Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for separation and collection of substances floating in water by making use of a relative motion between the water containing the substances and a collection container having trapping means associated therewith. In accordance with the invention the water motion relatively to a collection container is made use of to create a circulating movement therein. The circulating movement is obtained by bringing the water to enter the collection container essentially tangentially with respect to the latter. The removal of the substances in question is effected in the circulating water flow. Cleaned water is evacuated along the collection container bottom.

Abstract: A description is given of a method for treating wash water originating from the washing of sugar beets. This wash water essentially comprises water, sand, sludge and sugar beet particles. The wash water is subjected to a treatment in a cyclone, in which the sand is separated from the wash water, followed by a screen treatment, in which the sugar beet particles are separated from the wash water.

Abstract: The drilling fluid returns from underbalanced drilling are introduced into a separator and a separate gas stream is recovered. The gas stream is cleaned at the well site to remove entrained liquid and particulate solids, to produce gas suitable to be fed to a compressor. The cleaned gas is compressed to re-injection pressure and recycled to the well.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating a water/organic/solid emulsion, wherein the solid comprises particles having a length of about 50 .mu.m or less, are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of (1) directing the water/organic/solid emulsion from an emulsion source through a first hydrocyclone; (2) inverting the phase of the overflow emulsion from the first hydrocyclone; (3) directing the overflow emulsion through one or more subsequent hydrocyclones arranged in series; and (4) collecting the aqueous phase and the organic phase. The solid can be a biocatalyst, such as an intact bacterial, fungal or yeast cell. The organic phase is a liquid material substantially comprising carbon, which is substantially immiscible with water, such as petroleum.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a process for removing proteins from aquarium waters. The protein is efficiently removed from the aquarium water (salt or fresh) by contacting the water with a vortex air/water bubble pattern. The protein attaches to the bubbles and the bubbles are then skimmed from the aquarium water.

Abstract: A method of optimizing and controlling gas-liquid phase chemical reactions includes the steps of introducing a liquid reactant to the hollow interior of a cylindrical porous tube in a thin film following a spiral flow pattern around and along the wall of the tube; controlling the physical characteristics of the liquid film and the flow pattern followed by the film through the tube; mixing a gas reactant and an inert gas in preselected proportion; sparging the mixture of gas reactant and inert gas through the wall of the tube and into the liquid film to form a multiplicity of gas bubbles in interfacial contact with the gas; allowing the gas reactant and the liquid reactant to chemically react; segregating the remaining gas from the liquid within the tube; and separating the cleaned liquid stream from the contaminant laden gas stream.

Abstract: The invention describes the separation of oil and water in a production flow from a hydrocarbon reservoir, said separation being carried out by the use of one cyclone or a plurality of cyclones positioned downhole. The produced water is reinjected into the reservoir itself or into a formation zone lying above or below the reservoir.

Abstract: The method of the present invention comprises introducing a contaminated fluid mixture containing solids, liquid and contaminating fluid into a preliminary separator to separate the contaminating fluid from the principal liquid and solids; tangentially introducing the contaminated fluid mixture into a vertical cylindrical vessel in a circular motion to further separate the contaminating fluid from the principal liquid and solids; introducing air into the contaminated fluid mixture to further separate the contaminating fluid from the liquid and solids; maintaining the circular flow of the contaminated fluid mixture within the vessel to separate the fluid into contaminating fluid, clean liquid and solid contaminants; collecting the contaminating fluid in a reservoir; removing the contaminating fluid from the reservoir; and, discharging the clean liquid from the vessel.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the separation of solid matter via flotation. The flotation process for the separation of solid matter from a suspension takes place via the utilization of centrifugal forces wherein the suspension is brought into rotation in a separating zone so that the floated components are particularly effectively routed to and concentrated at the center of the separating space, whereby, when viewed axially, floated components and the remaining portion of the suspension is guided in the same direction and out of the separating zone, with the avoidance of vortexes in the flow stream achieving particularly favorable separation effects. In addition, several apparatuses, for carrying out the process, are also set forth.

