Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for detecting contaminant in a fuel system, such as a fuel system of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a fuel filter comprising an upper unit having a fuel inlet port, a fuel outlet port, and a closeable vent port and a lower unit releasably mounted to the upper unit and comprising a contaminant collection zone adapted for holding collected contaminant and a closable contaminant outlet port adapted for draining the collected contaminant. The apparatus further includes a programmable low-voltage variable contaminant detection sensor formed integrally within the upper unit of the fuel filter and comprising detection probes extending into the lower unit of the fuel filter for sensing contaminant levels within the contaminant collection zone, the sensor being adapted for generating a signal upon detection of a predetermined level of contaminant in the contaminant collection zone.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an installation for separating out an effluent made up of a multi-phase fluid mixture. According to the invention, said installation includes gravity separator means whose geometrical separation characteristics can be adjusted during said separation operation. According to the invention, the method makes it possible to adjust the geometrical separation characteristics of the separator as a function of how the multi-phase composition of the effluent varies over time.

Abstract: A gas/liquid phase separator includes a fluid inlet, a vapor outlet, a liquid outlet, and first and second valves disposed in fluid communication with the liquid outlet. Both valves are controllable in response to a fluid level in the gas/liquid phase separator. Both valves are further disposed in parallel fluid communication with each other. A method of controlling a liquid level in the phase separator includes sensing an amount of liquid in the phase separator, sensing a system pressure, and selectively opening a valve disposed in fluid communication with the phase separator to drain the liquid.

Abstract: 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 device in connection with a separator for separation of a multiphase fluid, including a preferably cylindrical container (1) with an inlet (2), a first outlet (3) for liquid with a higher gravity (for example water), a second outlet (4) for liquid with a lower gravity (for example oil) and a third outlet (5) for gas. A pipe separator (6) is connected to the inlet (2) of the container (1). The pipe separator (6) constitutes a continuation of a supply pipe (7) for supplying the fluid to be separated and extends partially into the container (1).

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

Abstract: A septic tank formed of a blow molded body having an interior and an exterior. The septic tank body is formed from one or more layers of plastic material that are chosen for their chemical, mechanical or other properties. The septic tank body includes a plurality of integral ribs to provide circumferential structurally rigidity and also includes compression molded flange portions to provide axial structural rigidity. Additionally, septic tank covers and riser systems are provided.

Abstract: A system for extracting free oil from industrial processing fluids contains a solids retention cartridge having a plurality of vertically oriented polymeric elements therein. The cartridge fluidly communicates with a retention chamber, wherein the retention chamber provides a predetermined residence time based on fluid flow as established by inlet and outlet pressure and also as established by valved fluid exit orifices. An aggregation chamber fluidly communicates with the retention chamber and provides an area for aggregation of a low density fluid such as oil for example. The low density fluid is then decanted from a decant chamber. The purified bulk fluid is drained from the retention chamber through an associated return chamber. The average cross-sectional area of the aggregation chamber is less than the average cross-sectional area of the retention chamber thereby enhancing the aggregation of a lower density fluid such as oil, prior to decant.

Abstract: The grease trap is a device that may be attached to the drainpipe of a sink and the outlet pipe of a plumbing system to remove grease from wastewater before it enters the plumbing system. The device uses simple principles of gravity and separation of immiscible liquids to achieve this goal. Also provided with the present invention is a vent pipe to decrease the production of unpleasant odors. A covered opening is provided for removing the grease periodically.

Abstract: An integrated three phase separator for separation of natural gas, hydrocarbon liquids, and water or brine. The separator includes a cylindrical vertical separation unit having a closed top and an opposed, open bottom. A cylindrical horizontal separation unit has a pair of opposed ends, a first, closed end and a second, open end. A tubular elbow connection includes a pair of ends, one end connected to the open bottom of the vertical separation unit and another end connected to the open end of the horizontal separation unit so that the vertical separation unit and horizontal separation unit are in fluid connection with each other. A metering plate within the tubular elbow connection retains natural gas in the horizontal unit while permitting gentle release of liquid into the horizontal unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a mixture of a less dense fluid, a more dense fluid, and fines. The less and more dense fluids are immiscible with each other. The apparatus comprises a housing having an inlet at an upstream end thereof and an outlet at a downstream end thereof. A separation chamber is located within the housing between the inlet and the outlet. The separation chamber comprises a generally horizontal enclosure and a screw defining a helical passage through the enclosure. The separation chamber has at least one upper aperture located in an upper portion of the helical passage and at least one lower aperture located in a lower portion of the helical passage. A baffle is attached between the housing and the separation chamber for directing at least a portion of the mixture into the separation chamber.

