Abstract: A separator assembly has a tank and a lid removably attached to a top side of the tank so as to create a gas tight seal with the top side of the tank. The tank has an influent chamber, a separator chamber, an oil chamber, and an effluent chamber in fluid communication with one another. A pipe extends from the separator channel to the effluent chamber allowing the passage of water from the separator chamber to effluent chamber. A plurality of vertical plates are positioned in the separator chamber to define a serpentine path from the influent chamber to the oil chamber.

Abstract: A vessel for use in settling particulate matter from a fluid stream is provided. Fluid is introduced to the vessel through an angled inlet, with flow into the vessel both disrupted and deflected by an inlet baffle, to redirect the fluid stream parallel to a horizontal axis of the vessel. The velocity of the fluid stream is reduced within the vessel, allowing the particulate matter to settle along the bottom of the vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of separation of heterogeneous mixtures and, more particularly to a solid-liquid separating tank and system. A settlement tank including: a tank wall defining a tank inner space; an internal wall structure in the inner space and defining a fluid flow path from a center of the inner space to a fluid outlet at the tank wall; and a plurality of drainage pipes having an open internal end and an outer end connected to a drainage manifold, wherein the open internal end is positioned at a bottom of the inner space to remove gravity decanted sediment and hydrostatically decanted water from the inner space.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for capturing and removing oil from a body of water with equipment using rod and film technology, which includes a streamlined oil tank that moves in the water and collects surface oil from an attached skimmer, arrays of inverted funnels lowered into the water to concentrate oil for removal, and containment tents to capture leaking fuel or cargo oil from a sunken ship or any underwater oil leak and channel it into a partially submerged rod and film storage tank at the surface.

Abstract: A device for picking up floating objects on the water, such as hydrocarbons, has an envelope made of a flexible material impervious to water and to the floating objects, having a mouth at the upstream end and a discharge orifice at the downstream end, a folding rigid framework, arranged inside the envelope and attached thereto at the mouth and at the discharge orifice, at least one inflatable tube attached to the envelope and running along the length of the envelope, and a compressed-gas generation device designed to inflate the or each inflatable tube.

Abstract: An apparatus, process and system for treating a hydrocarbon feedstock having a specific gravity differential between components of the feedstock is disclosed and includes a treatment vessel having an inlet for receiving the feedstock. A primary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to accumulate feedstock to cause a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated feedstock. A secondary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to receive the collected low specific gravity portion from the primary separation container, to accumulate the collected low specific gravity portion to cause hydrocarbon products to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated low specific gravity portion of the feedstock, producing a hydrocarbon product stream at a product outlet. The operating pressure of the treatment vessel may be regulated to remain within a desired range.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for treating a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock having a specific gravity differential between components of the feedstock is disclosed. The apparatus includes a treatment vessel having an inlet for receiving the feedstock. The apparatus also includes a primary separation container located in the treatment vessel, the primary separation container being operable to accumulate feedstock to cause a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated feedstock. The apparatus also includes a first weir for collecting the low specific gravity portion from the surface of the accumulated feedstock in the primary separation container. The apparatus further includes a first outlet in the primary separation container, the first outlet being operably configured to receive settling solids in the accumulated feedstock and to produce a first discharge stream at the first outlet.

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: An apparatus for treating oil-based sludge includes a boiler, a heat exchanger having a circulatory steam path in fluid communication with the boiler and a sludge path receiving sludge, a plurality of serially-aligned mixers in fluid communication with the sludge path of the heat exchanger, a separation tank in fluid communication with the plurality of mixers, and wherein the separation tank includes a tank having a plurality of walls, a hydrocyclone mounted within the tank receiving sludge from the plurality of mixers, wherein the hydrocyclone includes a solids outlet directing a solids component towards a bottom portion of the tank and a fluid outlet directing a fluid component into the tank, a means for conveying separated solids along the bottom portion of the tank to a solids outlet, and a plurality of fluid outlets vertically located along a tank wall, wherein each outlet includes a valve providing selective fluid communication from the tank.

Abstract: The invention refers to an oil recover unit (1) having at least one container (5) for retrieval of a mixture/emulsion of mainly water (3) and oil (4) for separation of the water (3) from the oil (4).

Abstract: A gravity water separation system that may be integrated within a well completion. A diverted flowpath is provided for produced hydrocarbons, external to the completion tubing. As produced hydrocarbons travel through the diverted flowpath, they pass through separation stages wherein gravity separation ensues by migration through predefined flow ports which extend from produced oil “separation chamber(s)” into separated “water chamber(s).

