Abstract: A reactor for the biological treatment of wastewater, includes a chamber capable of containing a mixture of wastewater and sludge comprising various levels, each level being defined by a sludge concentration and/or density; means for determining a minimum level and a maximum level of sludge extraction in the chamber, comprising: measurement means capable of measuring the sludge concentration and/or density at various levels of a mixture of wastewater and sludge; selection means capable of selecting a maximum sludge concentration and/or density value and a minimum sludge concentration and/or density value; deduction means capable of deducing a minimum extraction level corresponding to the maximum concentration value selected and a maximum extraction level corresponding to the minimum concentration value selected; extraction means capable of extracting sludge at variable levels between the minimum extraction level and the maximum extraction level.

Abstract: Nanofiltration of aqueous solutions or other water-based fluids in various applications, such as desalination, dialysis, seawater purification, for example, may be enhanced through precisely controlling a filtration cutoff within graphene oxide nanofilters. By initially compressing and constraining the stacked thickness of multiple graphene oxide layers deposited between porous substrates, the interlayer gap size, and thus, the filtration cutoff may be adjusted and optimized.

Abstract: A continuous centrifugal separator (CCS) system provides a laminar, annular, velocity distribution (LAVD) throughout, using axially staged and radially staged distribution of incoming flows. Diffuser plates help establish the LAVD at comparatively low (stably laminar) Reynolds numbers in axial flow through a trapezoidal (trapezoid of rotation) rotor shell. Dynamic cleaning (during uninterrupted operation) by feedback control of fluid and system conditions (e.g., turbidity, vibration) may be set and reset by feedback control. Static cleaning removes deposits not flushed by dynamic cleaning. A coalescence plate encourages collapse of the dispersion band to a thin boundary between separated species at a central radius optimized by operating parameters, such as mass flow rate and rotational velocity.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for vaporizing fuel. A method for vaporizing fuel includes providing a fuel vaporizer. The fuel vaporizer includes a chamber for receiving a liquid, the chamber comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The fuel vaporizer also includes a driver module coupled with the chamber, and a oscillator disposed within the chamber and configured to be driven by the driver module. The method includes feeding water through an inlet of the at least one inlet into the chamber. The method includes driving the oscillator using the driver module at a predetermined frequency, wherein a mist is created from the liquid. The method also includes introducing the mist from the chamber via an outlet of the at least one outlet into an intake of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A sludge handling system includes a bin from which treated sewage sludge is discharged. A rotabable discharge device includes an arm for scraping the inside of the bin and a frusto-conical chute from which sludge is discharged through a gate to a waiting truck. A stationary scoop is provided mounted on the gate to scrape the interior wall of the chute of adhering sludge.

Abstract: An adjustable nozzle assembly for a sieve box and a sieve box including same, including a support assembly and nozzles. A pair of elongated support members may be received through openings in support collars. Nozzles may be operatively connected to the collars. The support assembly, which may include collars and rods, are configured to provide at least one of lateral movement and rotational movement of the nozzles. At least one of the first elongated support member and the second elongated support member may be configured to move when coupled to the sieve box to adjust a spray angle of the nozzles. Pivoting of the one rod about the other rod adjusts the angle at which the nozzles are disposed. The rods may be externally threaded, and the collars may be internally threaded, such that when the rods are rotated, the collars translate laterally along the rods to move the nozzles.

Abstract: A continuous centrifugal separator (CCS) system provides a laminar, annular, velocity distribution (LAVD) throughout, using axially staged and radially staged distribution of incoming flows. Diffuser plates help establish the LAVD at comparatively low (stably laminar) Reynolds numbers in axial flow through a trapezoidal (trapezoid of rotation) rotor shell. Dynamic cleaning (during uninterrupted operation) by feedback control of fluid and system conditions (e.g., turbidity, vibration) may be set and reset by feedback control. Static cleaning removes deposits not flushed by dynamic cleaning. A coalescence plate encourages collapse of the dispersion band to a thin boundary between separated species at a central radius optimized by operating parameters, such as mass flow rate and rotational velocity.

Abstract: Method and device for changing the properties of at least one liquid medium, in which method the liquid medium is exposed in at least one container to vibrations in the low-frequency power ultrasonic range and, to regulate the flow speed of the liquid material in the container in which the liquid medium is present for ultrasonic irradiation and/or to regulate the internal pressure of the container, the cross-section inside a line upstream of an inlet of the container in the direction of flow and/or downstream of an outlet of the container in the direction of flow is varied by means of at least one pinch valve.

