Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous vacuum cleaning of oil operating on the principle of continuous alteration of a compression, and of a separating cycle, by utilizing a combined action of quasistationary processes instigated by reduced pressure and of non stationary processes generated by a hydrodynamic cavitator. Due to a repeated circulation of the oil filling through a non-stationary and a quasistationary separating process, a high purity of oil, which is subsequently forced back into the container of the oil system, or of an electric transformer, respectively, is achieved and simultaneously a safe removal of contaminations.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring fluid condition in a fluid recovery system for removing water and solid contaminants from a fluid is disclosed. One aspect of the present invention relates to an improved fluid level indicator device for indicating and controlling the fluid level in a vacuum distillation chamber. A second aspect of the invention relates to an improved sight glass used for monitoring the condition of the cleaned fluid. The sight glass is a one-piece unit formed from a homogeneous, substantially transparent material. Both fluid level indicator and sight glass are designed to function individually or in combination in the severe environment and under the diverse operating conditions of the fluid recovery system.

Abstract: A fluid recovery system for removing water and solid contaminants from a fluid such a lubricant oil, coolant, and lubricating oils and the like for manufacturing operations is disclosed. A cylindrical vacuum vessel is provided with a centrally disposed cylindrical heating unit and a heat exchanger coil surrounding the heating unit, within the confines of the vacuum vessel. A water condensation trapping cover seal arrangement is provided for the top of the vessel. A cylindrical filter is disposed in surrounding relationship to the heating unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a residual crude oil into a light oil fraction and a heavy oil fraction in which the oil is first separated into a first light oil fraction and a first heavy oil fraction, the first heavy oil fraction is further separated into a second light oil fraction, an intermediate oil fraction and a second heavy oil fraction and the intermediate fraction is recycled to the first separation step.

Abstract: A used lubricating oil reclamation apparatus in which filters, heat exchangers, a vaporizer unit, pumps and other necessary equipment are all contained in a wheeled cabinet. The oil to be reclaimed is pumped through a warming heat exchanger, a first filter, a vaporizer unit, and further filters, after which appropriate additives are mixed into the decontaminated oil in a mixing tank. A vacuum is maintained on the vaporizer unit to exhaust the vapours from it via the heat exchanger and a condensate tank.

Abstract: A solvent extraction coal conversion process is provided wherein the effluent slurry product is subjected to vacuum distillation to yield distillate and extrudable still bottoms. The latter are removed from the vacuum still by means of an extrusion screw which is operatively associated with the still.

Abstract: A simplified, essentially maintenance-free yet highly efficient distillation tower and method for waste oil rerefining is provided which allows direct vacuum distillation of additive-supplemented waste oils without chemical pretreatment thereof and yields a highly refined intermediate oil suitable for immediate use or final polishing, along with a valuable bottoms fraction usable in greases or asphalts, for example. The tower includes an upright, cylindrical chamber with a tangential waste oil inlet and cooperating internal baffle for creating a whirling oil flow pattern therewithin, along with means for maintaining the proper temperature conditions within the tower for maximizing vaporization and recovery of hydrocarbons from the waste oil while also preventing undesirable decomposition or cracking of the oil.