Abstract: A liquid--liquid separating hydrocyclone that utilizes gradual taper angles to reduce energy loss, helical precession, and velocity differentials and, thereby, increase the efficiency and capacity of the hydrocyclone. A separation portion of the hydrocyclone tapers to the underflow outlet orifice and no cylindrical portion is used at the underflow end. The hydrocyclone has either one or two frustoconical taper sections that have predetermined taper angles. The hydrocyclone cavity conforms to specified relationships that limit the taper and length to provide sufficient retention and to maintain the centrifugal force at the underflow end. The hydrocyclone includes inlets for introduction of a liquid mixture and separate outlets for the less dense liquid and the more dense liquid. An improved method of separating a less dense liquid from a more dense liquid is to functionally apply the above described hydrocyclone.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating gas-liquid interfacial contact conditions for highly efficient mass transfer between gas and liquid comprises a gas-liquid contactor assembly including a hollow porous tube surrounded by an outer jacket defining a gas plenum between the jacket and the porous tube; a liquid feed assembly including a nozzle for injecting liquid into the porous tube in a spiraling flow pattern around and along the porous tube; a gas-liquid separator assembly at the first end of the porous tube including a nonporous degassing tube coaxially aligned with and connected to the porous tube, a gas outlet port coaxially aligned with the degassing tube to receive a first portion of gas flowing from the degassing tube, a first gas duct coaxially aligned with and connected to the gas outlet duct to convey the first portion of gas therefrom; and a liquid collection assembly. A second gas discharge assembly to collect and convey gas from the first end of the porous tube is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cyclone separator for separating substances from a fibre-liquid-suspension, particularly a paper pulp suspension, wherein the separator has a main part (3) which includes an inner conical chamber (4) that has a generally tangentially directed inlet at the wider end (5) of the chamber, and in which the chamber (4) tapers conically downwards. The inner surface of the chamber has a screw-like configuration characterized by a helix. The screw-like inner surface includes a first upper surface or flank (1) facing towards the wider end of the chamber and a second, lower surface or flank (2) facing towards the narrower end (6) of the chamber. The flank (1) defines an angle .alpha. with the chamber center line and the second flank (2) defines an angle .gamma. with the first flank (1).

Abstract: A method of separating the constituents of a fluid where the constituents have different physical characteristics including mass, weight, coefficient of friction and the like. The method comprising impeding the flow of the fluid for causing the fluid to move in a curvilinear path. By moving in a curvilinear path, the fluid is effected by centrifugal forces. The centrifugal forces cause the separation of the constituents of the fluid. Further, the effected fluid is slowed for further enhancing separation of the constituents of the fluid.

Abstract: The method of distributing biological material suspended in a liquid sample comprises the steps of directing the liquid sample into a centrifuge sample chamber along a tortuous path of vertically spaced surfaces in the chamber, each of the surfaces being in communication with a discharge opening from the chamber to one surface of the microscope slide, continuing to direct the sample into the chamber until some of the biological material is deposited on portions of at least one of the surfaces and centrifuging the sample chamber whereby the biological material on each of the surfaces of the chamber passes through the discharge opening on the one surface of the slide.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with clarifying contaminated liquids and, in one described embodiment, contaminated liquid is continuously supplied to a first vessel, a first treatment material is intimately mixed into the contaminated liquid in the first vessel, the contaminated liquid/first treatment mixture is passed to a second vessel and a second treatment material is added to the contaminated liquid and first material mixture and intimately mixed therewith.The first treatment material preferably comprises one or more compound of the group including soluble magnesium salts, ferrous salts, manganous compounds and cuprous compounds and the second material is an alkali intended to reduce the pH of the final mixture.After the second treatment material has been added the impurities separated out from the final mixture are extracted from one outlet from the second vessel and clarified liquid is discharges from another outlet of the second vessel.

Abstract: A centrifugal liquid/solids separator includes a cylindrical separation chamber into which a liquid/solid mixture is tangentially introduced. At least some of the solids separate and migrate to a lower collection chamber. A drain port from the collection chamber passes a thikened liquid/solid mixture. A drain conduit from the drain port has parameters such that the mixture fills the conduit and continuously passes through it at a velocity sufficient to prevent settling of solids in it and free-flowing of liquid through it.

