Utilizing Parallel Separation Passages Patents (Class 210/802)
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Patent number: 4894172Abstract: A process for programming of field decay or of increase of channel flow in field-flow fractionation which imparts improved uniformity of fractionating power which comprises an improvement in the field-flow fractionation technique which involves varying one of the parameters that affect the interaction of the sample components with the field and fluid medium in order to reduce separation time and better equalize component separation. These parameters include decreasing the field strength according to a specific power equation, or increasing the flow rate according to another power equation, or use of both parameters together.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1988Date of Patent: January 16, 1990Assignee: University of UtahInventor: Philip S. Williams
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Patent number: 4883603Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating coarse grained and agglomerated pigment particles from a suspension containing coarse grained, agglomerated, and fine grained pigment particles by sedimentation by gravity, are described. The suspension, for example of titanium dioxide powder and water, is introduced through an inflow device (3) at the bottom (4) of a vessel (1) from below and flows upwardly through the vessel (1), in which stationary plates (2) are located arranged parallel to each other and at an angle of <90.degree., preferentially 40.degree. to 60.degree. to the horizontal line. In the upper part (6) of the vessel (1) the suspension which there contains primarily fine grained pigment particles is removed from the vessel (1) through a drain or overflow device (5). In the lower part (4) the suspension containing primarily coarse grained and agglomerated pigment particles is removed from the vessel (1) through an overflow device (7).Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1988Date of Patent: November 28, 1989Assignee: Rhodia AGInventors: Walter Roggenstein, Paul Rustemeyer
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Patent number: 4869831Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling operating conditions of a corrugated plate interceptor vessel using at least two transparent windows located in proximity of the oil and treated water layers which are maintained transparent by washing their interior surfaces with a clean fluid such as water.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1987Date of Patent: September 26, 1989Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Clifford J. Hinkle, II
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Patent number: 4865753Abstract: A detention basin contains liquid and solids suspended therein. A planar flow control deck extending across a part of the basin is formed from a plurality of elongated flap members. One edge of each such flap member is fixed and an opposite edge is in releasable sealing engagement with the fixed edge of an adjacent flap member. That opposite edge of each flap member is free to move out of engagement with the adjacent flap member in response to the upward flow of the liquid in the basin. Inclined lamina form quiescent zones in which the liquid flow is reduced so that the solids settle and are separated from the liquid. The lamina are suspended in the basin in parallel relationship, with the angle at which the lamina are inclined being adjustable by a submerged adjustment mechanism. Each zone is open at the bottom to receive the liquid laden with the solids. The top of each quiescent zone is closed by the cooperation of the flap members. Each lamina is supported at a vertex connected to a flap member.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1988Date of Patent: September 12, 1989Inventor: Charles L. Meurer
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Patent number: 4857208Abstract: An apparatus and method for clarifying solids from a solids containing liquid having a multilayer baffle system and integral solids removal sump. The apparatus can have a variable speed impeller at its outlet so that an operator of the clarifier can control the flow rate therethrough to optimize efficiency.The multilayer baffle system includes a first set of baffles placed above the main liquid flow path minimizes horizontal flow thereabove but creates local turbulence so as to promote efficient settling and assure no solids settle on the baffles. A second set of vertical flow interrupting baffles substantially eliminates upward turbulence created the first baffles and are shaped such that solids will not settle thereon. A third layer of baffles interrupts any horizontal flow component remaining in the clarifier so as to define a quiescent zone thereabove. Clarified liquid is removed from the surface of the quiescent zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1988Date of Patent: August 15, 1989Inventor: Ernest M. Jennelle