Abstract: The system involves a transitionary septic tank. The transitionary septic tank includes an enclosed containment body having an interior portion. An inlet opening is formed in the enclosed containment body. A first outlet opening is formed in the enclosed containment body. A divider is positioned in the interior portion between the inlet opening and the first outlet opening.

Abstract: A lightweight water treatment system which can be easily distributed and employed by disaster survivors for treating locally available water sources. The lightweight water treatment system includes a water treatment agent for treating a predetermined volume of water collected from a local water source; a collapsible elongated container for collecting the predetermined volume of water; one or more straps to transport the collapsible elongated container to a suitable location for treating the collected water with the water treatment agent and a spigot for controllably releasing the treated water.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying polluted water is disclosed, which can naturally remove polluted water stagnated in a treatment tank. The apparatus includes a treatment tank and an infiltration tank. The treatment tank has an inlet at its one side, and first and second outlets at its other side. The treatment tank treats the polluted water that flows through the inlet and discharges the treated polluted water through the first outlet. The infiltration tank is connected to the second outlet and has a plurality of infiltration holes formed on the body thereof. The infiltration tank allows the treated polluted water that flows from the second outlet of the treatment tank to permeate into the ground though the plurality of infiltration holes. Since the polluted water stagnated in the treatment tank can be naturally released, odor due to decay of the polluted water and a subsequent insect infestation can be prevented. In addition, maintenance fees to maintain to the treatment tank can be reduced.

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: A separator provides improvements for better separation of an effluent into constituent parts and greater ease of use. A tapered basket provides improved flow and better filtration. A baffle directs effluent into the basket with greater force. An asymmetrical flange prevents mis-orientation the basket and baffle. An improved oil valve provides a locking mechanism to prevent dislodging of the valve during cleaning. An alternative valve uses a sensor to sense an oil/water interface and close the oil valve appropriately. A top seal prevents leakage of effluent at connection points with the lid of the housing. An underground unit allows below floor level installation of the separator. A bidirectional unit can be reversed to provide flow in either direction. A dual purpose tank can be used to store both separated oil and oil from operations for common removal.

Abstract: A rainwater cleaning system for a water tank comprises a pipe element having a closed end located on the floor of the tank. The pipe element also has an open end connectable to an outflow pipe from the tank. Located near the closed end of the pipe element is at least one hole. The cross sectional area of the hole preferably at least equals the cross sectional area of the pipe outflow.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for separation of a first fluid from a mixture of at least the first fluid and a second fluid and a method for doing the same. The apparatus is preferably located downhole, but also can operate on the surface. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises:—a production pipe for flowing the mixture;—at least one settling chamber surrounding the production pipe;—at least one aperture allowing the mixture flowing into the production pipe to flow into the settling chamber; and—an exit pipe, connected to the settling chamber, allowing the first fluid to flow out of the settling chamber.

Abstract: A mud tank cleaning system includes a debris collection sweep that drives debris towards a collection zone in a mud tank, whence the debris can easily be mechanically disposed of through an opening in the mud tank. Preferably, the collection zone is in a central depressed part of the mud tank to allow gravity to assist in moving debris towards the collection zone. Preferably, a pair of collection sweeps are used on opposed sides of the collection zone. The collection sweeps are preferably pivotally mounted to follow an arcuate path along the surface of a cylindrical confining wall of the mud tank. Sweep drive mechanisms operate the sweeps. The collection sweeps are preferably used in conjunction with a disposal sweep that sweeps debris collected in the collection zone by the collection sweeps out of the collection zone and through the opening in the mud tank, from where it may be readily disposed of. The mud tank is typically operated in conjunction with a hydrovac vehicle.

Abstract: A mud tank cleaning system, is formed from a mud tank having confining walls. An opening is provided in the confining walls of the mud tank. A removable cover is mounted on the mud tank over the opening. A sweep is mounted in the mud tank and is operable to sweep mud in the mud tank towards the opening in the confining walls. A sweep drive mechanism is operably connected to the sweep for operating the sweep. A hydrovac vehicle is formed of a frame mounted on wheels, a mud tank mounted on the frame, a water tank mounted on the frame, a water pump mounted on the frame and hydraulically connected to the water tank to pump water from the water tank for use in hydrovac operations, a blower mounted on the frame and connected by lines to the mud tank for removing fluids from the mud tank; and a boom line mounted on the mud tank for conveying fluidized materials to the mud tank.