Abstract: A method of treating fungible produce at a wash station having a floor, comprising the steps of washing the produce, using a wash nozzle, with liquid containing a chemical treating agent. Effluent from the washing is collected in a storage tank. Liquid in the storage tank is conducted to a secondary tank, via a screen. Liquid in the secondary tank is conducted to a self-cleaning, self-backwashing filter. Back wash is conducted by gravity to a plurality of bag filters which collect particulate and discharge the filtered back wash into the secondary tank, above the screen. Liquid is conducted from the lower outlet of the self-backwashing filter to the storage tank. Liquid from the storage tank is conducted to the wash nozzle. The chemical treating agent is not filtered out by any of the filtration steps so that the chemical treating agent contained in the effluent from the washing may be reused and need not be dumped.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, separating contaminants from a base liquid and whereby the contaminated base liquid is passed through a pretreatment vessel before being passed to a conventional separator. In one embodiment, the pretreatment vessel is of generally cylindrical form arranged with its axis substantially vertical. Base liquid to be decontaminated is supplied into the mid-height regions of the vessel through a tangential device to cause circulating flows within the vessel. The vessel includes an outlet in its top region for the release of light contaminants, an outlet in its lower region for the release of heavy contaminants and an outlet duct in its mid-region, spaced from the inlet, for releasing partially contaminated liquid from the vessel for release into a conventional separator.

Abstract: A method for clarifying a contaminated fluid comprising a separator vessel having therein a pair of cyclonic flow chambers; preliminary spiral separators introduce the contaminated fluid to be separated into the cyclonic flow chambers by tangential inlets so as to establish a swirling body of fluid in each chamber; the cyclonic flow chambers have a shell positioned below their respective tangential inlets for discharging separated solids to a collection area and separating an oil arid water mixture into a fluid flow zone formed by the cyclonic flow chambers and the wall of the separator vessel wherein water and oil are separated by aeration provided by sparging tubes; a vertical outlet port discharges separated oil and gas from the upper portion of the cyclonic flow chambers to a fluid flow zone wherein oil and gas are separated. The separated water, oil, gas and solids are removed through discharge ports.

Abstract: A plant for the separation at high temperatures of contaminants from plastic material in small pieces or in leaves, including at least one stage (2) for the separation of contaminants, which in turn includes a centrifugal separator device designed to separate an input flow of plastic material in small pieces or in leaves, with contaminants and a conveying fluid comprising water and steam, into a main flow of the material and the conveying fluid and into a secondary flow of the contaminants and the conveying fluid. The separation stage includes, moreover, a cyclone designed to receive in input the secondary flow and to divide it into a discharge flow of the contaminants and water and into a flow of steam which is conveyed towards the inlet of the separation device of the same stage and/or of the previous stages.

Abstract: The method serves for the separation of solid materials out of a suspension and is, as a rule, implemented as a floatation method. The suspension (S) to be clarified is added tangentially from the outside at the periphery of a substantially cylindrical clarification volume (1). Damaging flow phenomena, such as for instance turbulence, are removed to the largest possible extent by flow means (2) which are applied prior to the entry of the suspension into the clarification volume so that an optimal flow takes place in the clarification volume (1). The flow is fed to the center of the clarification volume in a substantially spiral path (4), wherein the scum (6), which receives the materials to be separated out, forms on the surface. Various apparatuses for performing the method are proposed.

Abstract: A method for dehydrating a liquid/liquid production stream which is comprised of a heavy crude oil (i.e. about 30.degree. A.P.I. or less) and water which originally forms a water-in-oil emulsion wherein hydrocyclone is used as a primary separator to separate substantial amounts of the water from the stream. The stream is first treated without chemicals to sustantially alter of its characteristics by either (a) heating the stream to substantially reduce the viscosity of the heavy crude therein and/or (b) inverting the emulsion in the stream to an oil-in-water emulsion. Once the characteristics of the stream are so altered, the stream is passed through the primary hydrocyclone to separate out a significant amount (e.g. about 50% or more) of the water. The stream is then passed either to a second hydrocyclone or a stablization tower to separate additional water from the oil and bring it within shipping and/or sale specifications.

