Abstract: A system and method for removing solids from a fluid environment. The system includes a device for separating solids fluid using cyclonic flow. The device includes column for collecting solids to be separated from the fluid environment. The device also includes a plenum positioned circumferentially about a lower end of the column and an inlet in tangential communication with the plenum for generating a cyclonic flow pattern into the column. As the cyclonic flow is introduced into the column, the annulus directs the solids in suspension upwards and towards the center of the column. The velocity of the flow upward is sufficiently less than the settling velocity of the solids thereby allowing the solids to fall out of suspension. The ascending fluid substantially free of solids can be collected through an upper end of the column. The device further includes a draining assembly for collecting the settled solids and for removing the solids therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing floating and subsurface contaminants from a machine tool coolant bath is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a floating skimmer for collecting floating contaminants from the surface of the bath connected to an oil trap having an imperforate shell with a fluid tight column extending below the interface. A return conduit and a positive displacement pump are in series with the skimmer and oil trap. A submersible pump is disposed in the bath near the bottom for collection of water and water density contaminants and is connected to a remote filter assembly having a housing and a removable filter element. The filter assembly and the oil trap are both accessible without affecting the operation of the machine.

Abstract: A commercial and institutional kitchen retrofit system for 1. the automatic daily cleaning of commercial kitchen exhaust hoods and flues, 2. a low pressure, low volume, recirculating cleaning system designed for the removal of oily residue from hard surfaces and the accelerated bioremediation of the resulting collective hydrocarbon waste, 3. the collection and elimination of roof-top grease accumulations, 4. the systematic on site incubation and enhanced propagation of cultured, hydrocarbon specific, bacterial microorganisms in an automatically mixed aqueous solution containing PH neutral oxidizers and hydrocarbon base emulsifiers altogether, producing a regenerative, recyclable cleaning solution specifically developed for use in 5.

Abstract: A containment assembly for use with a pressure washing apparatus to contain and collect the relatively light weight contaminants from run-off of a washing fluid after being flowed over an object to be cleaned. The containment assembly includes a settling compartment for collection of the run-off washing fluid therein, and a containment compartment in gravity flow fluid communication with a surface of the collected washing fluid in the settling compartment. As the lightweight contaminants at the surface of the washing fluids gravity flow into the containment compartment, they are contained and collected therein. A fluid extraction assembly is in fluid communication with the contained washing fluid in the containment compartment through an opening therein vertically disposed below a predetermined operational fluid level of the contained washing fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a grease trap and a method of decomposing edible oils and fats using the grease trap. The grease trap for storing the drainage includes a drain inlet for introducing drainage from a kitchen through a drainpipe and a drain exit for discharging the drainage to a sewer, and accommodates an impeller unit having an impeller which continuously rotates to stir and splash the drainage surface, or a sprinkler unit which continuously sprinkles the drainage onto the drainage surface. The decomposing method comprises the steps of storing the drainage from a kitchen in the grease trap, supplying aerobic microorganisms into the drainage, and continuously stirring and splashing the surface of the drainage using the impeller unit or continuously sprinkling the drainage onto the drainage surface using the sprinkler unit, thereby activating the aerobic microorganisms.

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 trap for mounting in a catch basin having a wall with a cylindrical opening provided therethrough. The trap, which is designed to impede floating pollutants from leaving the catch basin, includes a front plate member with an outlet opening, a rear plate member with an inlet opening, and a connecting member extending between and connecting the front plate member and the rear plate member. The trap is arranged so that it can be mounted to the wall of the catch basin by inserting it through the cylindrical opening. A further aspect provides a trap having a front plate member with an outlet opening and a rear plate member with an inlet opening, and connecting means for mounting the plate members on the wall of the catch basin. Also provided is a process for constructing a trap in a side wall of a catch basin, comprising steps of boring a cylindrical opening through the side wall with a coring machine and securing a front plate member and a rear plate member to the side wall.