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Patent number: 4798677Abstract: A separator is fed with liquid from a slaughterhouse which will be a mixture of water, tallow, and solids. The tallow rises to the top, and solids go to the bottom. Nearly clean water is withdrawn between the top and bottom. The nearly clean water is withdrawn into a plenum ring which is blocked at one point and has an outlet pipe connected adjacent to the block. Therefore, the liquid in the plenum ring flows in only one direction. The cross section of the plenum ring is many times greater than the cross section of the outlet pipe so that the flow within the plenum ring is gentle. Baffles in the plenum ring divert any tallow which rises to the top of the plenum ring back into the separator. A sump in the plenum ring adjacent to the outlet pipe draws off any solid which settle out in the plenum ring. A constant bleed is provided at the bottom of the sump to help withdraw the settling solids.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1987Date of Patent: January 17, 1989Inventor: David C. Irwin
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Patent number: 4792408Abstract: A continuously flowing fluid is processed by being fed to the top of a hydraulic downdraft column (17) which is of a height such that the pressure at the bottom thereof will approximately be at the pressure necessary to create supercritical water conditions. The fluid is conducted to the bottom of the column (17) and received in a reaction chamber (21) in which the majority of the fluid is recirculated around an annular baffle plate (24). The material in the reaction chamber (21) is heated to a temperature above that necessary to create supercritical water conditions by an independent reaction taking place in a heating chamber (32). The result is that the fluid will undergo chemical reactions at the supercritical temperature and pressure range and will be of a lower specific gravity than the unprocessed fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1987Date of Patent: December 20, 1988Assignee: James A. Titmas Associates IncorporatedInventor: James A. Titmas
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Patent number: 4783255Abstract: The tube settler of this invention is comprised of a plurality of long and narrow tubular passages inclined to the horizontal. The tubular passages have an approximate boomerang cross-sectional shape with the central apex directed upward. Rapid separation of settleable suspended material from a liquid is achieved because of the enforcement of laminar flow and a minimal settling distance within the tubular passages. Improved performance of this settler is attributed to enhanced conveyance of settled solids resulting from reduced upward liquid velocity in the vicinity of the countercurrent solids flow and the utilization of two solids discharge groves in each passageway.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1985Date of Patent: November 8, 1988Inventor: Eugene D. Bogusch
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Patent number: 4747948Abstract: An improved extraction apparatus comprises (a) an elongated trough-like vessel; (b) first and second inlets for introducing relatively heavy and light materials, respectively, into the vessel; (c) first and second outlets for removing relatively light and heavy materials, respectively, from the vessel; (d) a plurality of horizontally spaced parallel plate assemblies located in the vessel to provide for material separation based on material density and to provide the relatively light and heavy materials to be removed from the vessel; and (e) a plurality of agitation devices, at least one device being located in each space between the parallel plate assemblies to facilitate contact between the materials present in the space.Improved methods for extraction are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1986Date of Patent: May 31, 1988Inventor: Darryl L. North
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Patent number: 4744971Abstract: In the electric arc furnace production of elemental phosphorus, cold phossy water is segregated from hot phossy water. The cold phossy water is discharged to a lined pond wherein solids settle to form a clarified cold water which is recycled for cooling and washing purposes. The hot phossy water is passed through a lamellar settler wherein phosphorus and solids are separated as a sludge to form a clarified hot water. The clarified hot water, without requiring additional heat, is recycled for process use. Phosphorus is recovered from the sludge to reduce to a minimum the amount of phosphorus discharged with dirt from the hot phossy water to the pond.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1986Date of Patent: May 17, 1988Assignee: FMC CorporationInventors: Gordon H. Scherbel, David A. Crea, Jerry A. Keely, Ronald L. Andersen, Byron L. Nichols
