Abstract: A filter element (10) for a liquid medium such as fuel, having a filter medium (16) which is arranged in an annular manner and a venting arrangement (30), having a first vent channel (60), connected at the intake end to the pre-filtration side (26) of the filter element (10), a vent tube (32) which extends away from the upper end plate (12) and which has at one end an inlet opening (34) and at the other end an outlet opening (36) for fluidic connection of the vent tube (32) to a vent stub of a filter housing, or a vent tube portion for connection to a vent tube of a filter housing, which portion extends away from the upper end plate (12) axially in the direction of the lower end plate (14) and has an inlet opening (34) at one end.

Abstract: A filter element (10) for a liquid medium, in particular fuel, having a first vent channel (60) connected at the intake end to the pre-filtration side (26) of the filter element (10), a second vent channel (66) connected at the intake end to the post-filtration side (28) of the filter element (10); and a vent tube (32) having has at one end an inlet opening (34) and at the other end an outlet opening for fluidic connection of the vent tube (32) to a vent stub of a filter housing, or a vent tube portion for connection to a vent tube of a filter housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment system, apparatus, assembly, facility, cycle and/or method for the treatment of water or wastewater, in particular, a system, apparatus, assembly, facility, cycle and/or method for treating water or wastewater received at high flowrates (including in excess of approximately 200 L/min) through a series of two or more dissolved air flotation chambers.

Abstract: A multi-phase separation flow management system includes 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 pumpbox apparatus includes a reservoir volume having a first inlet for receiving a feedstock stream and a second inlet for receiving a water stream, the reservoir volume being in communication with a discharge outlet disposed to discharge accumulated liquid from the reservoir volume. The reservoir volume is operable to accumulate the feedstock stream and the water stream in the reservoir volume while withdrawing a discharge stream through the discharge outlet to cause a flow of liquid through the pumpbox. The first inlet defines a first flow velocity region between the first inlet and the second inlet and a second flow velocity region between the second inlet and the discharge outlet. The first flow velocity is lower than the second flow velocity to facilitate flotation of a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock through the first region toward an upper surface of the liquid accumulated in the reservoir volume.

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 storm water pretreatment chamber is provided. The storm water pretreatment chamber includes; one or more filter sidewalls; one or more optional water-impermeable sidewalls; one or more optional chamber grates; and one or more catch rails. Methods of treating storm water are also provided.

Abstract: A fuel filter system having a fuel filter (14) and water separation device (20), a water collecting chamber (24) with a drain line (26, 28) and controllable water discharge valve (30). A cleaning component (32) is disposed in the drain line behind the water discharge valve (30). A suction line (38) connects a fuel tank (40) with the fuel pump (18). Between the water collecting chamber (24) and cleaning component (32) a connecting line (36) branches to suction line (38) having a pressure controlled stop check valve (44).

Abstract: This present invention provides a gasoline-ethanol separation apparatus which is used for an internal combustion engine, and can separate a mixture fuel formed of mixed gasoline and ethanol into gasoline and ethanol. The gasoline-ethanol separation apparatus 1 includes a fuel tank 2 for accommodating a mixture fuel, a separation tank 4 for separating the mixture fuel supplied from the fuel tank 2 into the gasoline (A) and an ethanol-water mixture liquid (B), by mixing water supplied by water-supply means 3 with the mixture fuel, and storing the separated mixture liquid (B); pressurizing means 5 for pressurizing the mixture liquid (B) to be supplied into the separation tank 4; gasoline-taking-out means 6 for taking the gasoline (A) out of the tank from an upper part of the interface between the gasoline (A) and the ethanol-water mixture liquid (B) first valve 62; and ethanol-taking-out means 7 for taking the ethanol-water mixture liquid (B) out of the separation tank 4 through a second valve 72.

Abstract: System for the recovery of washing liquids used in showers, wash basins, and/or baths, including a first decantation tank provided with at least one inlet connected to a downflow point of washing water, a second collection tank, an overflow partition wall adapted to separate the two tanks, a sewer drainage at the bottom of the decantation tank, adapted to be closed by a plug that can be raised by a float in the collection tank according to the liquid level therein, a drawing pump in the collection tank, controllable by a relay, or electrical float, indicating the liquid requirements of a fixture, a pipe connecting the pump of the collection tank with the fixture, the relay, or electric float, electrically connected with the pump and a valve of the fixture and controlled by a float in the collection tank for closing the electrical power supply to the pump and opening the electrical power supply of a valve for liquid flow to the fitting.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus (10), for removing buoyant pollutants having oil and debris atop a body of coolant, includes a pollutant collecting device (11), a pump (12) and a controlling module (13). The pollutant collecting device includes a hollow tub (12) and a collecting module (113). The collecting module is partially received in the hollow tub and is slidable relative to the hollow tub. The pump communicates with the hollow tub. The controlling module is configured for controlling the pump to draw coolant, oil or a mixture of coolant and buoyant pollutants into the hollow tub or out of the hollow tub.

