Abstract: An apparatus to clean or depollute surfaces or layers of water. The apparatus has at least one channel (12) which withdraws a stream of water at the front of the apparatus and discharges the water at the rear of the apparatus after cleaning or depollution. The water can be discharged through two conduits or tunnels (18), which diverge relative to each other. The flow of the stream of water through the channel (12) is caused by at least one propellor (20) driven by a motor which can be hydraulic.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved liquid-solids-gas separator assembly permitting recovery of a major portion of the liquid stream for recirculation to a vacuum producing assembly wherein the separator assembly includes a gas-liquid and solids separator chamber and a liquids separator chamber for recovery of a recycle water stream and wherein the separator assembly comprises a vessel defining a cylindrically-shaped chamber into which a dental effluent including water, gases and lighter and heavier than water particles and from which a gas is vented through an upper conduit and liquid streams are recovered from a liquid pool wherein one liquid stream includes lighter than water particles and in one aspect is combined with heavier than water particles and a second liquid stream is recovered for recycling purposes.

Abstract: For the separation of sulfur from a sulfur/alkaline solution suspension, the suspension is heated to a temperature above the melting temperature of the sulfur and is introduced under pressure into a separating tank 1, containing a separating chamber 8, alkaline solution chamber, and sulfur chamber 12. From the separating tank, settled liquid sulfur is continuously withdrawn, on the one hand, via conduit 16 and alkaline solution is continuously withdrawn, on the other hand, via conduit 9. In order to provide a system having little susceptibility to trouble, the separating chamber and alkaline solution chamber are operated in the flooded mode, thereby avoiding the necessity for a steam blanket therein.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vacuum extraction system in which one or more vacuum extraction vessels are suspended in one or more well bores and each is connected to a vacuum pump. In one embodiment, each extraction vessel has a vessel chamber, a top inlet port with an adjustable metering valve, a vent pipe, a liquid level sensor in the vessel chamber, and an outlet port connected to the vacuum pump through a controller. The controller responds to the level of liquid in the vessel chamber to connect and disconnect each of the outlet ports of each of the extraction vessels to and from the vacuum pump. The controller also activates and deactivates the vacuum pump. In another embodiment, the extraction vessel is suspended for reciprocation in the well bore in order to skim liquid hydrocarbons floating on the ground water.

Abstract: An in-well separator and recovery device for liquids which are heavier than water. A closed top container in the well circulates liquid through it, drawing liquid into its lower region and deflecting the liquid downward so that the heavier liquid settles to the bottom of the container from where it is pumped to the surface. Water is pumped from the top of the container directly back into the well. The pumps are controlled by sensing the water to pollution interface in the container and shutting down each pump before it pumps the inappropriate liquid.

Abstract: A primary separation vessel is separated into a plurality of chambers having fluid communication therethrough; in each of the chambers there is further included a downwardly depending eductor system having a coaxial bore wherein fluid induces air into the eductor system where the educted air in the fluid being projected downward into the flow of fluid and the bubbles rising along the curved wall of the tank and carrying contaminants through a centrally located collection trough, which through gravity the contaminants collect in the trough and move to a circulation collected in the trough. The contaminants then move via gravity to a separation zone within the vessel, wherein the oil that is collected is allowed to spill over in an oil collection zone for recovery, and the level of the water is monitored to draw off any water collected within the zone.

Abstract: A unitized system for the restoration of hydrocarbon-contaminated ground water and other water sources. The system employs two interconnected tanks having substantially the same elevation and mounted upon a transport skid. A first of these tanks provides for separation of the hydrocarbon from the water by gravimetric principles, and the second is a storage tank for water. An outlet from the water storage tank feeds water into a storage pan of an upright air sparging tower also mounted upon the skid. Water pumped from the pan is sprayed countercurrent to forced air flow in the tower so as to remove any entrained vapors from the water. A portion of the water handled by this pumping can be recycled to the separation tank. A level detector in the separation tank controls a preselected water level prior to introduction of contaminated water, and again when separated hydrocarbon has been removed from the separation tank to a product storage tank. The product storage tank is preferably mounted on the skid.