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Patent number: 4722800Abstract: Oil-water separation apparatus and method employing a velocity head diffusion baffle facing upwardly and towards the feed end of a separator tank to which feed flow is directed. The separator tank comprises a relatively turbulent inlet section and a relatively large separator section and the baffle tends to isolate inlet turbulence from the separator section. Furthermore, the baffle tends to reduce flow turbulence in the separator section and to distribute flow of the inlet stream over the entire width of the tank. The baffle tends to improve the separation of solids and any immiscible liquids which are susceptible to gravity separation.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1986Date of Patent: February 2, 1988Assignee: Highland Tank and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Gregory G. Aymong
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Patent number: 4721571Abstract: An extraction unit of the type having successively in the flow direction of the liquid, a mixer, a pre-settler and a settler, the pre-settler and the settler being separated from each other by several successive perforated partition walls, the perforations of each partition wall being laterally unaligned with the perforations of the following partition wall, the lower section of the mixer having inlets for the heavy phase and the light phase and a mechanical stirrer for mixing the heavy phase and the light phase to form a dispersion, and the upper section having at least one opening for directing the dispersion from the mixer to the pre-settler, the upper section of the settler having members for removing the separated light phase as an overflow from the settler, the lower section of which has an opening for the removal of the separated heavy phase from the settler as a controlled flow, and between the settler and the mixer there are pipes for returning part of the separated heavy and light phase from the setType: GrantFiled: December 23, 1983Date of Patent: January 26, 1988Assignee: Outokumpu OyInventors: Bror G. Nyman, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Raimo J. Leimala, Launo L. Lilja, Valto J. Makitalo
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Patent number: 4714558Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating wastewater from a cleaning tank or the like is provided. A settling tank provides for separating the fluid and sludge, the sludge being passed to a filtration system having a plurality of filter trays with the filtrate being recycled to the settling tank. The decontaminated water from the settling tank is recycled to the cleaning tank.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1986Date of Patent: December 22, 1987Assignee: The Barbee Co., Inc.Inventors: Tom D. Barbee, James Ufheil
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Patent number: 4701260Abstract: The invention relates to a device for continuous separation of solid particles from a liquid suspension. The device comprises a tank with a separator space. According to the invention, the tank has a horizontal bottom portion located under a lamella separator, and the solids discharge device is an endless scraper conveyor arranged to remove solid particle sludge collected on the bottom of the tank. The conveyor has a portion running along an inclined wall of the tank, along which transverse scraper elements on the conveyor are arranged to slowly push the sludge up above the liquid surface in the tank to then dewater the sludge before it is fed out through a sludge outlet.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1986Date of Patent: October 20, 1987Inventor: Hyosong M. Lee
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Patent number: 4689158Abstract: A decanting vessel for separation of liquid phases of different densities. The decanter vessel is provided with several conically-shaped separation levels disposed one on top of the other and provided with openings connecting the passages, alternately at the outer periphery and at the center of the separation levels. The liquid phases are thereby caused to flow from one passage to the next, consecutively, in a generally serpentine path. Pipes are disposed in the uppermost portion of each of the separation levels to carry the lighter phase to the top of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1985Date of Patent: August 25, 1987Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corp.Inventor: Viljo S. Tulkki
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Patent number: 4681683Abstract: A lamella separation apparatus comprising a liquid receiving tank defining an upper sedimentation zone, an intermediate quiescent zone and a lower sludge thickening zone. An outlet trough spans the full length of the tank within the sedimentation zone. An inlet distribution trough spans the full length of the tank and is positioned below the outlet trough. A plurality of lamella plate pack/collector trough assemblies are positioned within the sedimentation zone in transverse orientation with and in communication with the inlet and outlet troughs. The plate pack/collector trough assemblies are individually removable without disturbing the operation of the apparatus. A picket fence sludge thickener rake mechanism is provided in the sludge thickening zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1986Date of Patent: July 21, 1987Assignee: Ecodyne LimitedInventor: Anders Lindstol, deceased