Abstract: During collection of pollutants having a density lower than that of water and carried by a surface layer of a body of water, water of the surface layer is caused to flow into and through a collection vessel having a separation compartment with a top wall, pollutants entrained by the inflowing surface layer water are allowed to collect gravimetrically as a supernatant layer carried beneath the top wall of the separation compartment on water in the separation compartment, and changes of the weight of the collection vessel in the body of water are monitored. Intake and discharge phases may be initiated and terminated to in response to the said weight reaching predetermined values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating mixtures of fluids having different densities. According to one aspect of the invention, a lower density fluid is separated from a higher density fluid. A mixture of the two fluids is received in a tank. A centrifugation of the mixture is induced in the tank. The lower density fluid is evacuated from the tank until the level of an interface created at least in part by the centrifugation between the higher density fluid and the lower density fluid reaches a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating biological particles are provided.

Abstract: A mixture of fluids is separated into at least two phases, one of which has a higher density than the other, passing the mixture through a normally horizontal supply pipe, by creating a stratified flow in the supply pipe, by passing the mixture through an inclined pipe, whilse maintaining a stratified flow in the inclined pipe, by extracting fluid with lower density (“lighter phase”) via a first discharge system and fluid with a higher density (“heavier phase”) via a second discharge system, wherein the interface between the lighter phase and the heavier phase is monitored in the inclined pipe by a level controller means that varies the flow of the fluid of higher density to keep the interface between set levels.

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 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: An apparatus and method for separating oil and particulate contaminants from pump-driven aqueous fluid contaminated with emulsified oils, free oils, particulate matter, suspended solids, and other contaminants in which the contaminated fluids are introduced into a container having a horizontal bottom portion and a weir plate dividing the container into an upper clean fluid compartment and a lower separation compartment, an aperture for the outflow of clean fluid from the upper clean fluid compartment sized relative to the pumping rate of the pump driving the aqueous fluid to ensure a residence time of the contaminated fluid in the lower separation compartment of at least about 0.4 minutes, coalescing media comprising a plurality of abutting polypropylene spheres located in the lower separation compartment, and a drain receptacle for collecting the contaminated fluid and delivering the contaminated fluid across the weir plate to the lower separation compartment.

Abstract: A system to collect by vacuum conveyance, separate, and discharge two mixed immiscible liquids with different specific gravities comprising a prefilter vessel 200, a vacuum tank 100, an optional heavy phase intermediate separation stage 40, and an optional light phase intermediate separation stage 30. Vacuum tank 100 is under a constant regulated vacuum, which sucks mixed immiscible liquids with different specific gravities from their respective remote source(s) through conduit(s) connected to vacuum tank 100. Collection conduits can have manually, mechanically, or electro-mechanically controlled valves at their source ends. Any grit, sediment, particles, and/or floatable debris in the collection conduits is first removed, and then any entrained air in the mixed liquid stream is removed, from the mixed liquid stream prior to undergoing any phase separation stages. Initial phase separation occurs automatically in vacuum tank 100 without any phase interface detection devices.

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 interceptor for removing grease from an effluent stream containing grease and water may be queried remotely to check it status. An output signal indicative of the amount of grease is transmitted over a telephone line to a telephone or computer or other remote station, or wirelessly to a remote receiver. The status is preferably also indicated locally with visual and/or audible signals. The grease depth level sensor is preferably a capacitive level sensor operative to sense the amount of water in the body of effluent thereby to determine the amount of grease in the body of effluent. The interceptor may include electric circuitry for effecting manual or automatic calibration of the sensor. The sensor may be adapted to be retrofitted to an existing tank made from either metal or plastic.