Abstract: A scum removal system for a sewage treatment or clarification tank having a feedwell or skimmer flight includes a scum trough disposed within the settling tank. A floating weir is disposed proximate to the scum trough. A membrane or sheet is partially wrapped or wound about the weir, at least one cable being connected to the membrane for pulling the membrane and concomitantly lowering the weir entrained therewith to permit surface scum to enter the trough from the settling tank. A mechanism for exerting increased tension on the cable to thereby lower the weir below the surface of the liquid in the clarification tank includes a camming lever or arm and an actuator. The lever is connected to the cable, while the actuator is mounted to the feedwell or a skimmer wiper arm so as to engage the camming lever and pivot the actuator lever about an axis.

Abstract: A vehicle liquid waste collection system for collecting fluids from a vehicle and separating non-water soluble materials from water soluble materials. The vehicle liquid waste collection system includes a support member having an upper surface. A ramp assembly extending from the support member. A containment wall extending upwardly from the upper surface. The support member includes an aperture in the upper surface such that the upper surface is angled downwards towards the aperture. A collection member having a hollow interior. The hollow interior has a first chamber and a second chamber in environmental communication. A duct in environmental communication between the aperture and the first chamber of the collection member. The duct is elevated relative to the first chamber whereby liquid waste collected passes through the duct and into the first chamber.

Abstract: An Oil/Water Separator apparatus includes a portable container advantageously having rigid sides, including spaced apart side walls and rigid floor. Within the rigid container are defined at least two, advantageously, three chambers in an adjacent array in a downstream direction. The chambers are separated by rigid separating partitions or baffles rigidly mounted to, so as to extend between, the opposite side walls of the container. Adjacent chambers are connected in fluid communication therebetween so that influent water containing oil to be separated may enter into a first upstream reservoir chamber. The influent water is deposited into the reservoir chamber. A downstream partition or baffle separates the reservoir chamber from the downstream coalescing chamber. The first partition has an opening under a lowermost edge thereof. Water passes under the partition from the reservoir chamber into the coalescing chamber.

Abstract: An interceptor tank for primary treatment of rainwater runoff which may contain a variety of pollutants. The tank is a multi-chambered device which provides a partial separation of the pollutants contained in the effluent rainwater. A bypass system prevents overload of the tank during periods of heavy inflow conditions. Under low inlet flow conditions, an orifice in the bypass system functions to allow the effluent to drop into the first chamber which serves as a trash and debris collector. The effluent passes from the first chamber to a second chamber where free petroleum based products are separated and held. The effluent from the second chamber passes into a third chamber where sediment is separated from the effluent. The effluent from the third chamber may be fed back into the bypass conduit to be fed into a sewer system or alternately through an aperture in one of the exterior walls of the last chamber to a sewer.

Abstract: There is described a method for the separation of liquids of different densities that are not soluble in one another, such as water and oil, where a liquid mixture is placed in a tank in which heat is optionally supplied to the liquid mixture, and separation occurs as the liquid having the highest density sinks toward the bottom of the tank and forms a layer (a) where it may be tapped off, and the liquid having the lowest density rises and forms a layer (c) at the top of the tank (1), and that between the separated liquids is a mixed layer (b) comprising a mixture of the liquids, where the liquid mixture to be separated is fed into the tank in a manner generating the least possible vertical liquid flow, and where the liquid mixture is fed into the tank through one or more outlets that are disposed in a closed-off section of the tank. Also described is an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A separator tank for rain water and waste-water treatment includes a container divided by a divider into an upper by-pass compartment and a lower treatment compartment. The divider includes a drop pipe assembly having a tapered cross-section. The drop pipe assembly includes a drop pipe having a T-shaped connection. For assembly, the drop pipe is lowered down through an opening in the divider and forms a friction fit with the opening. The drop pipe assembly also optionally includes an appropriately sized flow restricting plate positioned over the opening in the divider.

Abstract: A grease trap having an inlet member, a discharge member, a plurality inner walls defining chambers within, and a relief member for flushing accumulated waste matter. In general order of fluid flow, the chambers include an inlet chamber, a preliminary chamber, an outlet chamber, a discharge chamber, and a reservoir chamber. A first orifice on one inner wall permits passage of fluid from the inlet chamber to the preliminary chamber, a second orifice on another inner wall permits passage of fluid from the preliminary chamber to the outlet chamber, and a third orifice on another inner wall permits passage of fluid from the outlet chamber to the discharge chamber. The relief member has a cap and is coupled to the reservoir chamber. The inner walls defining the chambers are of a height approximately between 70 Length % to 95 Length % of the height of the outer walls of the device to permit for a waste accumulation layer.