Abstract: A method of operating hydrocyclone comprising a separation chamber which in use is arranged to generate an internal air core for affecting a material separation process, comprises measuring both a vibrational parameter of the separation chamber and a stability parameter of the internal air core during operation of the hydrocyclone. The measurements are compared against predefined corresponding parameters which are indicative of a stable operation of the hydrocyclone and an operational parameter of the hydrocyclone is adjusted dependent on the comparison.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating on skimmed oil/water picked up from a body of water to separate the oil from the water and discharge the oil-free water back into the body of water, first feeds the skimmed oil/water into a gravity settling tank wherein the oil tends to settle above the water, removing relatively oil-free water from the bottom of the tank and measuring its oil content with an oil concentration sensor, and either returning the oil/water flow to the settling tank for further processing if the measured concentration of oil exceeds predetermined limits or discharging the water back into the body of water if the oil concentration is measured to be less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a separation process. An aerated inlet mixture of fluid and solids is fed to a flotation separation vessel and is separated into an upper float layer and a lower clarified layer. The upper float layer is withdrawn from the vessel when the height of the upper float layer exceeds the height of an overflow conduit and forms a concentrated solids effluent. The lower clarified layer is withdrawn from the separation vessel as a clarified fluid effluent. The separation process is performed continuously using a control process that maintains a relatively stable distribution between the lower clarified layer and the upper float layer. The control process is a closed loop process that monitors the instantaneous height of the vessel contents and computes an error function based on the instantaneous height and a set-point height. The error function is used to periodically adjust the outlet flowrate of the clarified fluid effluent. The resulting process has improved stability (e.g.

Abstract: In a liquid jetting head unit, a tank case in a head tank includes a first connection path connecting a downstream chamber of the tank case and a discharge path, and a second connection path connecting an upstream chamber of the tank case and the discharge path. The discharge path includes a filter member provided between a first part of the discharge path connected to the first connection path and a second part of the discharge path connected to the second connection path.

Abstract: A system for automated water drainage in a fuel system includes a fuel-water separator, a water sensor, first and second drain valves, a drain pressure sensor, and a control system, which is operably connected to the first and second drain valves, the water sensor, and the drain pressure sensor. The water sensor is disposed in the fuel-water separator for detecting the presence of water. The first drain valve is in fluid communication with the fuel-water separator, and the second drain valve is in fluid communication with the first drain valve; a fluid duct connects the first and second drain valves. The drain pressure sensor is positioned in the fluid duct, for detecting pressure levels in the fluid duct. The control system automatically operates the first and second drain valves, for removing purge liquid from the fuel-water separator, based on signal outputs of the water sensor and the drain pressure sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel filter (1), in particular for internal combustion engines of vehicles, comprising: a filter housing (2) having a cover (4) and a housing pot (3), a filter element (5) arranged in said housing pot (3) having a water collection space (9) formed in a floor region (10) between said filter element (5) and said housing pot (3) and a guide pipe (11) exiting from said water collection space (9) wherein a water discharge pipe (16) is arranged through which the water contained in said water collection space (9) can be borne out to the top side of said filter housing (2), wherein said guide pipe (11) protrudes over said cover (4) of said filter housing (2).

Abstract: This invention comprises a main rotating removal screen that catches floating materials such as big jellyfishes, wood chips, waste plastics and other things floating in water by endless rotation and including nets that move the floating materials caught to a position higher than the water surface, a receiving tray is provided for receiving the floating material caught by the main rotating removal screen and sending it to a discharge line, a secondary lifting device is provided that cooperates with above mentioned main rotating removal screen to lift and transfer the floating materials caught by the receiving tray, a water jet system is provided for dislodging any caught floating materials that is lifted higher than the receiving tray when it is hooked on the rotating removal screen and not released to the receiving tray, and a cutting water jet system is provided to cut oversized floating material into an acceptable size.