Abstract: An enzyme containing in-house digester unit for receiving and treating household waste material, which utilizes settling and biological treatment of solids and wastewater by means of organisms which digest the organic materials contained in the household waste thereby eliminating the need for any chemical treatment or processes.

Abstract: A front packing medium accumulation layer (90) and a downstream packing medium accumulation layer (44) which are separated by a lower outflow prevention plate (40) are arranged within a coagulation tank (80). The superficial water passage velocity within the front packing medium accumulation layer (90) is so set as to be larger than the downstream packing medium accumulation layer (44). A floc drawoff pipe (98) is provided for drawoff flocs over the lower outflow prevention plate (40). The interface between a floc blanket which may be formed between the lower outflow preventing plate (40) and the upper packing medium accumulation layer (44) and water thereabove is detected by an interface meter (100) so that a flow regulating valve (102) is correspondingly controlled to regulate the flow rate of the flocs. This prevents any grown floc blanket from reaching the downstream packing medium accumulation layer (44). Thereby extending the cleaning interval.

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: An automatic oil-water separator which separates wastewater into oil or grease and water fractions is disclosed. The separator does not include any mechanical pumps in its structure and therefore does not generate oil or grease and water emulsions which are characteristic of separators using pumps and which are very difficult to separate. The separator is constructed without moving parts, filters or coalescing plates and operated without the addition of chemicals or the use of electricity.

Abstract: A mobile separator system for receiving and separating a mixed composition of oil, water, and sludge. The mobile separator system including a tank for holding the mixed composition, and a drain manifold that includes a plurality of drain pipes extending into the tank at varying elevations for allowing the drainage of water from the tank system. A vacuum source is attached to the top of the tank for carrying a vacuum within the tank to draw the mixed composition into the tank. The drain manifold is surrounded by a screen that allows the passage of water and oil, while preventing the passage of sludge through the screen into the drain pipes. A floating check valve is connected to each of the drain pipes to regulate the flow of water through the drain pipe. The floating check valve includes a valve element that has a density which causes the valve element to float in water and sink in oil.

Abstract: A device for adapting a liquid container to enable separation and selective dispensation of two or more immiscible liquids of different densities from the container.

Abstract: A portable sealable recovery container having a sealed interior space, a first inlet on a first top surface, a second inlet on a second top surface which functions as a top when the container is rotated to make the first top surface a side surface, a discharge member on a side surface with a first and a second conduit connected to the discharge member such that the second conduit extends from the discharge member in a planar relationship with the first top surface and its end is above the discharge member when the first top surfaces faces upward while the first conduit extends from the discharge member in a planar relationship with the second top surface and its end is above the discharge member when the second top surface faces upward, and sealing means for sealing any one of the first inlet, the second inlet, and the discharge member.

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

Abstract: A continuous longitudinal settler with flow separation including an entry zone for the liquid to be treated, including a system for distribution of this liquid; a zone for homogenization of the flow, ensuring a dissipation of the entry energy and a constant velocity profile at the exit of this zone; a working zone for settling, exhibiting a homogeneous flow along the whole length of which a constant velocity profile is maintained, together with a high Froude number guaranteeing the stability of the liquid flow; and a zone for separation and for recovery of the flows, situated at the downstream end of the settler, the treated liquid being discharged at the surface and the settled matter via the bottom of the settler.

Abstract: A solvent recycle device for containing a volatile solvent with particulate material suspended therein having a density greater than such solvent and enabling the particulate material to gravationally separate from the solvent into a confined lower space isolated from an upper space from which clarified solvent is withdrawn from the device is described. Basically, the device includes an upper chamber with bottom sloping downwardly toward the rear, a lower chamber fixed beneath the upper, a first conduit at the rear connecting the two chambers for fluid flow between them, capped openings into the chambers and a second conduit external of the chambers connecting the top of the upper chamber to the back side of the lower chamber for fluid flow between them.

Abstract: A separator or emulsion breaker for separating the emulsion into a hydrocarbon component which is lighter than an aqueous component and having capability for handling excessive amounts of water, the separator, includes a tank having an emulsion permeable partition forming or flow stabilizer within the tank dividing the latter into an entry chamber and a separating compartment. The emulsion permeable stabilizer receives a turbulent stream of incoming emulsion and discharges the same as a relatively quiescent flow in an upward direction to facilitate separation of the hydrocarbon component from the aqueous component. The solids contained in the emulsion flow downwardly into the sand trap. As the lighter component is raised by the rising water surface, it can be removed through a multi-port discharge opening.