Abstract: A cylindrical vertical oil, water and gas separator that incorporates the known advantage of a horizontal flow path, when utilizing the force of gravity to separate a mixture of flowing fluids into distinct laminar layers, while providing a means for maintaining the dynamic equilibrium of the disparate layers of the fluids even when the oil, water and gas separator is swaying back and forth as might happen if the oil, water and gas separator is installed on the deck of a ship.

Abstract: A desanding vessel is inserted in a high velocity fluid stream containing entrained particulates. The vessel comprises an upper freeboard portion having a large cross-sectional wherein the fluid stream velocity drops and particulates fall from suspension. Preferably the fluid stream is introduced offset upwardly from an axis of a horizontally oriented cylindrical vessel, released particulates falling to accumulate in a lower belly portion. The freeboard portion is maintained using a depending flow barrier adjacent the vessel's outlet which sets the depth of accumulation in the belly portion. A cleanout enables periodic removal of accumulations.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid particles from the suction effluent of, for example, a dental office, preferably driven by a dental office vacuum pump, includes a surge tank for accommodating effluent overfill connected to a sedimentary deposit tank for sedimentation of effluent particles. A bypass conduit is connected to the surge tank inlet which is equipped with a vacuum break valve for allowing air into the system when the suction openings are closed. The sedimentary deposit tank has a series of baffle chambers through which effluent flows in sequence, and in each of which chambers sediment is deposited for later removal. The surge tank preferably has a liquid level sensor and warning device. Modular filters or adsorbants may be installed in the sedimentary deposit tank, or a modular auxiliary filter may be connected downstream of the tank. Chemical injection may be used to improve sedimentation.

Abstract: A cylindrical vertical oil, water and gas separator that incorporates the known advantage of a horizontal flow path, when utilizing the force of gravity to separate a mixture of flowing fluids into distinct laminar layers, while providing a means for maintaining the dynamic equilibrium of the disparate layers of the fluids even when the oil, water and gas separator is swaying back and forth as might happen if the oil, water and gas separator is installed on the deck of a ship.

Abstract: A three-phase separator for separating off from a fluid gas and particles contained therein, includes at least one pair of two gas collection caps extending in a horizontal longitudinal direction (L) and each having a plate section. The plate sections converge in the downward direction. At the bottom ends the plate sections leave an inlet passage, elongated in the longitudinal direction, for the fluid containing particles and an outlet passage, elongated in the longitudinal direction, for settled particles. A discharge opening for fluid, opening into the settling chamber, is provided at a level higher than the inlet and outlet passages. The inlet passage and the outlet passage are located in the extension of one another, viewed in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: There is provided a method for extracting a gaseous fluid which comprises extracting the gaseous fluid through fluid extraction ports set up on the top face portion of a vertical-type agitation tank equipped inside with an agitator, wherein two fluid extraction ports are set up at positions approximately symmetrical about the center of the top face portion of the vertical-type agitation tank, or wherein at least three fluid extraction ports are set up each at a vertex of an approximately regular polygon having the central point identical with the center of the top face portion of the vertical-type agitation tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid particles from the suction effluent of, for example, a dental office, preferably driven by a dental office vacuum pump, includes a surge tank for accommodating effluent overfill connected to a sedimentary deposit tank for sedimentation of effluent particles. A bypass conduit is connected to the surge tank inlet which is equipped with a vacuum break valve for allowing air into the system when the suction openings are closed. The sedimentary deposit tank has a series of baffle chambers through which effluent flows in sequence, and in each of which chambers sediment is deposited for later removal. The surge tank preferably has a liquid level sensor and warning device. Modular filters or adsorbants may be installed in the sedimentary deposit tank, or a modular auxiliary filter may be connected downstream of the tank. Chemical injection may be used to improve sedimentation.