Abstract: A grit removal system for tanks with a need to remove settled solids (e.g., anaerobic digester tank) is described. The system is especially suitable for a large tank, preferably having a flat floor, and it works well while submerged under a liquid. Specifically, a periphery-driven rack & pinion mechanism drives a shaft to rotate about a center pivot, and scrapes settled solids towards tank periphery, where the solids fall into a pit on the tank floor. A drainage opening inside the pit, when opened by a valve, is used to flush out the solids through a standpipe into a settlement tank for final dewatering and solid disposal. The system is compatible for continuous tank operation, and is useful for stirring tanks requiring periodic sediment removal.

Abstract: An in-line flow separator (1) comprises an uphill section (2) of pipeline which, in use, carries a gravitationally stratified flow of a first liquid (3) and a second denser liquid (4). The second liquid (4) forms a sump (5) extending uphill from the foot of the uphill section (2), and an interface between the first and second liquids on the uphill section is inclined from the horizontal. An extraction port (6) in the pipeline extracts the second liquid from the sump.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a separation process. An aerated inlet mixture of fluid and solids is fed to a flotation separation vessel and is separated into an upper float layer and a lower clarified layer. The upper float layer is withdrawn from the vessel when the height of the upper float layer exceeds the height of an overflow conduit and forms a concentrated solids effluent The lower clarified layer is withdrawn from the separation vessel as a clarified fluid effluent. The separation process is performed continuously using a control process that maintains a relatively stable distribution between the lower clarified layer and the upper float layer. The control process is a closed loop process that monitors the instantaneous height of the vessel contents and computes an error function based on the instantaneous height and a set-point height The error function is used to periodically adjust the outlet flowrate of the clarified fluid effluent. The resulting process has improved stability (e.g.

Abstract: A reactor for washing sand contaminated with hydrocarbons comprises a vessel having an aperture in a bottom portion thereof. A steam cleaning device is located near a top of the vessel for receiving contaminated sand and cleaning the contaminated sand as it is introduced into the vessel. A rinsing device is positioned below the steam cleaning device for rinsing the sand with water. A sand conveying device comprising an air injection device is positioned in the bottom portion of the vessel for urging sand out of the aperture using compressed air, such that the sand is partially dewatered as the sand is urged out of the aperture.

Abstract: This invention refers to a filtering system for water and other liquids, which includes different filtering stages in the same element, with its cleaning being done automatically by a new procedure. The filtering system is comprised of a cylindrical outer casing with the pipe of the water to be filtered penetrating tangentially through its base, using centrifugal force in the first filtering stage to separate the particles with greater density. Then the liquid takes a helicoidal path and passes through different filtering devices, such as mesh, rings, etc., with the filtered and, therefore, clean water finally being collected in an appropriately perforated central pipe that comes out of the filter through the centre of its lower base. The system is used for the cleaning of liquids, basically water, in agriculture for localised irrigation, in industry, environment, etc.

Abstract: A system for washing contaminated sand comprises a plurality of reactors arranged in a sequence from a first to a last reactor. The first reactor is configured to receive contaminated sand. Each reactor comprises a funnel portion in a lower section thereof for accumulating a sand layer and a sand conveying device for removing sand through an aperture defined near a bottom of the funnel portion. Each reactor except the first reactor receives sand removed from a previous reactor. The system also comprises a steam supply system for providing each reactor with steam for washing the sand, a water supply system for providing the last reactor with clean water for rinsing the sand, and a fluid outlet associated with each reactor for removing fluid and providing the fluid to a separator for separating the fluid into first and second portions respectively containing relatively low and high proportions of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: System for the recovery of washing liquids used in showers, wash basins, and/or baths, characterised in that it includes a first decantation tank (1) provided with at least one inlet (100) connected to a downflow point of washing water, a second collection tank (2), an overflow partition wall (3) adapted to separate the two tanks (1, 2), a sewer drainage (101) at the bottom of the decantation tank (1), adapted to be closed by a plug (5) that can be raised by a float (4) in the collection tank (2) according to the liquid level therein, a drawing pump (7) in the collection tank (2), controllable by a relay (6), or electrical float, indicating the liquid requirements of a fitting (103), a pipe (104) connecting the pump (7) of the collection tank with the fitting (103), the relay (6), or electric float, electrically connected with the pump (7) and a valve (8) of the fitting (103) and controlled by a float (9) in the collection tank (2) for closing the electrical power supply to the pump (7) and opening the electr

Abstract: A method for separating particulate matter from a fluid includes feeding a fluid containing a particulate matter into a chamber of a vessel through an inlet, the chamber being at least partially bounded by a peripheral wall and the chamber also communicating with a first outlet and a second outlet. The vessel is rotated such that at least a portion of the particulate matter settles out of the fluid against at least a portion of the peripheral wall. At least a portion of the particulate matter settled against the peripheral is subsequently disturbed so that at least a portion of the particulate matter is resuspend within the fluid. The method further includes removing at least a portion of the fluid having the resuspended particulate matter therein through the first outlet and removing through the second outlet the fluid from which the particulate material has settled out.