Abstract: A method for continuously preparing a sterile culture medium comprises combining separate unsterilized fluid components in separate streams into a single mainstream. The mainstream is applied to a transverse flow filtration module having a membrane which separates the mainstream into a permeate and a retentate. The permeate is fed to a bioreactor and the retentate is diverted to a centrifuge to precipitate contaminants. The clarified retentate is returned into the mainstream upstream of the transverse flow filtration module.

Abstract: In a method of operating a bank of parallel hydrocyclone separators for deoiling water, each separator has a mixture inlet, an overflow oil outlet and an underflow water outlet. The flow through at least one separator is sensed, either directly, or indirectly by sensing the pressure difference across the separator. If the flow approaches a threshold below which there is insufficient flow for satisfactory operation, an additional supply of water is fed to the mixture inlet fo the separators.

Abstract: An oil spill recovery system includes a first hydrocyclone separator and optionally a second hydrocyclone separator located on a floating vessel floating on a body of water from which spilled oil is to be recovered. A recovered fluid containing oil and water emulsion and a large amount of free sea water is recovered from the body of water. The first hydrocyclone separator separates the recovered fluid into a first underflow stream containing oily water and a first overflow stream which contains substantially all of said oil and water emulsion. The oily water underflow stream from the first hydrocyclone separator is then directed to a second hydrocyclone separator which separates it into a second underflow stream which is returned to the sea as clean water, and a second overflow stream. The first overflow stream is stored in on-board ship's storage. The second overflow stream may be stored in ship's storage or recycled for further separation.

Abstract: A generally columnar chamber for uniformly mixing a gas, such as ozone, into a liquid, such as water. The mixing chamber is assembled from a series of round tray sections each having an outer and an inner helical conduit sections and a central vertical tube section. The trays are stacked and secured together to form a continuous outer helix, inner helix and central column. A port at the bottom of the column directs liquid into the outer helical conduit spiraling up to the top of the column where a crossover port directs the liquid into the inner helical conduit downwardly to a cylindrical sump. The outlet of the inner helix into the sump is angled so as to create a vortex in the sump, forcing heavy particles outwardly to the sump wall. Heavy particles are allowed to migrate down the wall to a collection region at the bottom of the sump for later removal.

Abstract: A separator comprises a cyclone for removing more dense particles e.g. sand and a filter for removing less dense particles e.g. organic material from a liquid e.g. water. The arrangement is such that the filter experiences a shearing/scouring force which assists in preventing blockage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging either a a shallow grit tank or a settling tank with waste water by means of a horizontal feed line and a horizontal drain line using the Coanda Effect. The waste water is pressured through a gap which directs the waste water stream onto a curved surface. Due to the Coanda Effect, the direction of the waste water is changed from downward when used in a shallow grit tank or changed from upward when used in a settling tank, to a substantially horizontal direction. The mineral constituents and the organic constituents of the waste water are consequently separated.

Abstract: A cytology chamber comprises a sample holding portion, a funnel through which the fluid sample is directed into the holding portion of the chamber, a generally flat, solid flange member defining an upright support surface and having an opening through the flange member in communication with the holding portion, and baffle plates in the holding portion define a tortuous path of flow for collecting at least some of the sediment in the fluid prior to reaching the bottom of the holding portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dissolved air floatation (DAF) and for gas-liquid contacting operations by dissolved air floatation. A number of involute flow channels in a container have inlets and outlets positioned at either end for involutional or evolutional flow of a mixture of liquid and dissolved gas. Liquid turbulence and mixing are prevented in order to achieve a near plug-flow condition for maximum separation. Other uses of the method and apparatus include hydraulic flocculation of suspended matters in a liquid, separation of non-floatable suspended matters, oxidation of dissolved organic matter, activated sludge processes, purification of water using a biocide, separation by absorption of gases, stripping by desorption of dissolved gases, and gas-liquid reactions.