Abstract: A collector is disclosed herein for use in combination with equipment holding petroleum products, such as oil, grease or the like, and more particularly, to a novel collector suitable for attachment to such equipment for collecting oil seepage and lubricant excess which may fall or drip into the collector. In one form of the invention, the collector includes a box-like container having reinforcement sections disposed beneath an open grill through which the petroleum seepage may pass for collection within the container. A plurality of conduits is carried within the collector for conducting electrical cabling therethrough. Drainage spouts are employed for conducting separated water from the petroleum product into a drainage basin.

Abstract: A method and device for collecting and evaluating an embryo contained in a fluid medium. The fluid containing the embryo is discharged into a receptacle and sequentially drained and filtered until the remaining fluid containing the embryo is located in the proximity of a transparent flat bottom wall. The receptacle includes sloped side walls to keep the embryo from sticking to the side walls. Vertically spaced filter meshes are provided on the side walls to allow sequential filtering and draining. The fluid is discharged through a tube directed away from the filter meshes to prevent the embryo from being lodged in the filter mesh. A light projection chamber can be provided to concentrate light on the flat bottom wall.

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 liquid separating apparatus is provided for separating a liquid mixture into its immiscible constituents of different densities. The apparatus includes a separating tank (12) in communication with a discharge tank (18). The separating tank (12) has an inlet for introducing the mixture to the apparatus and a first outlet (16) for the mixture constituent of lower density. The discharge tank (18) has a second outlet (20) for the mixture constituent of higher density. The relative levels of the first and second outlets are higher than the mixture inlet, the first outlet (16) being at a higher level than the second outlet. A communication passage is provided between the separating tank (12) and the discharge tank (18) through a base of the apparatus.

Abstract: A collapsible container for separating oil and water and containing and transporting the separated oil is provided. The container is manufactured of a water impervious material and has a plurality of chambers, capable of holding oil and water, which are attached to each other serially along a linear axis. Located at opposite ends of the container are an input chamber and an output chamber. Intermediate the input and output chambers is at least one intermediate chamber. Substantially vertically disposed baffles, having an opening at their lower edges, are provided within the container defining the connecting walls between the input chamber and the adjoining intermediate chamber and the connecting walls between adjacent intermediate chambers. A baffle, also substantially vertically disposed, having an opening at its upper edge, is provided within the container defining the connecting wall between the output chamber and the intermediate chamber located farthest from the input chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the presence in a liquid of a material which is at lest partially immiscible in the liquid are disclosed. The apparatus includes a container and an overflow outlet for allowing a surface layer of the liquid to flow out of the container. A slick of the material forms in the container on a surface of the liquid. The container includes a settling portion with an adjustably angled baffle and a second, fixed baffle located therein, a concentrating portion for concentrating the slick downstream of the settling portion, and an intermediate constricting portion for gradually constricting the surface of the liquid. An ultraviolet light source and visible light detector are provided for detecting the fluorescent radiation produced by irradiating the surface of the liquid and the material.

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: A control for draining water accumulated in a fuel tank, without loss of fuel or ingestion of water into an associate fuel system, is responsive to a flotation device weighted to float at the water-fuel interface. The flotation device is connected by a lever to turn a rotor in a pressurized chamber thereby selectively connecting pressure or exhaust to respective actuation control ports for a drain valve and fuel valve.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for separating liquids and particularly water and oil. The separating apparatus includes a tank containing two coalescent cells or units, one of which receives the liquids directly from a supply pipe and immediately disperses the liquids through a perforate recess into the cell. The liquids are partly separated in that cell and further in the second cell. Oil is separated from the top of the tank into a separate chamber and water is separated from the bottom into another chamber from which it is discharged and can be recirculated. The cells, which contain bodies with a high surface-to-weight ratio and are made of a material having an affinity for oil, are readily removable from the system for cleaning or replacement of the bodies.