Abstract: Exhaust heat from engines used in oil field operations can be utilized to (1) at least partially separate a water-containing wellstream fluid into a progressively enlarged hydrocarbon phase which floats on the remainder of the wellstream fluid and/or on a water phase and (2) vaporize lighter fractions of the hydrocarbon phase for use as fuels for such engines. The level of the wellstream fluid in the separation vessel and the depth of the hydrocarbon phase which forms a top of the remainder of the wellstream fluid and/or water phase are automatically adjusted so that a heater tube which directs exhaust heat through the separation vessel is predominantely in contact with the hydrocarbon phase. The lighter hydrocarbon vapors thus produced are collected and, preferably, superheated prior to being used as fuels.

Abstract: A centrifugal filter separator system operable to separate from oil under pressure, contaminants and water. The centrifuged water port of the centrifugal filter separator of the system is coupled to a differential pressure responsive, sensor control, which automatically senses the presence of a layer of centrifuged water against the internal surface of the rotating drum of the centrifugal separator. The sensor control is coupled to a flow control circuit which in conjunction with the differential pressure sensor control causes automatic removal of an existing layer of centrifuged water from the rotating drum via the water exit port of the separator. When there is no adequate depth layer of centrifuged water on the inner surface of the rotating drum, the sensor control deactivates the water removal circuit, while the flow control circuit maintains a minimum generally constant flow of liquid from the water port of the separator for priming purposes.

Abstract: A system for separating two immiscible liquids of different specific gravities, such as oil and water. The system includes a gravity separator and oil-contaminated water is continually pumped into the separator tank by a main pump and is impinged against an inclined baffle which directs the water upwardly toward the top of the tank. Larger droplets of oil are collected as a layer in the upper end of the tank, while the effluent is discharged from the lower end of the tank to a coalescer unit, where residual oil is removed from the water. A liquid level sensor is located in the upper end of the separator tank and when the collected layer of oil reaches the level of the sensor, the sensor discontinues operation of the main pump and operates an oil pump to discharge the collected layer of oil from the separator tank to an oil recovery location. The oil collected in the coalescer unit is recirculated and mixed with the oil-contaminated water being introduced into the separator tank.

Abstract: A fluid separator for separating a mixture of at least two immiscible fluids having different specific gravities. A fluid intake conduit is coupled to an enclosed separation chamber for admitting the mixture of fluids to the chamber, and a first vertically disposed elongated column extends into the chamber and opens adjacent the bottom thereof. A second column extends vertically upwardly from the chamber at a distance above the upper end of the first column which is approximately equal to H(S.sub.w /S.sub.c -1), where H is the height of the first column between its vertically upper and lower ends, S.sub.w represents the specific gravity of the immiscible fluid having the greater specific gravity, and S.sub.c represents the specific gravity of the other fluid of the mixture. The chamber may also be divided into a plurality of individual separating sections to permit the simultaneous separation of a plurality of fluid mixtures.

Abstract: For the purpose of separating coarse particles from a liquid such as water, e.g. in the cellulose industry, laundries etc., a vertical container is used in which a nozzle receives liquid from a pump and sprays the liquid in the form of a conical liquid jet up against the underside of a screening cloth. Above this cloth there is an outlet for the liquid, coarse particles impinging against the cloth and falling back to the bottom of the container. In accordance with the invention the total flow from the pump and jet is led off via the screening cloth and outlet above said cloth, the liquid level in the container being disposed between the nozzle and the screening cloth so that the liquid jet is sprayed through a layer of the liquid in the container before reaching the screening cloth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing oil from water. The invention includes a separation vessel for separating the oil by gravity from the water. The generally oil-free water from the separation vessel is pumped under pressure through an ultrafine molecular filter. The concentrate liquid from the ultrafine molecular filter is directed into a concentrator vessel which separates out the oil which remains in the concentrate liquid. The separated oil is directed back into the separation vessel and the remaining liquid is directed back through the ultrafine molecular filter. Ejection water is periodically directed into the separation vessel to discharge oil accumulated in the separation vessel.