Abstract: A method and device for separating grease from waste water. The separator device includes a receptacle with an upper first part and a lower second part separated by a plate. The receptacle further has an inlet port for waste water, a discharge port for separated waste water, discharge means for grease and/or sludge, and an overflow pipe establishing a connection between the receptacle first part and the receptacle second part. Waste water is supplied through the inlet port to the upper first part, and the waste water is allowed to undergo a separation by gravity, whereby a grease layer is formed on a separated waste water layer and a sludge layer on the plate. In order to achieve a high degree of separation, separated waste water is allowed to flow through the overflow pipe to the receptacle lower second part. Grease is removed from the grease layer and/or sludge from the sludge layer through the discharge means, and separated waste water is discharged through the discharge port.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in, for example, separating oil from water, which comprises a vortex chamber adapted to admit through an inlet a flow of oil and water, means, (e.g. a helical coil shaped wall member of a “Clock Spring Guide”), device adapted to impart a rotational movement to the admitted oil and water so as to form within the chamber a rotating fluid mass within which a nonturbulent vortex of oil floats on the water. Oil removal pipe provides means for the removal of oil from the oil vortex, and outlet means located below the level of the floating oil provides for the escape of water from the vortex chamber. Variable flow regulating means is located at or downstream of the outlet means to regulate the rate of flow of water through the chamber. A tilted corrugated plate separator housed in chamber may be interposed between the water outlet means of the vortex chamber and the variable flow regulating means to separate residual oil in the emergent water.

Abstract: A separating device is provided for separating liquid from a slurry of liquid and solid particles. The device has a settling chamber including a filter screen spanning a liquid outlet opening at the open top end of the settling chamber. A slurry inlet, in communication with the settling chamber below the filter screen, introduces a slurry of liquid and solid particles into the settling chamber. Liquid is urged to escape from the settling chamber upwardly through the filter screen. The filter screen, being located at the top of the settling chamber, provides a more natural separation of the liquid from the solid particles by permitting the liquid to rise upwardly through the screen while the solid particles settle out in the settling chamber to be compacted at the bottom of the chamber for removal of the compacted solids from the bottom of the chamber.

Abstract: A three-phase separator (1) comprising a normally horizontal vessel (3) defining a liquid separation space (5) and a gas space (7), which vessel (3) has an inlet end space (1) provided with a feed inlet (21) and an outlet end space (15) provided with separate outlets (25, 26 and 27) for the three phases, which vessel (3) further comprises an inlet device (31) comprising a primary separator (35) arranged in the gas space (7) and a tilted return tray (38) arranged in the gas space (7) having a lower end (39) that is located near the inlet end wall (13) such that a passage (41) is defined between the lower end (39) and the inlet end wall (13).

Abstract: A heated inclined separation pressure vessel for receiving an oil emulsion. A shell is supported at an oblique angle to horizontal, thereby defining an upper and lower end. An elongated sleeve extends coaxially through the vessel. A heat pipe bundle extends coaxially through the lower vessel end and sleeve, terminating at an intermediate position within the sleeve. A furnace is provided for heating the heat pipe bundle. An inlet, adjacent to the upper end, admits emulsion to the elongated sleeve. Gas liberated from the oil is allowed to flow to the upper end of the sleeve and into a gas separator located above the upper end of the vessel. Emulsified water falls towards the lower end of the sleeve and exits the vessel via a water outlet adjacent to the lower vessel head. An oil outlet, adjacent to the upper vessel head removes clean oil from the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A process for separating oily films from sand particles carried in a solvent free water stream includes the use of a jet pump scrubber in a density classification tank to treat such oily coated particles at controlled operating temperatures above 65° C. whereby, at such controlled temperature, enhanced cavitation in the jet pump separates the oily film from the sand particles to form slop oil, the tank providing for recirculation of the particles through the jet pump before discharge.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating or segregating an insoluble or immiscible fluid mixture into its denser and less dense components is disclosed. The apparatus' serviceability is enhanced through the use of a removably secured focusing plate. The apparatus may be advantageously used to separate grease/water mixtures of commercial food preparation operations into a gray water component for disposal in sewer lines and a grease component for storage and subsequent appropriate disposal.

Abstract: A device in connection with a separator (3) in a processing plant, for example, a plant for processing a fluid consisting of oil, water, gas and possibly solid substances. The separator includes a container or a chamber (7) with an inlet (1) for the fluid to be separated and two or more outlets for each of the respective separated phases. The fluid is designed to flow via a spiral duct (2), which extends from the inlet (1) down towards the base of the container (7). The container (7) may expediently be mainly cylindrical and vertical and the duct (2) extends along the periphery of the container.

