge tank. The purge port is in fluid communication with the purge tank.

Abstract: In a moisture separator, a manifold that communicates with a steam inlet is disposed in a shell. A plurality of blowout outlets for steam is provided on a side of the manifold. A first support plate and a lower support frame are fixed to a lower part in the shell to compart a steam drift space and a drain path. A moisture separating element is provided corresponding to the manifold, and steam from which moisture is removed by the moisture separating element is heated by a group of heating tubes to flow as high-temperature reheat steam to the steam outlet. The moisture is led from the drain opening through the drain path to the drain outlet. A blocking plate blocks a part of the drain opening.

Abstract: A liquid thermal management purging system for efficiently removing the liquid coolant within a liquid thermal management system prior to opening the system for maintenance. The liquid thermal management purging system generally includes a reservoir storing a volume of liquid coolant and a volume of displacement liquid and a thermal management unit in fluid communication with the reservoir. A displacement pump and a drain pump are fluidly connected between the reservoir and the thermal management unit to selectively provide displacement liquid to and remove liquid coolant from the thermal management unit (and vice-versa).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing a dense liquid such as diesel fuel from being dispensed into a storage tank that contains a less dense liquid, such as gasoline fuel and vice versa. The unloading process happens by gravity through a vertical down hole. The invention uses the gravitational flow of the fluid, a movable float that is moved by contact with a fluid of a predetermined density, and a magnetic member to activate the stopping feature.

Abstract: An inflatable flow control apparatus and method for controlling the flow of a fluid through a drain passage are provided. The apparatus includes an inflatable bladder with first and second opposite sides and an outer surface extending between the sides. A plurality of tubular passages extend through the bladder between the first and second sides. The bladder is configured to be inflated in the drain passage so that the outer surface is disposed against the drain passage and the fluid in the drain passage is directed through the tubular passages. The flow of the fluid through the tubular passages can be selectively controlled, e.g., by opening and closing valves connected to the passages.

Abstract: A gas/liquid phase separator includes a fluid inlet, a vapor outlet, a liquid outlet, and first and second valves disposed in fluid communication with the liquid outlet. Both valves are controllable in response to a fluid level in the gas/liquid phase separator. Both valves are further disposed in parallel fluid communication with each other. A method of controlling a liquid level in the phase separator includes sensing an amount of liquid in the phase separator, sensing a system pressure, and selectively opening a valve disposed in fluid communication with the phase separator to drain the liquid.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to block the water outflow from a light liquid separator comprising an outflow ascending pipe (1) with a lower inlet (3), and a horizontal output pipe (2). To this end, a blocking element (4) displaced by a float (9) is provided. The float (9) and the blocking element (4) are displaceably guided on a fixing element (11) that can be detachably associated with the water outlet (1).

Abstract: A device for separating water immiscible hydrocarbons from water contained on vessel decks by spill rails with at least one scupper comprises a rigid liquid impermeable body adapted to be attached on the inside of a spill rail at a scupper and which defines with the spill rail a chamber that has an opening at the bottom end of the body which opening is at a level below the bottom of the scupper.

Abstract: An electric conductivity water probe consisting of a test chamber having a wall, a fluids input/output port, and a water input port, the wall having a first and at least a second wall section, the first and at least second wall sections being electrically isolated from each other by an electrical insulator; and a valve connected operatively to the fluids input/output port, the valve being adapted for alternately and permitting and resisting flows of fluids through the fluids port.

Abstract: A condensate removal system for removing condensate or infiltrate from a fluid reservoir containing a lubricating or scaling fluid. The condensate removal system includes a fluid conduit having a discharge leg with an outlet port. The condensate removal system prevents or inhibits evaporation of fluid within the discharge leg through the outlet port of the discharge leg while allowing fluid within the discharge leg to flow through the outlet port. The location of the outlet port of the discharge leg is adjustable to compensate for different specific gravities of the lubricating or sealing fluid.