Abstract: A method of downhole cyclone oil/water separation is described. Firstly, place a cyclone separator downhole in an oil well producing a mixed stream of oil, water and gas. The cyclone separator includes a separation chamber wherein liquids of differing densities are separated, at least one mixed liquids inlet through which liquids pass into the separation chamber, a first outlet for liquids of a first density range to pass from the separation chamber and a second outlet for liquids of a second density range to pass from the separation chamber. Secondly, connect the first outlet to a recovery conduit extending to surface. Thirdly, connect the second outlet to a disposal conduit extending to a selected disposal site. Fourthly, connect the mixed liquids inlet to pumping means and pump a mixed stream of oil, water and gas into the separation chamber of the cyclone separator.

Abstract: A method for clarifying a contaminated fluid in a main separator vessel having therein a cyclonic flow chamber. A spiral preliminary spinner introduces the contaminated fluid to be separated in a stratified condition into the cyclonic flow chamber by a tangential inlet so as to establish a swirling body of fluid; the cyclonic flow chamber has concentric shells positioned below the tangential inlet for discharging separated solids to a collection area and separating an oil and water mixture into a fluid flow zone formed by the cyclonic flow chamber and the wall of the separator vessel wherein water and oil are separated by aeration provided by eductors; a vertical outlet port discharges separated oil and gas from the upper portion of the cyclonic flow chamber to a fluid flow zone wherein oil and gas are separated. The separated water, oil, gas and solids are removed through discharge ports.

Abstract: The energy of liquid and solids flowing in a basin toward a clarifier section is substantially reduced before the liquid and solids enter the clarifier section. The basin is provided with an inlet wall having an inlet opening adjacent the top thereof. A sheet having an arcuate, reverse "C" shape is mounted across the inlet opening with the open side of the "C" facing the inlet wall to receive the liquid and the solids therefrom. The sheet causes the liquid and the solids to flow in two helical paths toward opposite side walls of the basin, which flow dissipates some of the original kinetic energy of the inlet liquid and solids. The helically flowing paths of liquid and solids are discharged into the basin spaced from the side walls of the basin, which further dissipates some of the kinetic energy of the liquid and the solids.

Abstract: A "leaking" cyclone and process for fluidized catalytic cracking of heavy oils is disclosed. Gas and entrained solids are added tangentially to swirl around a vapor outlet tube in a cylindrical tube cyclone body. A concentrated stream of solids and some gas is withdrawn from the device through openings in the cylindrical sidewall remote from the inlet. Tangential withdrawal via an offset slit in the sidewall, or withdrawal through holes in the sidewall, replaces or reduces conventional underflow of solids from an end of the cyclone body. Fine (0-5 micron) particles removal is enhanced by withdrawing solids as soon as solids reach the cylindrical sidewall. The device may be used as a third stage separator on an FCC regenerator.

Abstract: Improved techniques are provided for separating mixtures of materials having different densities. The apparatus of the present invention is well suited for separating oil from water, and includes a separation tank defining a cylindrical water inlet chamber and a frustroconical separation chamber spaced above an adjoining the input inlet chamber. An oil leg is spaced above the separation chamber, and an adjustable oil overflow unit is provided adjacent the oil outlet for controlling the height of oil in the oil leg. A water leg is provided in parallel with the separation tank, and the elevation of the water outlet controls the height of water in the water leg. The oil leg overflow unit allows the head pressure in the oil leg relative to the head pressure in the water leg to maintain the interface within the separation chamber. Sensing devices are provided for monitoring the elevation of the oil/water interface within the separation chamber.