Abstract: The SSF/x slow sand filter for use in treating drinking water for homes or rural villages with features providing simpler on-site assembly, preset maximum flow, easy monitoring of pressure head loss, protection of piping, and a harrowing system for cleaning. The filter employs a novel hydraulic scheme which places most pipe and plumbing within the filter vessel. The filter employs a novel device that combines flow control, pressure measurement, freeze protection, and anti-siphon features. This in combination with a relatively shallow supernatant level provides for consistent reliable operation, easy maintenance, and reasonably long filter runs as deemed very desirable in remote rural locations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid filter for motor vehicles, i.e. a fuel filter for an internal combustion engine, comprising an air purging device for the air which is driven out of the filter when there is an increase in the volume of liquid. Said air-purging device comprises a hole having low air resistance and high liquid resistance. A second such device is provided and the two holes are successively arranged in the direction of the air flow.

Abstract: The apparatus for separating and measuring mixed fluids, specifically the separation of crude oil and water and the volumetric measurement of each of the mixed fluids using a mechanical portable device primarily involving a separation vessel, an adjustable float within the vessel which allows the fluid of less specific gravity to be released from the top of the separation vessel through an upper pipeline, the heavier specific gravity fluid to be released from the bottom of the separation vessel through a lower pipeline, with fluid volume meters on each of the pipelines to measure the liquid flowing through the respective pipelines, the apparatus presented as a portable unit transferable from one pumping device to another, allowing for an accurate measurement of the fluids being extracted by the pumping devices.

Abstract: A device, system, and method are provided for separating blood components. The device includes a separation vessel for placement in a retainer of a rotatable centrifuge rotor. The separation vessel includes an inlet end portion, an outlet end portion, and a flow path extending from the inlet end portion to the outlet end portion. Blood components to be separated are supplied to the vessel via an inlet port at the inlet end portion, and separated blood components are removed via one or more outlet ports at the outlet end portion. The device also includes a leukocyte reduction filter including a porous filtration medium configured to filter leukocytes from at least some of the separated blood components removed from the vessel.

Abstract: A separator for use in ships' bilges capable of physical and chemical separation of both free and emulsified hydrocarbons from a water stream that includes two separation units, the first one being a gravimetric separation unit that utilizes coalescent plates to separate free hydrocarbon in the mixture of water/hydrocarbons and a pump which recirculates the water emulsified hydrocarbon mixture through the self-filtration unit and also sends the separated hydrocarbons in the gravimetric unit to the corresponding deposit of free hydrocarbons collecting tank, and the second separation unit being a membrane ultrafiltration apparatus to separate the emulsified hydrocarbons from the water stream, the separator also including a control panel that controls the operation of all elements and devices of the separator, and a phase detector which determines the quantity of accumulated hydrocarbons at the top part of the gravimetric unit.

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: An oil recovery system, designed to recover oil from oil-contaminated water of a river, lake or sea due to a difference in specific weight between oil and water, is disclosed. The system has an oil-contaminated water inlet unit (10), a segregation tank (15), an oil level sensing unit (100), a movable panel (24), a panel sensing unit (110), and a controller. The system remarkably improves oil recovering efficiency in comparison with typical recovery systems. The system performs the oil recovering process without using any chemicals, so that the system is free from causing environmental pollution. In an embodiment, the segregation tank (15) comprises a plurality of or four chambers (51 to 54), so that the flow of oil-contaminated water in the segregation tank (15) is stabilized. The system also has a plurality of oil floating units (59) and a plurality of horizontal shielding diaphragms (63) in the segregation tank (15), thus reducing the processing time for separating oil from water.

Abstract: An automatic draw-off grease interceptor 10 includes a separation tank 12 defining a chamber 40. An inlet 24 delivers an effluent stream of grease and water into the chamber which separates into a thicken layer of grease atop a water layer. A pump 70 is included for pumping grease from the chamber when the grease has reached a predetermined level 120. A conductive probe 90 extends vertically in the separation tank 12 from a location above the upper surface of the effluent to a location below the predetermined level 120. An R/C oscillator circuit 112 continuously measures the amount of water in the chamber by measuring the capacitance between the probe and a wall of the tank. A controller 116 actuates the pump in response to the R/C oscillator circuit measuring a capacitance corresponding to an amount of water in the tank when the grease layer reaches the predetermined level.