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 18 for processing metalworking fluid disposed in a sump 12 beneath a machine 10 is disclosed. Various construction details of the apparatus are developed and provide for removal of tramp oil from the working medium fluid and the aeration of the metalworking fluid to retard the formation of anaerobic bacteria. In one detailed embodiment, the apparatus includes a circulation system 42 having a by-pass flowpath 82f for supplying pressurized metalworking fluid to a fluid distribution system 14 and thence to the sump.

Abstract: A feedwell for use in a clarifier tank is disclosed which provides improved energy dissipation and reduction of fluid velocity in an influent feed stream to reduce turbulence in the clarifier tank as the influent feed enters the clarifier tank for separation. The feedwell generally comprises a walled member having a substantially continuous wall which is structured to provide an area of increasing cross sectional area so that liquid circulating through the feedwell is reduced in velocity as it moves through the feedwell and into the clarifier tank. The feedwell may include additional elements which enhance dissipation of energy, including an angled rim positioned at the lower edge of the walled member to provide a contact surface against which fluid may flow to dissipate energy, and at least one baffle. The feedwell of the present invention improves the settling rate of clarifier tanks and simplifies operation while reducing operating costs.

Abstract: A device for maintaining effective bacterial levels within a collecting container of an organic matter collection system of the type having a collecting container having a bottom and a liquid to air interface-surface is provided. The bacterial incubator has an enclosure defining an interior, the enclosure adapted to be positioned beneath said liquid to air interface-surface. The enclosure has a plurality of apertures therethrough, the apertures sized to allow the flow of wastewater into the interior of the enclosure. Placed in the interior is a packing having a high surface area. The apertures in the enclosure are sized to retain the packing in the interior. The packing is adapted to allow wastewater to flow therethrough.

Abstract: An improved catch basin is constituted by a cylindrical container with a partition dividing the internal volume into a lower compartment and an upper compartment. The partition includes an intake region and an outlet region, each communicating with a vertical pipe extending downwardly from the partition and opening into the lower treatment chamber at an intermediate location therein, the intake region and the outlet region being diametrically opposite one another. The partition defines a central, oblique ramp which urges entering liquid in the direction of the intake opening of the intake region. Thus, under conditions of low liquid flow into the catch basin, all entering liquid will be directed to the intake region, descending along the intake conduit and into the lower compartment. Conversely, under conditions of high liquid flow into the catch basin, a portion of the liquid will overrun the ramp and gain direct access to the outlet region, from which it will exit the catch basin.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for containing a microorganism culture in an active exponential growth and delivering a supply of microorganisms to an environment containing wastes for bio-augmenting the biodegradation of the wastes. The apparatus comprises a bioreactor and an operably connected controller. The bioreactor has a bioreactor chamber for containing a supply of microorganisms, a second chamber for containing a supply of water and inorganic nutrients, and a third chamber for containing a supply of organic nutrients. The bioreactor is operably connected to the controller in which a first pump is operably connected in fluid communication between the bioreactor chamber and the second chamber and third chamber, and a second pump is operably connected in fluid communication between the bioreactor chamber and the environment containing wastes to be biodegraded.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system has been created in which water to be treated is moved into a treatment vessel without pumping action of a pump. Such movement is facilitated by creating and, in some aspects, maintaining a vacuum in the treatment vessel to effect siphoning action to move water to and through the vessel. In one embodiment the treatment vessel is contained within a wastewater collection container, e.g. a below-grade concrete pit of an existing wastewater collection system. In another aspect the system is sealed so undesirable vapors are not vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A waste water treatment system for wharf-mooring or riding-at-anchor vessels, boats, ships and watercraft in general, comprising a number of tanks adapted to be submerged and each provided with a respective drawing tube having a connector plug for watertight connection to a waste water outlet of a respective boat or the like. The tanks are connected to a self-contained purification installation for intaking and treating the sewage.