Abstract: In apparatus for purifying waste water with activated sludge deposited on carrier particles, in which air is introduced into a treating tank for circulating the waste water and the carrier particles in the tank through an air lift, a separator is provided at an upper end of the tank for discharging purified water together with sludge peeled off from the particles thus leaving bared carrier particles in the tank for recirculation. A portion of the bottom of the tank is inclined to prevent precipitation of the activated carrier particles. The tank has a rectangular cross-sectional configuration to enable to arrange a number of tanks in a juxtaposed relation in series or parallel in a narrow floor space.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for continuously separating components of mutually different density from a liquid mixture. The apparatus includes a separation space which is divided by a partition wall into a primary separation chamber and a secondary separation chamber. The partition wall guides the flow of liquid in an S-shaped path prior to the liquid passing a lamella separator, a part of the liquid flow from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber being allowed to flow back to the primary chamber through an opening in one wall element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for biological aerobic treatment of wastewater wherein oxygen is induced into a mixed liquor flow path and a method and apparatus for separating the liquid withdrawn from the mixed liquor flow path into a clear liquid stream and a flock laden stream. A streaming specific gravity separator of unique construction and operation separates the mixed liquor into a clear liquid stream and a flock laden stream, withdrawing the clear liquid stream from the system and directing the flock laden stream back into the mixed liquor flow path. The separator functions within the system to be self-controlling for load increases or decreases.In accordance with preferred embodiments of the system, the separator may be positioned inside or outside of an oxidation ditch. The separator may also be utilized in combination with an aeration basin.

Abstract: A cylindrical storage tank of large diameter and depth is concentrically surrounded by a settling tank that has a width to internal diameter ratio that provides essentially plug flow. Liquid containing suspended particles capable of separation by settling is introduced into the upper part of a body of liquid in the settling tank at a zero radius of the tank at a controlled rate and flows slowly in both directions around the storage tank to a weir which extends no more than about halfway around the storage tank and is bisected by a 180.degree. radius of the tank. A slurry of particle-laden liquid is drawn from the lower part of the settling tank, and relatively particle-free surface liquid flows over the weir into the storage tank from which it is drained at a controlled rate.

Abstract: A gravity separator for separating two immiscible liquids of different specific gravities and particularly for separating oil from water. The separator is composed of a horizontal, generally cylindrical closed vessel and water is pumped into an inlet in the vessel, and clarified water is discharged through an outlet. In addition, an oil drain line is connected to the upper end of the vessel. Located within the vessel is a cylindrical assembly of generally parallel inclined separator plates. The assembly of separator plates is freely positioned within the vessel and means is provided to prevent rotation and axial movement of the plate assembly within the vessel. A liquid level sensor extends downwardly through aligned openings in the assembly plates, and when the oil level reaches a predetermined maximum depth, the sensor actuates a draining system to drain the oil from the vessel.

Abstract: For separating an emulsion comprising substantially a heavier and a lighter liquid there is used a plurality of superimposed, liquid-filled, shallow separation chambers which have a lower outlet for separated heavier liquid, an upper outlet for separated lighter liquid, and an emulsion-inlet remote from the outlets. The separation chambers are maintained under an overpressure by causing the heavier and the lighter liquid, separated in the chambers by self-separation under the action of gravity, to pass from the chambers via a respective one of two pressure-holding vessels containing a respective heavier or lighter liquid. The emulsion is fed batchwise into at least one separation chamber at a time, at a temperature greater than the temperature of the liquid already present in the chamber, and in a volumetric amount which is less than the volume of the chamber.

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: An improved baffle for use in an oil-water separation tank including a perpendicular solid portion and an inclined slotted portion extending downwardly and inwardly in the direction of flow from the lower edge of the perpendicular solid portion, the slotted portion having at least three rows of downwardly spaced apart slots extending laterally across the slotted portion, the uppermost of said rows an averge of from 1/2 to 2 slots per lateral meter and each of the lower rows therefrom having at least 25% more slots than said uppermost row.

Abstract: A settling tank for resolving a mixture of oil, water, and solids from an oil and solids-in-water influent includes two inclined and parallel baffles about which the influent water successively passes. Each baffle preferably has parallel V-shaped grooves in the under surface thereof for entrapping, guiding, and coalescing the oil droplets into large globs for channeling and passing through the openings between the baffles and the tank wall for rising to the surface for draw off. The clear water outlet is positioned on a horizontal plane intermediate horizontal planes through the low forward end of the upper baffle and the high rear end to ensure delivery of an oil-free and solids-free water. An upper oil outlet ensures delivery of a solids-free and water-free oil from the settling tank. A new method for assembling a settling tank is disclosed.

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.