Abstract: A settling grid separator apparatus and method of use which provides deep dehydration of high flow rate sludge in an environmentally friendly and energy efficient manner. The apparatus and method comprise and utilize an efficient mixing of the sludge with a flocculating agent or polymer solution, and sludge flow quieting techniques to reduce disturbances and promote flocculation of clustered solids. Free surface liquid rejection, a series of traps, and pressurized filtering utilize gravimetric, hydrometric, and densimetric techniques to separate liquid from suspended solids. Gravitational forces are utilized throughout the apparatus and method to promote separation of higher density solids from the lower density liquid carrier. Upon separation, solids with a minimal liquid content are controllably discharged for proper disposal or recycling.

Abstract: A device for separating fluid mixtures, in particular for separating water from oil, includes a vacuum container (10) with several sub-chambers (26, 44, 40). At least one liquid constituent of the fluid mixture can be transported from the vacuum container after separation, by a transport device (12). The other constituents can be extracted from the vacuum container (10) in the form of gas and/or steam, using a vacuum pump (20). One of the sub-chambers (26) of the vacuum container (10) houses a heating device (28, 30), which heats the fluid mixture. The fluid mixture is guided into an additional sub-chamber (40), and is separated into its constituents by traversing a packed bed. Even cold and consequently viscous fluid mixtures can be supplied, due to the heating device, for separation inside the aforementioned vacuum container.

Abstract: An apparatus to separate solids from drilling slurry, having an inlet positioned over an outlet of a concentration tank to displace water that would otherwise enter the down-stream centrifuges. Baffles are provided to direct solids to the outlet and minimize the time that solids spend in the concentration tank. Fluids having solids removed therefrom are removed from the apparatus at a location remote from the outlet.

Abstract: A method is provided for thickening sludge produced through a ballasted flocculation process. The sludge and granular material from the ballasted flocculation process are directed to a sludge separator where the sludge is separated from the granular material. Thereafter the separated sludge is sent to a degassing area and the sludge is degassed. A flocculating agent is mixed or injected into the sludge. The sludge is directed to a sludge thickener with a load at a sill calculated on the surface of the thickener greater than 200 kgMIS/m2/day. This process produces a thickened sludge having a concentration greater than 10 gm/l.

Abstract: A separator includes a vessel having a peripheral wall bounding a chamber. The vessel is rotatable about a rotational axis extending through the vessel. The chamber communicates with an inlet and a first outlet. A tubular member is disposed within the chamber and communicates external thereof. A plurality of fins are disposed within the chamber. Each of the fins extends from toward the tubular member to toward the peripheral wall. A first tube projects from the tubular member to toward the peripheral wall. The first tube has a second outlet in communication with the chamber. The first outlet is disposed closer to the rotational axis than the second outlet such that during use a fluid boundary line first outlet and the second outlet.

Abstract: An automatic screening apparatus for removing debris from a liquid stream includes a drive mechanism mounted to a support frame. A screen connects to the support frame and collects debris while allowing the liquid to flow through. The drive mechanism positions and interchangeably couples to a first carriage assembly and a second carriage assembly. The first carriage assembly includes a rake that removes the collected debris from the screen. The second carriage assembly includes a bucket that removes the debris collected from the rake. A plunger directs the debris from the rake into the bucket. At selected intervals, the drive mechanism decouples from the first carriage assembly and couples to the second carriage assembly, whereupon the second carriage assembly is positioned to dump the bucket. After dumping the bucket, the drive shaft is decoupled from the second carriage assembly and coupled to the first carriage assembly, whereupon the cycle is repeated.