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Patent number: 4643834Abstract: A method and apparatus for gravitational separation of discontinuous mixtures using laminar flow coalescing techniques is disclosed. The apparatus includes a number of discrete sets of fluid interrupting surfaces arranged in series one after the other. After analyzing the physical, chemical and statistical characteristics of any given discontinuous mixture, the configuration of the surfaces can be correlated or adjusted to provide enhanced and efficient separation of the components of the mixture.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1986Date of Patent: February 17, 1987Assignee: Filter Plate CompanyInventor: Edward F. Batutis
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Patent number: 4626360Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating oil, gas, and sand from a waste water stream and for separating oil from oily sand in a waste water stream including an upper oil manager for removing low pressure gas and at the same time collecting and conveying any oil separated from the waste water stream; a sand helix connected to the upper oil manager for separating sand particles and oil particles from the waste water stream; a sand manager connected to the sand helix for collecting sand separated from the stream of waste water and removing oil from the sand; flow controls connected to the sand manager and the lower oil manager for controlling the flow of oil, water and sand through the apparatus; a lower oil manager connected to the flow controls for receiving oil and transferring oil to a storage tank outside of the apparatus; an oil reservoir located beneath the lower oil manager for receiving and containing oil, and an oil helix connected to the lower oil manager for separating trace oil from the waste water stType: GrantFiled: September 10, 1984Date of Patent: December 2, 1986Inventors: Corley P. Senyard, Sr., Corley P. Senyard, Jr., Thomas J. Senyard
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Patent number: 4515698Abstract: A clarifier module is contained within a conventional tank-type liquid clarifier having a rotary rake. The clarifier module has a settling region defined by a plurality of inclined parallel plates and a clear effluent chamber separated from the settling region by a partition. Slots in the partition provide communication between the settling region and the clear effluent chamber which contains a weir. Clear effluent is withdrawn from the chamber at a controlled rate and discharged externally of the clarifier tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1984Date of Patent: May 7, 1985Inventor: William E. Stewart
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Patent number: 4455239Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for clarifying fluid in a fluid container, e.g., a tank, basin or lagoon. The apparatus comprises a first means for defining a quiescent zone in the container. The first means includes a pair of end walls, a pair of side walls, and a bottom wall comprising at least one surface having open and closed areas to permit settled solids to pass out of the quiescent zone. Means are provided to introduce fluid containing suspended solids into the quiescent zone. Preferably, the bottom wall also permits fluid containing suspended solids to pass into the quiescent zone. For instance, the bottom wall may comprise spaced, sloping surfaces extending across the bottom. A second means is located below the first means and defines a fluid flow path below and in communication with the bottom wall of the quiescent zone. The second means has both an inlet and an outlet.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1983Date of Patent: June 19, 1984Assignee: Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc.Inventors: Jerry D. Morrow, Paul L. Andrews
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Patent number: 4428841Abstract: A complete system for removing oil from produced water and deck drain fluids in an offshore facility includes a surge settler which receives the produced water from a three-phase separator. In the surge settler, the produced water flows crosswise through a corrugated plate assembly to separate free oil and solids from the produced water. A portion of the produced water which is relatively free of solid particles (less than 50 microns) is then treated in a water washer with a portion which is relatively rich in solid particles further treated in a solids cleaner. In the water washer 90% or more oil droplets (less than 50 microns) is removed from the produced water and the relatively oil free water is then disposed by way of a skim pile. A portion of fluid from the water washer is further treated in a high efficiency skimmer.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1981Date of Patent: January 31, 1984Assignee: Engineering Specialties, Inc.Inventor: Uncas B. Favret, Jr.