Abstract: An oil spill recovery system includes a first hydrocyclone separator and optionally a second hydrocyclone separator located on a floating vessel floating on a body water from which spilled oil is to be recover. A recovered fluid containing oil and water emulsion and a large amount of free sea water is recovered from the body of water. The first hydrocyclone separator separates the recovered fluid into a first underflow stream containing oily water and a first overflow stream which contains substantially all of said oil and water emulsion. The vessels having cyclones or centrifugal separators in series for separating oil and water.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for separating a multiphase liquid mixture into a plurality of streams. The invention has particular utility in the oil industry where particulate solids are produced with an oil/water mixture. Preferably, the mixture is first cyclonically separated to remove particulate solids from the oil and water. Then the mixture is delivered to a liquid/liquid hydrocyclone where a substantial portion of the oil is separated from the remaining mixture which now primarily comprises water. The pressure of the remaining mixture is elevated such as by a pump and is then subjected to a further cyclonic separation step to remove any remaining fine solids in the mixture.

Abstract: Raw coal, in slurry form, is fed to a dense media cyclone, entering tangentially into the cyclone. Three major forces act on the solid particles as they travel radially and helically inside the cyclone body, forcing the heavier particles toward the wall of the body and the lighter particles toward the center. As the lighter particles near the frustoconical portion of the cyclone body, their velocity vector changes horizontally, causing them to exit the cyclone through the adjustable vortex finder. The heavier particles exit the opposite end through the apex, of which the diameter may be changed by interchangeable apex inserts. Adjusting the vortex finder and diameter of the apex allows the selection of a desired cut size and gravity of the particles. The attributes of the cyclones allow for a separation of coal from ash and sulfur in the 28.times.325 mesh size fraction.

Abstract: Described is a preferred rotary spray chamber device for conditioning an aerosol. The device has chamber walls defining an internal chamber and an inlet opening into the internal chamber. The inlet opening is located such that an aerosol directed into the chamber through the inlet opening tangentially contacts chamber wall areas adapted to impart a rotary motion to the aerosol within the chamber. An impact member extends inwardly into the chamber from a chamber wall location such that the member is impacted by the aerosol in its rotary motion so as to remove large droplets and thus form a conditioned aerosol. An exit opening is defined by the chamber walls through which the conditioned aerosol can exit the chamber, and a drain opening is also defined by the chamber walls through which liquid removed from the aerosol and collected in the chamber can exit the chamber.

Abstract: Three-phase cyclone separator comprising a body (10) formed by a cylindrical part (12) extended at one of its ends by converging, substantially conical a part (14), at least one intake (22; 24) mounted tangentially on the cylindrical part (12) and a substantially tubular element (26) mounted on the body (10) and communicating hydraulically with the latter.According to the invention, the substantially tubular element (26) is mounted on the cylindrical element (12), at an end opposite the substantially conical part (14), and the substantially conical part (14) is fitted, towards its apex, with two outlets (16, 18).

Abstract: A hydrocyclone separator separates an oil and water stream into an underflow stream containing primarily water and an overflow stream containing a relatively higher oil concentration than the underflow stream. Quality control of both the underflow stream and the overflow stream is of concern, and typically a de-oiling separator is placed downstream on the underflow stream, and a dewatering separator is placed downstream on the overflow stream from the hydrocyclone separator. A degassing separator is also generally utilized upstream of the inlet to the hydrocyclone separator. Various monitoring and control systems are provided for controlling the split ratio of the underflow and overflow streams of the hydrocyclone separator.

Abstract: A floating method employing a cylindrical chamber having a tapered bottom to which there are secured a pipe for feeding a flotation pulp carrying mineral particles of fine fraction and a pipe for discharging gangue. Secured to the walls of the chamber is a trough for collecting froth concentrate, and a group of pulp aerators, whereas positioned axially inside the chamber is a group of tapered shells spaced equidistantly from one another with bases of larger diameter thereof facing the top part of the chamber and resting substantially at one tapered surface. Positioned over the chamber is a means for feeding mineral particles of coarse fraction in the form of a hydrocyclone, a cylindrical casing of this hydrocyclone having a pipe for evacuating the liquid phase of the floatation pulp positioned tangentially and communicating with the pipe for feeding the flotation pulp carrying mineral particles of fine fraction.