Abstract: A spin filter apparatus for cleaning an influent stream is provided and includes a housing having at least one inlet port for receiving the influent stream, at least one waste port for discharging waste and at least one output port for discharging a processed clean effluent stream. The apparatus also includes a discharge conduit coupled to the at least one outlet port for discharging the processed clean effluent stream; and a spin filter assembly disposed within the housing and including a filter screen set formed of at least two screen filters that are rotatable about the discharge conduit and freely movable in a vertical direction along the discharge conduit.

Abstract: A ClariCone-type clarifier is provided with a level sensor, a flow-condition detector, and a controller that work together for automatic control of a blow-down valve. The flow-condition detector detects a condition of the flow through the tank. The detector sends the input to the controller, which uses the input to determine a desired blow-down level. The level sensor detects the height of slurry in the tank, and the controller opens the valve when the slurry level reaches the level determined by the controller. The valve can be set to close after a predetermined fixed period of time, by a timer, or when the level sensor detects that the slurry level has fallen to a predetermined or calculated blow-down termination level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating fluid mixtures, in particular for separating water from oil, comprising a vacuum container (10) with several sub-chambers (26, 44, 40). According to the invention, at least one liquid constituent of the fluid mixture can be transported from the vacuum container after separation, by means of a transport device (12) and the other constituents can be extracted from the vacuum container (10) in the form of gas and/or steam, using a vacuum pump (20). One of the sub-chambers (26) of the vacuum container (10) houses a heating device (28, 30), which heats the fluid mixture, the latter being guided into an additional sub-chamber (40) and being separated into its constituents by traversing a packed bed. The invention therefore allows even cold and consequently viscous fluid mixtures to be supplied, by means of the heating device, for separation inside the aforementioned vacuum container.

Abstract: A casing having an inlet positioned below the bilge water discharge outlet of a boat or ship aligns a generally U-configured pipe vertically, in which first and second open ends of the pipe are overlaid with one of a gravel or charcoal coarse material restrictive to the flow of oil-based contaminants, and with the second open pipe end coupled to the casing outlet, such that with a plurality of filter pads floating atop the overlying layer adapted to absorb oil-based contaminants, a continuous absorption of the contaminants occur as the bilge water circulates through the casing and is allowed to dwell therein while the filter pads absorb the oil-based contaminants floating atop the inputted bilge water, along with one or more wheels extending downwardly from the casing and a handle extending rearwardly of it in allowing the casing to be moved about by a user.

Abstract: A casing having an inlet which receives oil-based contaminated bilge water is mounted on a boat or ship in aligning a generally U-configured pipe vertically, in which first and second open ends of the pipe are overlaid with one of a gravel or charcoal coarse material restrictive to the flow of oil-based contaminants, and with the second open pipe end coupled to the casing outlet, such that with a plurality of filter pads floating atop the overlying layer adapted to absorb oil-based contaminants, a continuous absorption of the contaminants occur as the bilge water circulates through the casing and is allowed to dwell therein while the filter pads absorb the oil-based contaminants floating atop the inputted bilge water.

Abstract: A graywater diverter vessel assembly (as shown in FIG. 2) comprises a cylindrical side vessel 4 and valve diversion assembly 1, 2, 16. The device fits onto a vertical wastewater pipe 9, wherein a user can by closing the valve 1, divert graywater to upflow into the cylindrical side vessel 4 and pass through the vessel's removable mesh filter 5 and outflow point 7 for reuse, or alternatively by opening the valve permit graywater to flow downward through the valve diversion assembly and sewer or onsite wastewater system. The cylindrical side vessel has an over-flow outlet 8 so graywater can overflow and bypass the closed valve and flow directly to the sewer or onsite wastewater system in the event that the free outflow of graywater is restricted from either clogging of the mesh filter or other blockage, without restricting or limiting the continued normal free outflow of graywater from the building's plumbing fixtures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting whole blood and then separating it into components for subsequent use or storage. A self-contained bag set is used to collect the sample, which may then be placed into container adapted to fit into a centrifuge for separation of components. Each component is then sequentially extracted according to density, with a sensor present in the container to control the operation of valves directing the collection of each component. Each component may then be separated into its own storage container.