Abstract: A liquid separator (10) for separating two immiscible liquids having different specific gravities, for example, a first liquid comprising water and a second liquid comprising oil. The liquid separator (10) has a housing (12) that defines a separation chamber (14) and liquid inlet (16), a first liquid outlet (18) and a second liquid outlet (20) mounted above the first liquid outlet (18). A float 26 is positioned within separation chamber 14 to translate in the vertical direction and has a specific gravity between that of the first and second liquids so that it floats at approximately the interface (28) between the two liquid phases (30 and 32). Valve closure devices (38 and 40) contact valve seats in the valves 46 and 56 of first and second liquid outlets (18 and 20) to control the flow of separated liquids from separation chamber 14 as determined by the level of the interface (28) and the length of the valve rods (34 and 36).

Abstract: Sewerage inlet having a grating (3), a foliage-retaining basin (4) arranged below said grating (3) and a container provided with an outflow pipe (6) in which container a valve (10) controlled by a float is arranged upstream of the outflow pipe (6) and closes said outflow pipe (6) when the liquid in the container is lighter than water. For conveying the surface water away from streets, grounds and production yards a sewerage inlet is proposed, the container (5) thereof being subdivided by a removable separating floor (11) into an upper sedimentation chamber (12) and a lower collection chamber (13) into which the outflow inlet (8) connected with said outflow pipe (6) having a valve (10) and a float are arranged and whereby said sedimentation chamber (12) is connected via a soil pipe (14) with said collection chamber (13), the inlet opening (15) thereof being at a relatively large distance from said separating floor (11) and the outlet opening (16) being below said outflow pipe (6).

Abstract: A filter arrangement for filtering fluid comprises a housing and a valve arrangement. The housing includes an inlet, an outlet, and a draining aperture. The valve arrangement is constructed and arranged to move between a closed position and an open position without the use of threads. The closed position prevents evacuation of fluid from the housing through the draining aperture, and the open position permits evacuation of fluid from the housing through the draining aperture. One valve arrangement may include a pair of ports and a pair of air vents. The valve is actuated by aligning the ports and air vents on a sliding sealing surface. An indicator arrangement including a float and a clear window is provided to give the user a visual indication of the level of water within the filter. Methods for using the constructions herein are provided.

Abstract: This invention discloses a separation valve for separating immiscible liquids of different specific gravities, including container having a chamber for receiving the liquids, an outlet at the lower end of the container for outletting the liquid of higher specific gravity, a valve opening between the chamber and the outlet, and a floatable valve member within the chamber movable towards and away from the valve opening, the valve member being of a weight and volume such as to be at least partially immersed in the liquid of lower specific gravity in the chamber and to float in the liquid of higher specific gravity, and thereby to close said valve opening when the liquid of higher specific gravity within the chamber has exited therefrom via the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for separate drainage of two non-miscible liquids, especially oil and water, from a surface, especially from the deck (4) of a tanker (1). The apparatus comprises an upwardly open, well-forming container (11) which, in use, is installed with its upper edge essentially flush with said surface (4), and which is provided in its upper portion with a first (13) and a second (14) outlet means, the first outlet means (13) being located at a lower level than the second one (14). In the container (11) there is provided an inner tube (15) having a lower open end at the bottom (12) of the container (11), and an upper end which is carried in a sealing manner through the wall of the container (11) and is connected to the first outlet means (13).

Abstract: Automatically resetting mechanical valve is used to control unwanted discharge of liquids less dense than water, principally oil, which may be present in waste water flows. The valve is closed by the sinking of a primary flow which closes a primary orifice, and the floating of a secondary float which closes a smaller secondary orifice. The primary float is less dense than water but more dense than oil. The secondary float is less dense than both oil and water. When the primary float becomes sufficiently immersed in oil, the primary float sinks and effectively closes the primary orifice in an outlet conduit. In the event of evaporation or removal of liquid from the valve, the (smaller) secondary orifice automatically opens, thereby allowing hydrostatic pressure inside and outside of the outlet conduit to equalize. Upon reintroduction of water to the device, the primary float unseats and the valve automatically re-opens.