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Patent number: 4425239Abstract: A system for separating a multi-component fluid such as a water-in-oil emulsion into at least two components. The system comprises a cylindrical vessel which is equipped with a baffle system interposed between fluid inlet and outlet means. The baffle system defines a horizontally extending spiral flow path which is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet at one end and with the outlet means at the other end. The flow path is characterized by a vertically elongated channel cross section. Within the flow path, one or more distributor means are provided which function to distribute the flow of fluid in the spiral flow path evenly throughout a substantial vertical interval of the channel cross section. The distributor means may be located adjacent the inlet and outlets of the vessel and may take the form of vertically elongated impellers mounted for rotation about vertical axes.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1981Date of Patent: January 10, 1984Assignee: Conoco Inc.Inventors: Claud L. Jacocks, Robbie J. LaFleur, Ralph L. Grimsley
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Patent number: 4417988Abstract: The efficiency of clarifiers is improved by providing a contraction adjacent the outlet which accelerates the liquid to a densimetric Froude number at the contraction of at least 0.1/.pi.. The contraction dampens internal waves in the fluid and improves the uniformity of flow of fluid through the tank.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1981Date of Patent: November 29, 1983Inventors: Jesus F. Cordoba-Molina, Robert R. Hudgins, Peter L. Silveston
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Patent number: 4409106Abstract: An apparatus and method for effectively and efficiently separating blood components by means of sedimentation action due to gravitational force are disclosed. The blood to be separated is continuously passed through a blood flow channel comprising plural flat empty spaces each having a thickness of, for example, 20 mm or less, or a plurality of tubular empty spaces each having a sectional area of, for example, 3 cm or less. An opening for a feed line is provided in a first empty space of the apparatus and two or more openings for discharge lines of the separated blood components are provided in a second empty space. These empty spaces are connected with the blood flow channel.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1982Date of Patent: October 11, 1983Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tadaaki Furuta, Shuusaku Tabata
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Patent number: 4400280Abstract: Arrays of baffles are disposed in apparatus for distributing a composite liquid to the separation passages of a multi-plate laminar separation apparatus to decelerate the influent composite liquid and repeatedly deflect its direction of flow such that it is uniformly distributed to the separation passages in the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1982Date of Patent: August 23, 1983Assignee: Axel Johnson Engineering, ABInventors: Hans F. Larsson, Sven Hakansson
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Patent number: 4396508Abstract: A separator of multi-phase combinations of oil (low density) liquid phase, water phase, and solid sludge (high density) has an inlet low velocity liquid spreader disposed across and near the inside base of a closed separator tank. At least one inclined separator baffle is disposed and sealed completely across the tank interior, inclined from a baffle base terminus adjacent the tank base to a top baffle terminus adjacent the top of the tank and having a narrow oil volume phase collector continuing from the top baffle terminus to the interior tank top. The oil phase outlet of the separator tank connects to the narrow oil volume phase and is disposed adjacent to the top of the collector tank. The oil outlet is substantially elevated above the corresponding water phase outlet disposed on and connecting to the separator tank on the opposed side of the separator baffle. A tank solid sludge outlet provides for removal of the collected sludge from the tank bottom. The separator baffle can be heated as needed.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1981Date of Patent: August 2, 1983Inventor: Amos W. Broughton
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Patent number: 4388195Abstract: A process and apparatus for the chemical-mechanical treatment and purification of ground and surface waters and effluents of various types employs adding materials for coagulation, flocculation, precipitation, sedimentation and altering the pH value. The process comprises separate process stages carried out successively as follows: (1) a first initial process stage wherein certain additives are admixed to the raw water by stirring; (2) a second initial process stage wherein contact sludge is admixed by stirring; (3) a third initial process stage wherein a flocculent aid and possibly also at least some of the other materials added in the first stage are admixed by stirring with high energy input; and alternatively (4) a fourth initial process stage for the formation of course flocs and completion of reaction of the previously added materials and formation of settleable particles and conglomerations of particles together with adsorbed and attached and occluded raw water components with moderate movement.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1979Date of Patent: June 14, 1983Assignee: Passavant-Werke Michelbacher HutteInventors: Gunter von Hagel, Norbert Berlenbach, Gerhard Werner