Abstract: A free water knockout designed for removing large amounts of water that is not entrained in the oil is disclosed. The vessel is supported so that the axis is oblique through the horizontal, thus defining an upper and a lower end, each of which is closed by a head which may be hemispherical in shape. An elongated sleeve extends coaxially through the vessel to increase the surface area of the vessel relative to the volume of the vessel. Incoming fluids are spun tangentially to the wall of the elongated sleeve to help promote the separation of oil droplets from the water. A burner system is provided to add heat to the oil after the free water is removed from the production fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating or segregating an insoluble or immiscible fluid mixture including less-dense solids and/or buoyant solids into its denser component, less-dense component, and less-dense solids and/or buoyant solids is disclosed. An aspect of the invention is directed to a technique that may relieve and even eliminate the fouling of down stream elements through the use of a flushing cycle in one instance, alternative access lines in another instance, or alternative access lines and flushing in yet another instance. The apparatus may be advantageously used to separate grease/water mixtures of commercial food preparation operations into a gray water component for disposal in sewer lines and a grease component for storage and subsequent appropriate disposal.

Abstract: A submerged filtering device for separating any mixture of two immiscible fluids having different specific gravities. The filter can be used with either a gravity or pumped in-feed flow, and can be constructed in a range of sizes from easily transportable units to large fixed installations. When separating a mixture of oil and water, the filter operates in an external holding tank of water, which has the higher specific gravity, in which it is nearly entirely submerged. The filter uses a combination of hydro-static pressure and head pressure to exploit the difference in specific gravity of the two fluids, efficiently effecting a separation.

Abstract: An apparatus to induce very small bubbles of gas into a stream of deionized water without allowing large bubbles to be entrained is disclosed for use in Chemical Mechanical Polishing for semiconductor manufacture. The apparatus includes a cylinder possessing a central axis positioned vertically, a gas inlet, a deionized water inlet positioned essentially above the gas inlet, a deionized water with gas outlet positioned essentially above the deionized water inlet and a vent outlet positioned essentially above the deionized water with gas outlet. The apparatus introduces an essentially gaseous composition into the cylinder through the gas inlet into deionized water in the cylinder. The gas travels through the deionized water inlet to a level in the cylinder above the position of the deionized water with gas outlet, wherein the gaseous composition is further constrained to enter as bubbles with a predetermined size range in the deionized water through the deionized water inlet.

Abstract: An arrangement in a circulation lubrication system includes a lubricating oil tank, pressure pipe lines for supplying oil to parts that are to be lubricated, return pipe lines for returning the oil from the parts that are to be lubricated to the oil tank, and a mechanism for pumping oil into the pressure pipe lines and maintaining a desired state of lubrication. The lubricating oil tank has a rotationally symmetric structure; and a return duct, positioned at the center axis of the rotationally symmetric structure, is configured to extend below the surface of the oil in the lubricating oil tank. A return flow through the return duct passes through a dividing element to a mechanism configured to separate impurities from the oil.

Abstract: An installation for producing ozonized water, comprising a circuit for producing ozonized water comprising a circuit for producing ozonized water comprising a water inlet, an ozone-injection inlet for injecting ozone taken from an ozone source, a contactor for bringing the ozone into contact with the water, a section for utilizing the ozonized water arranged downstream of the contactor, and an undissolved ozone collector, downstream of the contactor, comprising an outlet connected to the circuit for producing ozonized water upstream of the contactor.

Abstract: A filtration system for concentrating radioactive debris particulate provides efficient filtration, concentration and transport to collection canisters of radioactive particles from a refueling cavity, spent fuel pool, or other water volume where small particles must be removed from the water. The system includes a flushing pump module that draws contaminated water from a cut zone enclosure. The flushing pump module has a separator that removes large size particulate from the contaminated water. A solid media filter module receives the contaminated water from the flushing pump module and removes medium size particulate from the contaminated water. The solid media filter module has a structure for ejecting the medium size particulate and passing the ejected particulate to a concentrate handling module having a purge tank and a slurry transfer pump. A disposal canister station receives the medium size particulate from the slurry transfer pump and fills disposal canisters for transport and storage.

Abstract: A separation system (10) for immiscible liquids such as oil and water. The system is particularly useful for treating bilge water on ships. The system includes a bilge water holding tank (12), pre-filter tank (14), separator (16), oil accumulator (18), coalescer (20), air refining chamber (22), and pump (24). Oily water is drawn by pump (24) from holding tank (12) and is then processed sequentially through pre-filter tank (14), separator (16), and coalescer (20) and can thereafter be pumped overboard. Separator (16) and coalescer (20) are disposed at an inclined angle so that the oil will float upwards and out into oil accumulator (18) and refining chamber (22). At each stage in the process, oil is separated out from the water and accumulates at the surface of the water in pre-filter tank (14), oil accumulator (18), and refining chamber (22). Using a second pump (28), the accumulated oil can be intermittently or continuously pumped from these vessels into a waste oil holding tank (26).