Abstract: In a fuel-water separator including entry and exit ports for fuel connectable in a fuel line supplying an engine and fuel flow paths between the ports for separating water from the fuel, the improvement comprises first and second passages leading to the exit port and a float valve ball for closing the first passage in response to the accumulation of a predetermined level of separated water. The second passage has a cross-sectional dimension which is substantially smaller than the first so that only restricted operation of the engine is permitted by virtue of a reduced fuel flow rate through the second passage when the first passage is closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and apparatus for separating liquid from solids entrained therein, which solids, preferably paint particles emanating from a paint spray booth are capable of floating on the liquid. The liquid and solids are entrained in a collector which is open to atmosphere and in which a Coanda - type flow prevails so that the solids are collected as a skin on the surface of the liquid. In one embodiment the level of the liquid is raised so that the skin slips over a lip and out of the collector, leaving the liquid behind; in another embodiment the skin is collected behind a restraining device which is moved to allow the skin to flow through an outlet therefor, again leaving the liquid behind.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an arrangement for collecting of oil (11) and other contaminations floating on a water surface. The arrangement includes a container-like structure (7) floating on the water and provided with a closable inlet (15) for water and oil and located at the water surface level. In the bottom of the container-like structure (7) there is provided downwardly projecting tubes (16-18) ending into the water and provided with pump means (19-21) for pumping water in and out. At the upper portion of said structure (7) there is connected an outlet pipe (8) for oil. When pumping out water, oil is collected in the container space and at a subsequent pumping in of water the oil is pressed out through said outlet pipe (8), the inlet opening (15) being closed at that occasion.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating liquids of different specific gravities, and more particularly for separating oil from water. The oil-contaminated water is pumped by a low emulsifying pump from a storage site to an oil gravity separator where a substantial portion of the oil is separated by gravity from the water. The water is then delivered from the gravity separator to a regenerative filter composed of a plurality of layers of granular media which serve to remove foreign materials and the remaining oil from the water. The clarified water can then be discharged to a discharge site. The oil-separator vessel includes an upper oil collection zone, and a capacitance-type sensor is responsive to the level of oil in the collection zone and operates, when the oil reaches a pre-set maximum level, to close a valve to prevent water flow to the regenerative filter, while opening a drain valve to permit the oil to be discharged from the separator vessel by the pump to an oil recovery tank.

Abstract: An internally baffled, horizontal flow, vertical oil separator or skimmer for the flotation and removal of oil from mixtures of oil and water has internal baffles that compel horizontal flow of a vertically elongated cross-section of fluid in the vertical vessel. The skimmer is of particular utility on offshore platforms where deck space is extremely expensive and limited.

Abstract: A suspension of sulfur in a scrubbing liquid is preheated with steam to a temperature above the melting point of the sulfur so that the latter spontaneously melts in the suspension which is introduced into a separating chamber in a sealed vessel. The scrubbing liquid is decanted over a weir into a second chamber while the molten sulfur is drawn out at the bottom into a third chamber. The separating chamber is maintained at a pressure and temperature, by a vapor cushion above the liquid, such that evaporation of the incoming liquid does not occur, i.e. the separation pressure is the saturation pressure of the cushion. To prevent vapor condensation on the molten sulfur, the latter is maintained at a temperature higher than that of the liquid in the adjacent separating chamber.

Abstract: Oil is recovered from an oil containing fluid mixture ecologically acceptable fluid is disposed of in a water body through the use of an open ended skim pile disposed in the water body and an interconnected skimmer vessel where fluid is maintained at a level independent of the mean level of the water body.

Abstract: A coalescer is provided which separates dispersed liquid hydrocarbon phases from continuous liquid aqueous phases by increasing the size of the dispersed phase droplets using a variety of coalescing media, preferably in granular form. The coalescer must contain at least three sides; however any number of sides up to a circle can be used, and a circular cross-section is preferred. Untreated aqueous phase is drawn through the coalescer media, where the dispersed droplets increase in size. The dispersed droplets are coalesced to a sufficiently large degree to rise to the top of the coalescer against the downward flow of the continuous phase, said continuous phase being withdrawn from the bottom portion of the coalescer and the separated, previously dispersed phase withdrawn from the top of the coalescer.

Abstract: A plurality of compartments are provided, including intercommunicating first and second oil-water separation compartments, each provided with respective drains therein and wherein the flow of water from the first to the second compartment is restricted so as to increase the residence time of the water in the first compartment for increasing the separation of oil therein. The mouth of the drain in the first compartment is positioned higher than the mouth of the drain in the second compartment and so located as to be above the surface of the water when the first compartment is substantially filled with water so as to accommodate a layer of oil floating on the surface of the water so that only oil will flow into the drain and thus be removed from the water virtually free of any water mixed therewith.