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Patent number: 4357241Abstract: For separating an emulsion comprising substantially a heavier and a lighter liquid there is used a plurality of superimposed, liquid-filled, shallow separation chambers which have a lower outlet for separated heavier liquid, an upper outlet for separated lighter liquid, and an emulsion-inlet remote from the outlets. The separation chambers are maintained under an overpressure by causing the heavier and the lighter liquid, separated in the chambers by self-separation under the action of gravity, to pass from the chambers via a respective one of two pressure-holding vessels containing a respective heavier or lighter liquid. The emulsion is fed batchwise into at least one separation chamber at a time, at a temperature greater than the temperature of the liquid already present in the chamber, and in a volumetric amount which is less than the volume of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1980Date of Patent: November 2, 1982Assignee: Supra AktiebolagInventors: Ib H. Knudsen, Bror A. O. Lindstrom, Nils-Eric Carlsson
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Patent number: 4351733Abstract: A process and apparatus for the purification of industrial waste water containing solid particles. The apparatus contains at least two treatment sections. The first treatment section is a settling tank containing an agitation means, preferably an inclined deflector plate against which the waste water is directed to form a rolling wave and causing solid particles to coagulate and settle. The partially cleaned waste water overflow from the first stage is conveyed to the lower portions of the second stage into spaces between inclined plates which form an inclined plate pack clarifier. The solid particles are taken off from the bottom of the second treatment section, and clarified water is taken off from the top.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1981Date of Patent: September 28, 1982Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Richard Salzer, Hans-Ulrich Schwering
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Patent number: 4338195Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the treatment of a liquid flowing substantially horizontally in a tank from an inlet area to an outlet area to make it possible to impose on the flow of the liquid, in a treatment area of the tank, a distribution of predetermined speeds according to the treatment. The liquid is introduced into the inlet area or is discharged from the outlet area in distinct streams on which is imposed a variable but predetermined rate of flow, depending on their location and the distribution of speeds which it is wished to impose on the liquid in the treatment area.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1980Date of Patent: July 6, 1982Assignee: Societe Anonyme d'Etudes de Recherches et de Productions d'Agents Chimiques ERPACInventor: Georges Treyssac
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Patent number: 4315822Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating liquids of different specific gravities, and more particularly for separating oil from water. The oil-contaminated water is pumped by a low emulsifying pump from a storage site to an oil gravity separator where a substantial portion of the oil is separated by gravity from the water. The water is then delivered from the gravity separator to a regenerative filter composed of a plurality of layers of granular media which serve to remove foreign materials and the remaining oil from the water. The clarified water can then be discharged to a discharge site. The oil-separator vessel includes an upper oil collection zone, and a capacitance-type sensor is responsive to the level of oil in the collection zone and operates, when the oil reaches a pre-set maximum level, to close a valve to prevent water flow to the regenerative filter, while opening a drain valve to permit the oil to be discharged from the separator vessel by the pump to an oil recovery tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1981Date of Patent: February 16, 1982Assignee: Nelson Industries, Inc.Inventor: Rajan A. Jaisinghani
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Patent number: 4290898Abstract: Liquid to be treated flows into a combined sedimentation and thickening tank. The upper part of this tank is a sedimentation zone in which the liquid passes through parallel flow paths between downwardly inclined separator plates below which the solids fall to the bottom of the tank into the thickening zone whereat the solids are stirred and removed by a suitable stirring and scraping device. The liquids flowing with the solids through the parallel paths are removed at the end of said paths and delivered directly to the top of the sedimentation zone thus leaving the thickening zone essentially flow-free. Flocculants may be added to the water to be treated in a separate flocculation compartment arranged upstream from the sedimentation compartment. A separate destabilization compartment may be provided upstream from the flocculation compartment. A square sedimentation zone may merge smoothly into a circular thickening zone. The thickening zone may extend beneath the flocculation compartment for compactness.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1980Date of Patent: September 22, 1981Assignee: Passavant-WerkeInventors: Gunter von Hagel, Norbert Berlenbach
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Patent number: 4238335Abstract: A submarine sand filter is employed to filter water for uses requiring lack of solid contaminants, such as oil reservoir injection. The filter is provided with backwash means and allows an efficient use of differential pressure heads.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1979Date of Patent: December 9, 1980Assignee: Conoco, Inc.Inventor: R. Leroy Grimsley