Abstract: A system for separating and retaining liquid with different specific gravities and floatables includes a hood made of plastic and mounted to cover an outlet pipe of a basin receiving the liquid. The hood is formed with a housing dividing the basin into an inlet chamber and outlet chamber and preventing supernatant liquids with a lower specific gravity, floatables accumulated on the surface of a liquid with a higher specific gravity and solids accumulated in the basin from being drawn downstream into the outlet pipe. The hood is further provided with a device equalizing air pressure between the inlet and outlet compartments. A flow restrictor is incorporated in one embodiment to regulate the discharge of liquid from the basin.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for efficiently discharging both polishing liquid flowing out a surface plate and mist of polishing liquid produced through polishing with the use of simple measures, is composed of a drain receiver which is provided in proximity with the outer periphery of the surface plate, and which serves as both recovery means for recovering the polishing liquid flowing out from the surface plate and a suction means for sucking up the mist of polishing liquid produced through polishing, a common discharge pipe connecting the drain receiver to a gas-liquid separating mans, for simultaneously transferring both polishing liquid and mist of polishing liquid into the gas-liquid separating means therefrom, and a suction pump and a liquid processing means connected to the gas-liquid separating means.

Abstract: An emulsion treater has an elongate vessel for receiving oil in which water is emulsified and gas is entrained, and for separating these impurities from the oil. The vessel is supported so that the axis is oblique through the horizontal, thus defining an upper and a lower end, each of which is closed by a head which may be hemispherical in shape. An elongate sleeve extends coaxially through the vessel and has an upper sleeve end projecting through the upper vessel head, and is itself closed by an upper sleeve head. At the lower end, the sleeve is open, with the open end being located at an intermediate position in the vessel. An elongate firetube extends coaxially through the vessel and the sleeve, and projects through the upper sleeve head and through the lower vessel head, thus defining a chamber with the sleeve which surrounds the firetube. A burner is provided for injecting hot combustion gases into the firetube at the upper end.

Abstract: An oil and water separation apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart vessels, the first vessel having an interior for holding liquid and a separator unit that is positioned in the interior of the first vessel. The separator unit receives incoming flow at its upper end portion. This flow fills the interior of the separator. The inclined walls of the separator help accumulate oil that moves upwardly therewithin. Lowermost pipes discharge water from the separator. A plurality of vertically spaced apart conduits are positioned around the exterior wall of the separator and communicate with its interior. Each of the vertical openings has a larger cross sectional area base portion and a smaller cross sectional area top through which oil can exit. Accumulated oil can be channeled away from recycling. Water escaping the first vessel enters the second vessel where it encounters a plurality of alternating baffles and filters that further clarify any water that is discharged from the first vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a first liquid phase from second liquid phase and entrained air and solids. More particularly, the apparatus removes tramp oil, metal shavings and other solids from coolant used in metal-working machines. The apparatus can also be used to remove air and solids from a single liquid phase. The apparatus is compact and simple to use. It overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art devices, including their tendency to become plugged with oily material.

Abstract: A positive pressure oil well production package, comprising a separator vessel connectable to an oil well head and a pressure tight storage vessel connected to receive fluid from the separator via a conduit. First and second vapour outlets connected to a gas disposal system are provided for the separator vessel and pressure tight storage vessel respectively. A weir in the pressure tight storage vessel separates the pressure tight storage vessel into first and second compartments. The weir has a lip over which oil may spill from the first compartment into the second compartment. An oil removal port is provided in the second compartment of the pressure tight storage vessel. The conduit has a discharge end and the conduit extends into the first compartment with the discharge end terminating at or above the lip of the weir.

Abstract: An oil and water separation apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart vessels, the first vessel having an interior for holding liquid and a separator unit that is positioned in the interior of the first vessel. The separator unit receives incoming flow at its upper end portion. This flow fills the interior of the separator. The inclined walls of the separator help accumulate oil that moves upwardly therewithin. Lowermost pipes discharge water from the separator. A plurality of vertically spaced apart conduits are positioned around the exterior wall of the separator and communicate with its interior. Each of the vertical openings has a larger cross sectional area base portion and a smaller cross sectional area top through which oil can exit. Accumulated oil can be channeled away from recycling. Water escaping the first vessel enters the second vessel where it encounters a plurality of alternating baffles and filters that further clarify any water that is discharged from the first vessel.