Abstract: A system for recovering oil from a body of water (e.g. river, lake, or sea) includes (i) an inlet unit 10 having a hopper-shaped main body and floaters 12 attached to the hopper by tugs 11; and (ii) a segregation tank 15 having (a) an inlet pipe 14 to receive oil-contaminated water from the inlet unit, (b) a first discharge pipe 17 with pump 20 therein for delivering oil to an oil tank, and (c) a second discharge pipe 18 for delivering water from the segregation tank. The discharge pipes include respective valves 21, 22 therein. A sensing unit 100 (e.g. ultrasonic transducer) and a panel sensing unit 110 are provided in the segregation tank for determining the level of oil in the tank. A controller including a microprocessor 200 controls the discharge valves 21, 22 in response to signals received from both sensing units 100, 110.

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: 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: A method and device for separating a fluid from a formation into several fluid components in a well is disclosed. The method and device include feeding the fluid into a mainly horizontal section of pipe located in a down-hole, mainly horizontal section of the well, such that the fluid is set to flow at a speed through a length of the mainly horizontal section of pipe such that the fluid components are separated and a boundary layer is formed between the fluid components. The fluid components with a lower density are formed in a top part of the mainly horizontal section of pipe and fluid components with a higher density are formed in a bottom part of the mainly horizontal section of pipe. The fluid components with the lower density and the fluid components with the higher density are removed through separate outlets of the mainly horizontal section of pipe.

Abstract: A fuel filter for an engine includes a housing having an interior space and is assembled into a fuel flow path between a source of fuel and the engine. The housing includes a passageway which has an inlet aperture which is used to control the delivery of fuel to either the engine or back to the source of fuel. The housing also includes a return-fuel passageway which is in flow communication with the interior space and is adapted to couple to the source of fuel. A filter cartridge is installed within the housing and includes an end cap with an air vent tube having an inlet opening. The air vent tube is designed so as to assemble into the passageway, so as to plug the inlet aperture. Once the inlet aperture is plugged by the air vent tube, the flow entrance to the passageway is raised from the inlet aperture to the inlet opening of the air vent tube. The plugging of the inlet aperture by the air vent tube allows fuel to be delivered to the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of immiscible liquids from liquid influent has a containment vessel. An influent channel extends toward the bottom of the vessel so the influent is discharged vertically upward, a downwardly curved deflection plate is mounted above and aligned with the discharge end of the influent channel, and a plate with a downward slope from a central location extends toward the periphery of the vessel in a lower portion of the vessel than the deflection plate. This permits the influent to move radially outwardly thus slowing the influent and providing a residence time for gravitational separation of lighter immiscible liquids from the influent. A gap between the downward slope plate and the discharge end of the influent channel permits gravitational release of trapped immiscible liquids. A transfer tube, a sensor, and a pump are provided to pump the separated immiscible liquids out to a remote location.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating an immiscible or insoluble fluid mixture into its components, namely, a less-dense component and a denser component, is described. The apparatus may be used in commercial kitchens to separate grease-oil/water mixtures into a grease-oil component and a gray water component, the grease-oil being diverted to a receptacle for subsequent disposal and the gray water component being directed to a drain or sewer. The apparatus may be described as a pump/separator when attached to a vacuum source or a pump to assist with filling. Additionally, a compressed gas source may be attached to the apparatus to assist with the discharge of the denser component and the less dense component. The apparatus may include a controller, such as a microprocessor, to coordinate filling, separation, and discharge. Parallel and serial arrangements of the apparatus are shown.

Abstract: A separator includes a barrier 53 for retaining solid material thereon and an automatic mechanism for alternately preventing and allowing the flow of liquid to the separator outlet. When the flow is prevented, the liquid backs up through the barrier and washes the solids to a solids collection region 55. In one embodiment, the automatic mechanism includes a pivoted flap 101 and, in another embodiment, a siphon.

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: There is provided a hydrocyclone which operates on a relatively low pressure differential and on a linear flow principle. The hydrocyclone comprises an inlet chamber with a vortex creating a spiral insert therein, which inlet chamber opens in to a frustoconical portion of the hydrocyclone body. The frustoconical portion opens into a cylindrical portion which leads both to the accept and reject outlets at the end. The hydrocyclone is particularly useful for on sight separation of produced water in oil fields. The invention also provides hydrocyclone units of linked hydrocyclones according to the present invention, fluid separation systems incorporating hydrocyclones of the invention and methods of separating fluids using hydrocyclones in the invention.

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods employ a rotating chamber. The chamber includes an inlet region where whole blood enters for centrifugal separation into packed red blood cells, a plasma constituent, and an interface carrying mononuclear cells between the packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The packed red blood cells in the chamber have a hematocrit value H.sub.PRBC. A controller operates in a first mode to convey whole blood into the inlet region while removing packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent from the chamber and while maintaining the interface within the chamber. The controller also operates in the first mode to maintain a set H.sub.PRBC by conveying packed red blood cells into the inlet region.