Abstract: A waste water filtration tank receives waste water under hydrostatic pressure. The tank collects solids using a filter screen. When the screen becomes clogged with collected solids, liquid is forced into a float chamber which contains a float. As waste water collects in the float chamber, the float rises, as do a beam member and a pair of rod members to which the float is attached. When the float reaches a predetermined level, cams contained on the rising rod members act on spring-loaded latches, opening the latches and permitting a spring loaded sleeve and reservoir gate to rise, opening the reservoir outlet. Accumulated solids are then drained from the reservoir and the backwash from the screen chamber also clears the clogged screen.

Abstract: An oil recovery system, designed to recover oil from oil-contaminated water of a river, lake or sea due to a difference in specific gravity of the liquids. The system includes a 4-stage separation tank 15 having four chambers 51-54. The first chamber 51 includes a hopper-shaped oil floating unit 59 in communication with a piston pump 68 (FIG. 5) and having porous filters 61, 62 therein. The second and third chambers 52, 53 include a plurality of horizontal diaphragms 63 for reducing the processing time for separating oil from water. The system can be continuously operated without being stopped during an oil recovering operation. The oil recovered from discharged pipe 67 is usable so that the system preferably conserves natural resources.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for removing solid material, particularly for removing finely divided solid material created in a filtering process from a pressurized space, the apparatus being provided with members for feeding the treated material to a process taking place in a pressurized space, as well as for removing the products created in said process from the pressurized space. According to the invention, in a discharge station (4,25) connected to the pressurized space (2,22), there are provided discharge apertures (8,28) for the solid material (5,24) to be removed from the pressurized space (2,22). The discharge apertures (8,28) are provided with at least one adjusting member (9,29) in order to adjust (11,31) the quantity of the material located in the discharge station (4,25) and to be removed from the discharge station (4,25).

Abstract: A hydrocyclone has an inlet head, one or more chambers located beneath the inlet head and terminating in an underflow outlet, a vortex finder located within the inlet head, and an overflow outlet connected to the vortex finder. The overflow outlet has a peripheral annular zone therein that receives coarse particles in the overflow issuing from the vortex finder, and a secondary outlet communicates with the annular zone.

Abstract: Apparatus in fluid communication with a water leg portion of a hydrocarbon-contaminated water, e.g., a water leg portion of an offshore drilling or production platform sump tank for conveying water, separated from oil, into contact with organophilic media canisters such that the hydrocarbons and other organic materials commingled with the sump tank water will be adsorbed onto the organophilic media and detected by the embedded probe in selected canisters. The canisters are provided in a plurality of stacks and are in fluid communication with a header disposed at the bottom of the vessel housing the various stacks of canisters. Solids that do not pass through the canisters are accumulated at the bottom of the vessel and easily drained through a drain port. The water will pass through the media and will be conveyed back to the ocean water without contamination.

Abstract: A solid-liquid/liquid-liquid separator includes a vessel having a peripheral wall bounding a chamber. The chamber communicates with an inlet port and an outlet port. The vessel is rotatable about a rotational axis extending through the vessel. Disposed within the chamber are a plurality of fins. Each of the fins radially outwardly projecting from the rotational axis in substantially parallel alignment with the rotational axis. The fins interact with the peripheral wall to form a plurality of discrete flow channels that longitudinally extend through the vessel. An exit tube is disposed along a portion of the rotational axis of the vessel. The exit tube has a first end disposed within the chamber and an opposing second end in fluid communication with the exterior of vessel. A plurality of extraction tubes radially outwardly projecting from the rotational axis within the chamber.

Abstract: A dissolved gas flotation apparatus and process for removing oils and other contaminants from produced water generated in the production of crude petroleum and natural gas. The invention is particularly designed for offshore applications, where space is limited and natural gas is readily available. The invention includes a vessel for receiving and maintaining a liquid level therein and a circulating pump for introducing tiny flotation gas bubbles into the vessel. Natural gas is used as a blanket gas for the vessel and as a source of gas fed into the pump, wherein the gas is mixed with the pumped liquid. The liquid/gas mixture is transferred into the vessel, wherein the gas releases from the liquid, thereby forming tiny, finely dispersed gas bubbles.

Abstract: Apparatus in fluid communication with a water leg portion of a hydrocarbon-contaminated water, e.g., a water leg portion of an offshore drilling or production platform sump tank for conveying water, separated from oil, into contact with organophilic clay cannisters such that the hydrocarbons and other organic materials commingled with the sump tank water will be adsorbed onto the organophilic clay and detected by the embedded probe in selected cannisters. The water will pass through the clay and will be conveyed back to the ocean water without contamination. At some point in time, the organophilic clay will become “spent” and at a certain “spent level”, the saturated condition of the organoclay will be electronically detected by the embedded probe and alarm/control panel. The alarm indicates that the “spent” organophilic clay should be replaced with fresh clay or the spent clay regenerated.