Abstract: A waste water treatment apparatus is located between an industrial plant and a municipal sewer to treat and control the flow of waste water from the plant to the sewer. The apparatus includes an equalization basin, a water clarifier mechanism, and a flow rate control mechanism for maintaining a relatively constant water flow rate through the clarifier in spite of major changes in water level in the equalization basin. The flow rate control mechanism includes an upstanding water column and a pump for delivering water from the equalization basin to the column. The column establishes a constant liquid head for controlling water flow through the clarifier.

Abstract: A tank interceptor for rainwater and waste-water has an approximately opposed inlet and outlet. An inlet compartment is disposed adjacent the inlet, while an outlet compartment is provided in communication with the outlet. Both compartments are upwardly open, thus constituting a first aperture adjacent the top of the compartment. A second aperture is provided in each compartment, adjacent the bottom, through which solid and other heavy components can pass into the internal chamber of the container. The first compartment has an auxiliary outlet below the first aperture but above the second aperture, the auxiliary outlet communicating with the top of an auxiliary conduit that has an open bottom end in communication with the internal chamber of the container at a location adjacently below the level of liquid in the internal chamber at low entry flow rates. The auxiliary outlet being adapted to allow oil-based materials to be drawn off.

Abstract: The oil is separated from the rainwater that runs off of a parking lot or off of the pavement of a filling station. An inlet tank receives the runoff water. When the water is entering that tank at a very low rate, the surface water and/or oil in the inlet tank drains to a main separation tank where the oil floats on clean water. That clean water is fed to an outlet conduit that feeds unpolluted water to the city sewer or to a river. When the inlet flow increases to an intermediate rate, a pipe of inverted L-shape feeds clean water from the inlet tank to the outlet conduit. When the inlet fluid has a very large flow rate, as might occur during a heavy downpour of rain, the fluid level in the inlet tank rises to a level at which there is a direct overflow into the outlet conduit.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a simple and inexpensive device for rapidly removing a first liquid medium floating on a second liquid medium, the first medium having a density less than the second medium and being immiscible therewith. The device of the invention comprises an immersible container means having a bottom opening, a valve for allowing the first and second media to flow into the container through the bottom opening upon immersing the container into the first and second media and for controllably preventing the first medium from draining from the container upon raising the container out of the media, a float member having a density greater than the density of the first medium and less than the density of the second medium, the float member being mobile in the container to move up and down with an interface between the first and second media.

Abstract: A tank interceptor for rain water and waste-water includes a container divided by a partition into an upper by-pass compartment and a lower treatment compartment. An inlet and outlet for the container are located in the side wall adjacently above the partition. The partition defines a raised weir which constrains liquids entering at low flow rates to pass downwardly through an adjacent opening through the partition, to collect in the treatment compartment below the partition. A second opening through the partition is located adjacent the outlet, and pipes are associated with both openings. One of the openings is made large enough to allow passage of maintenance personnel, thus obviating the need for a further access opening and a liquid-tight seal for that further opening. An access opening at the top of the container is generally aligned with the large-diameter opening through the partition, thus allowing inspection, sampling and pumping out, without requiring maintenance personnel to enter the container.

Abstract: An inlet momentum absorber for passing an oil/water/gas mixture into a separator vessel having an inlet nozzle that extends through the vessel wall into the interior thereof, and a nozzle axis. A dish-shaped deflector is supported within the vessel adjacent to the deflector being intersected by the nozzle axis. A plurality of closely spaced apart cylindrical posts are arranged in an enlarged circumferential pattern defining a dispersing area within the vessel, the dispersing area being formed equilaterally around the nozzle axis. The closely spaced cylindrical posts provide a multitude of tortuous paths through which the oil/water/gas mixture flows from the dispersing area into the interior of the vessel. The tortuous paths are free of sharp edges to thereby minimize shearing of dispersed droplets.