Abstract: A system for containing oil in a containment tank received from a transformer bank for a hydroelectric power generating station. A capacitance proximity sensor is mounted at a predetermined height within the tank and is operative to sense the passage of an oil/water interface in close proximity to the sensor to generate an output control signal for controlling a solenoid operated valve for the tank to close the valve and prevent spillage of oil into the environment. Collected water can be drained from the tank to a point where the oil/water interface has been reduced to a predetermined height within the tank, thereby leaving adequate remaining oil containing capacity within the tank in the event of further oil discharge from a transformer.

Abstract: A petroleum stream control system includes a valve receiving a petroleum stream which divides the petroleum stream into at least two petroleum substreams in accordance with the control signal. A sample stream is withdrawn from each substream and irradiated with microwave energy. Microwave energies that have passed through the sample streams are received. A signal circuit generated signals corresponding to an electrical property of the sample stream in accordance with the received microwave energies. A control circuit provides the control signal to the valve in accordance with the signals from the signal circuit, so as to control the dividing of the petroleum stream.

Abstract: Net oil production from a low volume high watercut well or other source of a water-oil mixture is accurately metered with systems which include a separator vessel which allows a water-oil mixture to collect and form a separate oil layer on top of the water and which has liquid level sensors and an oil detector which measures the presence of an oil layer. The sensors are arranged in such a way with associated control circuits so that the vessel does not discharge oil until a significant accumulation of an oil layer occurs in the vessel. The systems each include a liquid discharge conduit and a motor operated control valve connected to a logic circuit which receives signals from the level sensors and the oil detector to provide cyclic operation of the valve to discharge water from the vessel repeatedly until a relatively large quantity of oil collects and then discharges all of the oil prior to resumption of the operating cycle.

Abstract: In an oilfield production system, a water driven jet pump is used to evacuate vapors from storage tanks to thereby recover the vapors and prevent emissions from passing to the atmosphere. The jet pump entrains the vapors in process water which is passed to a process separator already in the system. The gas is separated for recovery.

Abstract: An adjustable regulator of the type having fluid coupling oil within a cavity exposed to ambient pressure and overlying a diaphragm which operates based upon imbalances of said ambient pressure and an intermediate pressure zone on the other side of said diaphragm. The adjustment of the spring on the diaphragm is accomplished by means of a cap screw which is screwed into the sidewalls of the regulator within the cavity holding the oil. The oil is prevented from draining from the cavity by a second diaphragm overlying the oil in the cavity which can flex based upon changes in ambient pressure. The cap screw has a threaded extension in the form of a stem and tool surface on the other side of said stem for turning said cap screw.

Abstract: An automatically resetting mechanical valve used to control unwanted discharge of liquids less dense than water, principally oil, which may be present in waste water flows. The valve is closed by sinking both a primary float and a secondary float, each less dense than water but more dense than the liquid whose discharge is to be stopped. The sinking primary float effectively closes an orifice in an outlet conduit upon the sinking primary float's becoming sufficiently immersed in the less dense liquid. Upon the reintroduction of water, the secondary float acts upon a lever of high mechanical advantage, which pries the primary float upward, which, in turn, allows hydraulic pressure inside and outside the conduit to equalize, thereby allowing the primary float to unseat and the valve to automatically re-open.

Abstract: Improved techniques are provided for separating mixtures of materials having different densities. The apparatus of the present invention is well suited for separating oil from water, and includes a separation tank defining a cylindrical water storage chamber and a frustroconical separation chamber spaced above an adjoining the water storage chamber. Fluid is input to the separation tank at the level of the oil/water interface. An oil leg is spaced above the separation chamber, and an adjustable oil overflow unit is provided adjacent the oil outlet for selectively varying the head pressure of oil in the oil leg. A water leg is provided in parallel with the separation tank, and an adjustable water overflow unit is provided adjacent the water outlet for selectively varying the head pressure of water in the water leg. The adjustable overflow units allow the head pressure in the oil leg relative to the head pressure in the water leg to maintain the interface within the upper portion of the separation chamber.

Abstract: A multiphase petroleum stream monitoring system and method includes withdrawing a first sample stream from the petroleum stream. Both sample streams are irradiated with microwave energy. A second sample stream is withdrawn from the petroleum stream. Microwave energies that have passed through the sample streams are received. A signal circuit generated signals corresponding to an electrical property of the sample stream in accordance with the received microwave energies. A computer determines the validity of the sample streams and provides a water cut data on the petroleum stream when sample streams are valid sample streams.