Abstract: Activated sludge waste water treatment systems utilizing influent and/or sludge return flow as pressurized gas-liquid contactor motive stream source and having improved energy efficiency. Staged flow control systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus to separate a mixture of liquids of different specific gravities, e.g. oil and water, in which in a settling vessel for liquids the buoyancy of the lighter liquid (oil) is used to move a diaphragm upwards to control the discharge of lighter liquid from said vessel and means are provided to check temporarily or to slow down the downward movement of said diaphragm during said discharge.

Abstract: A device for separating a first liquid from a second liquid contaminated by the first liquid comprises a casing having an inlet and an outlet in the upper region of the casing, the separated first liquid collecting in the lower portion of the casing, a float which is arranged to float on the separated first liquid, the vanes for guiding the movement of the float and a seating in the upper part of the casing which forms a valve with the float, to prevent flow of liquid to the casing when the level of the first liquid rises above a predetermined level.

Abstract: An improved gravitational separator for mixtures of immiscible liquids of different densities, particularly oil and water, includes a reaction member in the form of a dome or diaphragm immersed in more dense liquid to be separated and which floats upwardly in the more dense liquid under the influence of liquid of less density accumulated beneath the dome or diaphragm. A coalescer screen filter system is provided in the water outlet path in the separator, the coalescer screens being contained in a chamber provided with automatically operating, one-way, pressure responsive valves to ensure proper flow of water in a forward and backflush sense through the chamber. A flotation feature for the reaction member is provided, and the reaction member includes an auxiliary air chamber to prevent loss of a minimum desired residual layer of less dense fluid beneath the reaction member when air accumulates in this area. A specific inflow and outflow conduit arrangement is provided to minimize turbulence in the separator.

Abstract: Waste paint which is contained in an aqueous medium which flows from a paint spraying booth is collected by apparatus which comprises a vessel which is located outside the booth and has at the lower portion thereof an inlet for paint laden aqueous medium or for scum from the surface of aqueous medium in a flotation tank, and an outlet at the lower portion for the passage of aqueous medium from the vessel. A paint solids outlet is associated with the upper portion of the vessel and fluid pressure is applied to a raft of paint solids accumulated in the vessel to cause the flow of paint solids from the vessel into a container.

Abstract: A tartarous beverage, such as wine, containing a tartrate to be removed therefrom is conveyed from a storage container through a conduit under pressure into a first module having a semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane forms two streams, a tartrate-free permeate and a concentrate containing a solution of said tartarous beverage and tartrate. The permeate stream is directed from the module through a conduit to a delivery tank. The concentrate may then be conveyed from the first module to a plurality of modules that are serially connected to each other. Each of the modules has an outlet that is connected by an intermediate conduit to an inlet of the adjacent module for the passage of the solution therethrough. The permeate stream exits from each of the modules and is collectively conveyed to the delivery tank. The concentrate is directed through the modules to provide a stronger concentration of the tartrate in the solution.

Abstract: An improved gravitational separator for mixtures of immiscible liquids of different densities, particularly oil and water, includes a reaction member in the form of a dome or diaphragm immersed in more dense liquid to be separated and which floats upwardly in the more dense liquid under the influence of liquid of less density accumulated beneath the dome or diaphragm, and a precise, passive balance means for the reaction member used to sense the accumulation of a predetermined volume of less dense liquid in the separator. The balance means is a system of weight masses contained entirely in the separator that are raised by the upward movement of the reaction member under the influence of accumulated less dense fluid, in combination with remote sensing means outside the separator for sensing the respective balance conditions and signalling appropriate system controls to cause suspension of the influx of mixture into the separator and discharge therefrom of accumulated lighter liquid.

Abstract: A device for separating oil from water comprising a vessel in which the fluid to be separated is injected under pressure at a very high rate and directed against an improved type of deflector arrangement whereby the deflector plate substantially reverses fluid flow, directing it into a collecting collar which again reverses its flow causing interaction of the fluid upon itself to initiate separation of the less dense oil from the water, whereupon the oil is allowed to rise within the vessel and the water is drawn off at the bottom thereof. The fluid inside the vessel is maintained under a positive pressure and the rate of withdrawal of oil and water is separately controlled so as to maintain the pressure and to maintain a constant separation rate at the oil-water interface.