Abstract: A hydro-dynamic separator incorporating a solids interceptor (21) upstream of the overflow (19) for intercepting solid matter above a predetermined size entrained in liquid flowing towards the overflow (19), the solids interceptor (21) comprising: (a) a wall (51) terminating in an upper edge (51a) which constitutes a weir in the flow path of liquid flowing to the overflow (19); (b) a barrier (53), extending from the said wall (51) towards a solids collection region (55), said barrier (53) comprising a plurality of openings (69) to permit flow of liquid therethrough but to retain solids, the upper surface of the barrier (53) being disposed such that solids retained on the barrier (53) are washed across the surface by the flow of liquid towards the solids collection region (55); and (c) a liquid collection region (59) beneath the barrier (53) for collecting liquid flowing through the openings (69) in the barrier (53), said liquid collection region (59) being in fluid communication with the overflow (19) of the

Abstract: A mechanical device is used for separating oil films from the surface of water or for separating any two immiscible phases where the lighter phase forms a thin film on the top of the heavier phase. Both phases flow into the airlift scavenger outer vessel through a strainer which provides easier access to the lighter or oil phase due to larger orifices being located at the top of the strainer. After flowing into the vessel, both phases flow downwards to an expansion zone where the fluid velocities drop. This allows the large oil slugs to rise to the top of the outer vessel. The water phase, containing medium and small sized oil slugs, flows downwards to a baffle that turns the flow upwards. This causes the medium sized oil slugs to reverse their downward motion and rise to the top of the outer vessel to agglomerate at the top. This oil phase is continuously pumped to a storage vessel for recovery.

Abstract: A separator for separating contaminants from a base liquid. The separator includes a roof arrangement, part of which extends downwardly and radially inwardly into the liquid in the separator. The roof arrangement is generally in inverted conical form. The decontaminated liquid flows from the separator through a flow modifying member which dampens any circulating flows in the liquid, and flows upwardly out of the separator to a reservoir defined by the inverted conical roof arrangement. The arrangement also includes structure for releasing gases from the volumes beneath the roof arrangement, thereby maintaining the whole of the roof arrangement in contact with the liquid to assist in reducing circulating flow in the liquid on the upper regions of the separator vessel.

Abstract: A device and method for maintaining effective bacterial levels within a collecting container of an organic matter collection system of the type having a collecting container having a bottom and a liquid to air interface-surface is provided. The bacterial incubator comprise: a housing having a first and second interior chamber; an elongated feed tube, connected to the housing, having a passageway terminating at one end in connection with the second interior chamber and terminating at the other end in a feed opening; and a plurality of high surface-area members that are contained within the first interior chamber. The first interior chamber is in fluid connection with both the second interior chamber and the exterior of the housing. The elongated feed tube is of a length sufficient to allow a section thereof containing the feed opening to be positioned above the air to liquid interface-surface of a collecting container.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating contaminated, e.g. oily, water including a floating skimmer (3) for skimming the surface of the contaminated water (2). The contaminated water from the skimmer is fed to a hydrocyclone (6) for separation of the water and contaminant. The hydrocarbon rich stream from the hydrocyclone undergoes further separation using a spear (8).

Abstract: A trap for separating and retaining grease, oil, and particulates from water or other fluids. The inventive device includes a trap body having an inlet fitting extending thereinto and terminating in a deflecting cup such that fluid entering the trap flows vertically upward from the cup. A planar baffle plate extending across an interior of the trap body retains grease on a first side thereof while permitting the water to flow under the planar baffle plate to a second side thereof. An angled baffle plate also extends across the interior of the trap body and includes an angled weir for deflecting food particles and the like from passage thereover. An outlet fitting extends from below the water to permit exiting of the filtered water from the trap body.

Abstract: A tank interceptor for rain water and waste-water includes a container which has an intermediate partition dividing the chamber into a by-pass compartment above the partition and a treatment compartment below. An inlet is positioned adjacently above the partition and an outlet is also positioned adjacently above the partition, but spaced away from the inlet. The partition includes a raised portion isolating the inlet from the outlet, such that liquid entering through the inlet and seeking to reach the outlet through the by-pass compartment must overlow the raised portion in order to do so. Openings are provided through the partition on the inlet side and the outlet side of the raised portion, and communicate the by-pass compartment with the treatment compartment. The openings are such that liquid, without having to overflow the raised portion, can travel from the inlet to the outlet through the treatment compartment.