Abstract: An emergency bulk liquid cargo handling system for marine vessels when storage tanks for those liquids have been ruptured and flooded with sea water wherein the liquid cargo handling system is adjustable to provide liquid cargo removal from the flooded tanks regardless of the level of the liquid cargo/water interface in the flooded tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing a spill and regulating the flow of a liquid into a drainage inlet comprise a flange for engaging the opening of the drainage inlet and a sidewall extending from the flange, the sidewall defining a pair of drainage openings therein adjacent the flange and a movable member is positionable in the drainage openings for preventing the flow of the liquid into the drainage inlet through the drainage openings, the movable member can be opened progressively from adjacent the flange to allow a heavier density fluid, such as water, to flow into the drainage opening while maintaining a lighter density fluid, such as oil, floating on the surface of the mixture that collects around the apparatus and thereby prevents entry of the oil into the drainage inlet.

Abstract: A horizontal vapor tight oil battery assembly includes a single, large size, combination separation and production tank for connection to a well-head. The separation of gas and water from oil and holding of the production oil all occurs within the same chamber. In one form, the combination separation and production tank is mounted on skids, and in another form, is adapted to be installed underground. The separation and production tanks are preferably adapted from surplus pressurized tank cars. Treaters may be used in association with the combination separation and production tank.

Abstract: The column for distillation of charge products which form a heavier liquid phase and a lighter liquid phase and connected sump circulating boiler are provided with a liquid impermeable collecting bottom plate located in a lower part of the column. The bottom plate has a discharge passage and the column is provided with a liquid withdrawal outlet arranged closely underneath the collecting bottom plate but above the lower end of the discharge passage so that the heavier phase can be prevented from reaching the liquid withdrawal outlet by gravity. One pipe connects the sump circulating boiler with the liquid withdrawal outlet to provide a free flow of liquid from the column to the sump circulating boiler for heating and another pipe connects the column with the sump circulating boiler above the collecting bottom plate so that the reheated liquid can flow from the sump circulating boiler to the column without a circulating pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to floating roof storage tanks, having a tank shell which is supported on a fixed base, and a floating roof supported by the liquid stored in the tank. Included in the base or roof is a displacement means to substantially displace the stored liquid when the floating roof is in its lowest position. In this way the volume of the heel of liquid unable to be removed from the tank is reduced. The displacement means can take the form of a container which protrudes downwardly from the roof, or a layer of ballast on the base of the tank. The ballast layer can be a liquid heavier than the stored liquid which can be retained in a dam if desired.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating immiscible liquids such as water from oil such as lubricating oil or diesel and fuel oil contained in a reservoir, including an outlet adjacent the lowest part of the reservoir, a first conduit having an inlet connected to the outlet of the reservoir, and a first conduit outlet where a selected segment of the conduit between the conduit inlet and outlet is of reduced diameter, and where a segment of the conduit intermediate the inlet and outlet is offset downwardly, a vertically disposed elongate separator having a midsection of selected diameter with an inlet connected to the outlet of the first conduit, a first receiver having a diameter greater than the diameter of the midsection and having an inlet communicating with the midsection where the first receiver is located above the midsection and a second receiver located beneath the receiver having a diameter greater than the midsection, with an inlet communicating with the midsection where the first receiver includes an en

Abstract: Apparatus for regulating the flow of a subject fluid which includes immiscible fluids having differing densities such as oil and water, wherein plug means are provided which sink in oil and float in water, said plug means being positioned to control the flow of fluids through a scupper aperture. The plug means cause a sealing surface to move in and out of contact with the scupper aperture. Means are provided to enhance the separation of the sealing surface from the scupper aperature when fluid flow is to be permitted, and to increase the fluid tightness of the seal when fluid flow is to be prevented. Means are also provided for reducing the effects of turbulence in the subject flow, and hence to enhance the separation of the immiscible fluids from one another.