Abstract: A quenchant management system having a quenchant separation module for separating a heavy phase polymer such as polyalkylene glycol (PAG) from water. The quenchant separation module includes a heating section for elevating the temperature of the fluid to be separated to provide initial thermal separation. The quenchant separation module also includes a coalescer for further separating the heavy phase from the light phase of the input fluid. In order to obtain a predetermined polymer concentration and the heavy phase, the output flow rate of the coalescer is varied in accordance with the concentration and flow rate of the input fluid.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting, defluidizing and disposing of oil and gas well drill cuttings is disclosed including a system consisting primarily of a separation tank assembly, a vacuum pump assembly, a solids collection box and a liquids collection tank. The seperating tank having an upper slurry chamber, for recieving cuttings via suction from a shaker screen trough via a suction line, and a lower liquid chamber having a strainer therein, for collecting liquids compressed from the drill cuttings. A helical conveyor screw is passed through the upper slurry chamber and the strainer located in the lower liquid chamber. An adjustable plug is provided to restrict the cuttings flow through the strainer discharge opening. When cutting are forced from the upper slurry chamber via the helical conveyor screw into the strainer against the preset tension of the adjustable plug, fluids are forced through the sides of the strainer into the lower liquid chamber where they are pumped out to a liquids collection tank.

Abstract: A method of removing sludge from a continuously supplied sedimentation tank which discharges through a pipe having a substantially vertical section and an outlet at or just above the fluid level of the tank by supplying pulses of gas to the base of the vertical section of the tank to lift the sludge therein and discharge it from the pipe outlet in which the pulses are continued until the sludge thickness diminishes to a value which is determined by measuring one or more conditions of the sludge, the conditions including the measurement of the drop in level of the sludge at the pipe outlet after discharge due to an air pulse compared with that before discharge and/or the measurement of pressure of the shock wave produced against time and the time taken for this is stabilised to a predetermined value and/or the measurement of the amplitude of the pressure induced in the sludge after commencement of an air pulse and the time taken for this to reduce to a predetermined amplitude.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for separating water from a solvent during dry cleaning. Included is an inlet capable of receiving a mixture of dry cleaning fluid and water from a basket of a dry cleaning apparatus. The dry cleaning fluid includes a siloxane composition. Also provided is a flow controller for urging a flow of the mixture received from the outlet. Coupled to the flow controller is a coalescent media that receives the mixture urged by the flow controller. A chamber is coupled to the coalescent media for receiving the mixture from the coalescent media to separate the water and the dry cleaning fluid. Also coupled to the chamber is an outlet to remove the dry cleaning fluid from the chamber in the absence of the water.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating contaminants from a fluid stream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a vessel containing a gas blanket. The apparatus will have contained therein a water skimmer member adapted for allowing for retention of the fluid stream. The apparatus further includes a first gas flotation cell contained within the vessel and arranged in series with the water skimmer so as to receive the fluid stream. Also included is an oil bucket positioned within the vessel and adapted to receive a portion of the fluid stream from the water skimmer and the first gas flotation cell. In one embodiment, the first gas flotation cell comprises a first screen member having a porous structure, a plate baffle having a first passage therein, and an eductor device adapted for introducing a gas stream into the fluid stream.

Abstract: A debris separator for a dredge pump includes a body portion having a top ll, a bottom wall, first and second side walls, and an aft end wall, the aft end wall defining a separator outlet for connection to the pump, a funnel portion having an entry end defining a separator inlet and a larger discharge end fixed to a forward inlet end of the body portion. The separator further includes a door hingedly mounted on the body portion first side wall and spring biased to a closed position overlying an opening in the first side wall, and a floor in the body portion slanted toward the bottom wall and toward the first side wall opening. Thus, upon stopping of the pump, back pressure is generated in the body by backflow of water into the separator. Backpressure causes the hinged side door to open. Heavy objects which have fallen to the slanted floor, due to the reduction of flow velocity through the separator, are flushed out of the separator with discharge water.