Abstract: A separator that separates a lubricating oil from a coolant both of which e used in a cutting or grinding machine is disclosed. The separator comprises input, intermediate and output chambers comprising divider panels having top and bottom portions. Every other panel has a passageway near its top region and the alternate panels, relative to the every other panels, have passageways located at their bottommost region. The lubricating oil finds its way into the path of the coolant and becomes mixed therewith. The mixed lubricating oil and coolant is eventually directed into the separator. As the oil and coolant flow sequentially through the chambers of the separator, the separating properties of the oil and the coolant begin to act so that the oil raises to the surface, whereas the coolant tends to seek its way through the chambers of the separator.

Abstract: A distributor for dispersing an inlet stream into a volume within a separator vessel is provided, the volume having, in a horizontal plane, a first end and a second end, the distributor comprising:a first distribution lateral, the first distribution lateral defining a series of nozzles extending from about the center of the volume to about the first end and then from about the first end to about the second end;a second distribution lateral, the second distribution lateral defining a series of nozzles extending from about the center to about the second end and then from about the second end to about the first end, wherein the first and the second distribution laterals are essential symmetrical with respect to each other; anda manifold that provides a conduit from outside of the vessel to the two essentially symmetric distribution laterals.The distributor of the present invention has been shown to significantly increase the utilization of the volume of a separator vessel.

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: An apparatus and method for removing articles of a first liquid from a second liquid using law, the first liquid, such as oil, having a greater buoyancy than the second, such as water, with both liquids being immiscibly combined into a flowing fluid mixture. Surges in the mixture's flow are dampened, and the mixture is constrained to have a limited horizontal flow velocity through the tank of the apparatus. A separator chamber with a plurality of parallel subchannels formed by spaced vertical plates has a geometry that reduces and controls the Reynolds number of the subchannels and controls the velocity through the subchannels, causing the flow therethrough to be substantially non-turbulent. A first gate inhibits the flow of sediment into the separator chamber. The flow path length through the separator chamber is such that the particles will have sufficient time to rise above a downstream exit, near the bottom of the separator chamber, and into a holding chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying fuel, comprising a closed container having a top, a bottom, an inlet for impure fuel and an outlet for purified fuel placed at a level over the inlet, both coupled near the top of the container, a heating bulb to heat the impure fuel and allow the settlement of impurities and a valve in the bottom to remove the impurities from the container; a partition wall coupled in the container above the inlet and under the outlet, and a hollow body dependently coupled to the partition wall, defining a surrounding chamber under the partition wall to receive the impure fuel to the bottom of the container, an inner chamber in the hollow body under the partition wall, for purifying fuel, and an upper chamber over the partition wall for purified fuel; and a passage in the partition wall communicating said inner and upper chambers, to allow passage of the purified fuel to the upper chamber.

Abstract: A grease separation system includes a main grease separator tank [11] which has a plurality of filters [23] suspended along the upper portion of the tank above a bed of grease absorbing material [28]. A perforated pipe [31] extends the length of the floor of the tank and discharges into a grease trap [33]. An admixing tank [52] is also included for admixing a grease absorbing material [60] with the grease [24] collected within the filters and rendering the grease bladeable for disposal into a landfill.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering oil from an oil spill on the surface of a body of water includes a skimmer unit for recovering an oil-water mixture from the surface of the body of water, a three stage coalescer unit for separating the oil in the oil-water mixture from the water therein and a solvent injection assembly for injecting solvent into the coalescer unit after the first and second stages in order to reduce the viscosity of the oil entering the second and third stages. The first, second, and third stages of the coalescer unit comprise interceptors having a surface area ratios between 27 and 65 ft.sup.2 /ft.sup.3 ; 65 ft.sup.2 /ft.sup.3 and 2500 ft.sup.2 /ft.sup.3 ; and 500 ft.sup.2 /ft.sup.3 and 4200 ft.sup.2 /ft.sup.3, respectively.