Abstract: A settling device (2) for a fluid containing liquid, gas and particulate material comprises liquid-discharge elements (15) fitted close to the water level of the fluid and supply elements for supplying the fluid at the bottom of the settling chamber. In the settling chamber one or more caps (12) are disposed with their longitudinal axis at an angle to the water level, such that fluid supplied at the bottom of the settling chamber flows obliquely up, forced along the bottom of the at least one cap. Whilst gas bubbles contained therein collect in the ridge (17) of the at least one cap. The gas collected in the ridge of the at least one cap is trapped by elements (18) beneath the water level of the fluid. Preferably, use is made of a row containing a multiplicity of caps (12) which are disposed in oblique, overlapping and parallel arrangement. The caps (12) can be fitted at an angle of 60.degree. relative to the water level and preferably have a mutual interval of about 6 cm.

Abstract: An oil processing vessel for cleaning oil and the associated produced water utilizing the principle of capillary attraction in lieu of heat and/or electric coalescence to dehydrate the oil and in lieu of induced gas flotation to extract oil from the water. The oil processing vessel also includes a means for mitigating the foam often encountered when processing crude oil and if required an integral means to split the oil discharge from the vessel into disparate proportional flow streams. There also can be included a means for extracting extraneous material that accumulates inside the vessel at the water/oil interface.

Abstract: There is provided in the present invention a small bore sewer system comprising a clarifier tank for receiving sewage, separating liquid and solid sewage and retaining the solid sewage; and a collection device connected to the clarifier tank for receiving the liquid sewage and carrying it to a sewage treatment plant. The system may further include pumping stations and gravel and sand odor filters.

Abstract: Water and solid debris are separated from gasoline during its storage within a container. The separation is effected automatically, at low cost and in a highly reliable manner. It is continuous throughout storage and is not reversed by portage of the container or removal of gasoline therefrom. Engines fueled with gasoline from the container are far less subject to contamination from water or impurities than those fueled from gas cans of the conventional type.

Abstract: An elongated, cylindrical oil, water and gas separator with end closures for receiving a flowing mixture of oil, water and foamy gas improved by means for defoaming the gas, separating the oil, water and gas into distinct laminar layers and a means for absorbing the impetus and energy of the flowing water layer as it impacts the end closure near the water outlet conduit, and can include a heating means for reducing the viscosity of the mixture with increased heat exchange surface, an electric field through which the oil can flow downward for coalescing water droplets that may be entrained within the oil and further can contain a series of coalescing baffles having a spray jet washing system and hinged bottom segments to expedite cleaning and maintenance.

Abstract: Described are novel containers adapted to separate and dispense two or more fluids of different densities, and novel methods of selectively separating and dispensing two or more fluids of different densities.

Abstract: For the anaerobic fermentation of solid organic waste substances, solid waste is mixed with liquid material, particularly anaerobic slurry, and the temperature of the mixture is brought to a value between 25.degree. and 70.degree. C., preferably between 30.degree. and 40.degree. C. (mesophilic) and between 55.degree. and 65.degree. C. (thermophilic). By means of spontaneous rising of lightweight material and by means of flotation, a layer (10) of solid material floating on a methane-generating zone is formed from said mixture in a reactor. Said floating layer moves from a supply end (7) or a mixing section (2) to a discharge end (14) of the reactor, hydrolysis and acidification of solidorganic material taking place in the floating layer. The fermented floating layer is discharged via the discharge (14) end independent of the residence time of fluid and slurry in the methane-generating zone under the floating layer.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment installation includes at least two tank units having portions located in juxtaposed relation, the units being secured in such position. An inlet to the first tank unit communicates with a drop pipe connecting the inlet to a liquid delivery structure intermediate the top and bottom of the first tank unit, and located diametrically opposite the respective portion. The liquid delivery structure ejects liquid tangentially in opposite directions along the side wall of the first tank unit. An outlet from the second tank unit (or the last of a series of units) is located opposite the respective portion, and an outlet riser pipe connects the outlet to an intake opening, which is located intermediate the top and bottom of the second tank unit.