Abstract: Systems and methods centrifugally separate mono nuclear cells from whole blood in a separation chamber. The systems and methods control the exit hematocrit value of red blood cells separated in the chamber by recirculating a portion of the red blood cells removed from the chamber for mixing whole blood entering the separation chamber. The systems and methods also control the entry hematocrit value of whole blood entering the separation chamber by recirculating a portion of the plasma constituent removed from the separation chamber for mixing whole blood entering the separation chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating grease from an effluent stream containing grease and water includes a separation tank, having a separation chamber; in which the grease and water in the effluent separate with the grease floating on top of the water. Grease is heated to a liquid state then pumped from the separation tank when the depth of the grease has reached a predetermined depth below an upper surface of the effluent in the separation tank. The pumping of grease from the separation tank is interrupted after a predetermined period of time. Separated water passes through a relatively low passage to a trap chamber which has a water outlet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating mono nuclear cells from whole blood rotate a separation chamber about a rotational axis. The systems and methods introduce whole blood into a first region of the chamber during its rotation to separate the whole blood into a plasma constituent, red blood cells, and an interface between the red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The interface carries mono nuclear cells. While conveying whole blood into the first region, the systems and methods collect the plasma constituent in the first region, while also collecting the red blood cells in a second region of the chamber spaced from the inlet region. The systems and methods create, while conveying whole blood into the inlet region, a back flow of plasma constituent along the interface from the second region toward the inlet region. This back flow of plasma maintains a high-relative hematocrit in the second region and a low-relative hematocrit in the inlet region.

Abstract: An oil-and-water mixture is supplied to a tank which is closed at the bottom and open at the top, generally midway between top and bottom. A closed vessel envelops the upper portion of the tank. A vacuum is drawn at the top of the tank and vessel. An oil coalescer is placed between the mixture supply and the open tank top and a water coalescer between the supply and the closed tank bottom. Separated oil spills over the open tank top into the vessel, and is discharged from there. Separated water is discharged from the closed tank bottom.

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 method for the automatic sharp separation and removal of layers of fluids from a container through a headspace in the container comprises the use of two separate and simultaneous flow streams to draw fluid from the upper layer as the apparatus descends in the fluids. The entry of the lower fluid into the apparatus is detected as a result of the different physical properties of the lower fluid by which the apparatus is caused to stop its descent into the fluid and to interrupt the flow of fluid through one of the flowsteams. The flow of the flowstream is interrupted by the entry of a gas into that stream. The apparatus is subsequently lowered into the remaining fluid and the withdrawal of the fluid through the apparatus is begun again.

Abstract: An oil spill recovery system for collecting spilled oil or other petrochemicals from the surface of water, for separating the collected oil and water, and for separately distributing these liquids to desired destinations. Oil is recovered from the surface of water by a collector head that creates a vortex of vacuumed air which lifts and skims the oil from the water. Once the oil is in the collector head, it is transferred to a separation chamber where the oil and water separate. Sensor devices inside the separation chamber monitor the oil/water phase line and the upper oil level. The sensor devices, continuously monitored by a control processor, signal a series of pumps and valves to discharge either water or oil or both when the liquids have reached certain levels within the separation chamber. The control processor has an operational sequence that provides for automatic control of the oil spill recovery system.

Abstract: A separator for oil well production fluids including oil, water and gases in which the separator includes a water siphon system having a vertically adjustable spill point for the discharge of water to a collection or disposal area for changing the interface level between the water in the bottom of the separator tank and the oil on top of the water in the separator tank. The separator is primarily constructed of a non-corrosive, non-conductive, high impact plastic with the siphon system and standpipe being positioned internally of the separator tank to reduce damage caused by high winds damaging such components by blowing down the separator which may have been weakened by corrosion with this arrangement also reducing the possibility of water in the siphon and standpipe being frozen which can occur when these components are oriented externally of the tank.

Abstract: A liquid separator allows a mixture of oil and water to separate, then discharges the two fractions. A separating tank is automatically filled when a float indicates a low level. A second float is close to the bottom of the tank and has a density such that the float will just float in water. The presence of oil causes the second float to sink; and, a switch connected to the float operates either a water valve when the float rises, or an oil pump when the density is low. Lowering of the level by discharging fractions causes the first float to indicate a low level to fill the tank again.