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: An apparatus and method for de-inking waste paper pulp using a foam flotation process to recycle printed waste paper for the manufacture of new paper. Pulped printed paper is fed as a slurry to an inlet of a shallow tank. Internal guide walls in the tank establish a flow path from the inlet to an outlet. The walls are sized and positioned to create a generally uniform cross-sectional flow area. A plurality of modules are disposed along the flow path. Each module includes at least one injector that aerates the flow and an extractor that removes floated ink foam. A portion of the flow from each module is recycled to an upstream module, preferably by a conduit and associated pump. In a preferred form, an injector (or injectors) alone located at the inlet is fed by the next downstream module and an extractor alone is located near the outlet. The invention also includes a main recycling loop from the downstream end of the flow path to the upstream end.

Abstract: An oil accumulation system having a first separating station and a second separating station, wherein the first separating station includes a tank for receiving contaminated water with an inclined plate separator disposed therein. The tank has an adjustable skimmer which delivers oily waste water to the second separating station by gravity. The second separating station includes an outer housing which encompasses an inner housing, forming two interior chamber. The inner chamber collects the oily waste from the skimmer for additional oil/water separation by use of a first laminar flow area, or alternatively by use of a fiber foam filter. At the bottom of the inner housing is an outlet, which forms an inlet to the second interior chamber, so that water is gravity-forced from the first chamber to the second chamber, forming a second laminar flow area for further oil/water separation.

Abstract: A process for separating the grease, solids and water components from grease such as grease traps and fry grease. The grease is collected and introduced into a primary holding tank to effect primary crude separation. The grease is removed to a second stage separator for further concentration. The water and solids are separately directed to a second stage to separate these components. The separated water is treated suitable for discharge into a sewer. The solids are dried and the solids and grease are then suitable for re-use. In the preferred embodiment, the separators are centrifuges. Heating of the grease may also be necessary to achieve proper viscosity for handling and to remove bacteria.

Abstract: Open frame, inverted-T-shaped trusses are provided between self-supporting clarifier units to support the units in liquid having solids therein flowing in a clarifier basin. In a first embodiment, each truss has three pipes which form part of a longitudinally extending base. A longitudinal spine extends up from the base to a fourth pipe which directly supports an outlet trough. Spaced supports extend transversely to form three-sided corners which receive an end of a clarifier unit. A bar extends between the spaced supports to hold the units in the corners. In a second embodiment, the truss is provided with a closed spine which serves as a head barrier at an inlet end of the basin.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a tank for separating water and hydrocarbon fuels from contaminated water which comprises an elongated vessel having, at one end thereof, an inlet for delivering contaminated water into the vessel. A distribution baffle is mounted at this end of the vessel for directing the incoming flow of contaminated water into multiple streams thereby reducing the incoming turbulent flow into a laminar flow whereby water is directed towards the opposite end of the vessel in an unobstructed manner so that light hydrocarbon fuel droplets may be allowed to rise and be collected on the surface of the water. A outlet piping is providing at the opposite end of the vessel for discharging water free of hydrocarbon fuels.

Abstract: Separation of oil from an aqueous condensate is effected by feeding the condensate into the headspace of a liquid pool containig separation tank so that a layer of oil will settle on top of water in the pool. An oil-receiver tank above the separation tank and connected thereto by a vertical pipe, also has a liquid pool therein above which a head space at sub-atmospheric pressure exists. Oil in the layer is accessed with a lower entry to the vertical pipe submerged below the separation tank liquid level and ascends into the pipe and upwardly to the oil-receiver tank, the oil ascent being accompanied by descent of water from the liquid pool in the oil-receiver tank. When the oil-receiver tank and an upper section of the vertical pipe are filled with oil only, the oil-containing tank can be drained. Separation operation can resume following reestablishment of the liquid pool in the oil-receiver by inletting a quantity of clean water thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the solids and oil/grease components of a water mixture includes a tank for holding a water mixture for a period during which heavier-than-water components of the water mixture settle to the bottom of the held water mixture and lighter-than-water components rise to the top of the held water mixture. It includes devices for separating solids from liquids in a flow of solids and liquids and for separating oil/grease from water in a flow of oil/grease and water. A first discharge line from the tank adjacent the location of the heavier-than-water components communicates with the device for separating solids from liquids, and a second discharge line from the tank adjacent the location of the lighter-than-water components communicates with the device for separating oil/grease from water. A third discharge line from the tank intermediate the first and second discharge line is provided for the removal of water with reduced solids and oil/grease components.