Abstract: The water filtration apparatus is based on the principles of swirl-separation, flow-straightening and biological filtration. The waste stream is introduced into a swirl chamber. Overflow from the swirl chamber is introduced into a biological chamber in the form of a vertically-oriented tube bundle, where it is straightened, its velocity is reduced and it is allowed to contact a biologically active media. The overflow from the tube bundle is then removed. Underflow is removed from the bottom of the swirl chamber.

Abstract: The modified anti-suction air cyclone method and apparatus insulate the air core base as a most suction active part of the air core to prevent separated particles from being entrained from the cyclone walls into the inner vortex. Use of the air core bed can greatly increase separation efficiency and capacity of a given cyclone dust collector and decrease the investment and maintenance costs.

Abstract: A method and device for separating a continuous phase from at least one dispersed phase, with the phases having different densities. A mixture of the phases to be separated is supplied into a device including at least one cylindrical chamber vertically disposed and at least one static helically-shaped member is accommodated in the chamber. At least one face of the helically-shaped member is formed by a helicoidal surface. A maximum free path of a dispersed phase particle in a radial direction prior to colliding with the helically-shaped member is less than one quarter of a peripheral diameter of the member and, preferably, less than one tenth of an internal diameter of the chamber. The method and apparatus are capable of separating an aqueous phase from an organic phase such as, a petroleum fluid, with the mixture to be separated also possibly including a gaseous phase and a solid phase.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the removal of hydrocarbons such as bitumen or heavy fuel oil from hydrocarbon contaminated sludge, or particulate solid material or the like non-homogenous material after appropriate conditioning, such as by ball milling, with the conditioned material being aerated and then fed substantially tangentially into a substantially vertical cyclonic separator vessel to cause the hydrocarbons to which air bubbles have become attached to tend to float as a froth to the top of the vessel, with the remaining solids sinking to the bottom of the vessel. The hydrocarbon containing froth is then removed from the top of the vessel, and the remaining solids removed from the bottom of the vessel. This pneumatic flotation process obviates the need to add chemicals such as wetting agents or promoters.

Abstract: A highly versatile fluids and particulate separator that can be used in a centrifugal mode or centrifugal with gas flotation mode without the use of rotating apparatus within the cell. A pump and recirculation system provide the means for centrifugal force and gas flotation. A buoyant self adjusting discharge assembly with a vortex of fluids surrounding it provide the exit path for separated light fluids and light particles. In oil and water separation the buoyant assembly allows self discharge of the oil and can be used with high oil to water ratios at high volume. Oil spill cleanup is possible. Conversely gas flotation may be used for low volume separating applications.

Abstract: New systems for the purification of liquids containing suspended solids and/or dissolved solid materials basically include a conical flocculator unit and a conjoined conical clarifier unit. The flocculator has a cylindrical lower portion, frustum middle portion and large diameter cylindrical top portion while the clarifier is essentially a large diameter cylindrical top portion over a lower frustum portion. Water or other liquid to be purified enters the flocculator lower portion via opposed, unequally sized nozzles to assume a helical flow upward past a series of deflector plates positioned at the top of the lower flocculator portion while a sludge blanket forms therein. A double flume plus slot arrangement located at the junction of the flocculator with the clarifier separates solids from liquid as fluid flow from the flocculator passes into the clarifier where it is subjected to further separation of sludge from clarified liquid with part of the sludge being recycled to the flocculator.

Abstract: Slimy liquids, such as slimy manure, are passed through a press screw separator to separate the solids. Vibrations are introduced into the slimy liquid for reducing its viscosity to enable the liquid to more readily gravitate through a screen basket of the separator.

Abstract: A separator for separating a mixture of liquids into a more dense component and a less dense component. It comprises a tube (52, 53, 54) of decreasing cross-section, at least one tangential inlet (59, 60), and outlet (57, 58) for the less dense component on the tube axis, and an outlet for the more dense component on the tube wall in the form of a spiral groove (61), preferably with a plurality of outlet ports (62) at the groove base. The separator may for example be used for separating a small volume of oil from water or, with suitable adjustment, a small volume of water from oil.