Abstract: Removable trap stations for hydrocarbon flowlines can be implemented as an apparatus. The apparatus includes a multi-phase fluid receiver body and a tank defining an interior volume. The fluid receiver body is configured to couple to a flowline carrying a multi-phase fluid including solids and liquids. The fluid receiver body includes an inlet portion configured to receive a portion of the multi-phase fluid including a portion of the solids flowing through the flowline into the receiver body. The fluid receiver body includes an outlet portion fluidically coupled to the inlet portion. The portion of the multi-phase fluid is configured to flow from the inlet portion to the outlet portion. The tank is fluidically and detachably coupled to the outlet and is configured to receive and retain the portion of the multi-phase fluid received through the inlet portion.

Abstract: A nozzle is provided for a header conduit. The nozzle includes an inlet that is resistant to clogs caused by flat materials covering the inlet. The inlet generally includes multiple pathways to an elongated passageway through which waste liquid and sludge (“waste”) are guided and enter the header conduit. In one embodiment, the elongated passageway is oriented to guide the waste along a path that is tangential to at least the inner surface of the header conduit which such incoming waste first contacts. When the conduit has an inner surface of circular cross-section, the passageway may optionally be elongated enough that the incoming waste enters the header conduit along a path tangential to the circular surface. To better assure axial flow of the waste in the conduit to an outlet, in one embodiment the passageway provides both the tangential flow and is at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the conduit. The incoming waste is thereby provided with an axial component.

Abstract: A method for maintaining solids and heavy liquids in fluid suspension within a bulk storage tank includes providing a nozzle and suction assembly mounted to a storage tank sidewall having a horizontally extending discharge pipe and a suction pipe for recirculation of the emulsion of fluids within the storage tank. The discharge pipe and suction pipe can be extended to the tank floor and configured with a bend to extend along the tank sidewall to which is attached a submersible swivel joint fitted with a choked nozzle. The nozzle and suction assembly produce positive and vacuum pressure, respectively, for causing the simultaneous discharge and suction of contained tank fluids to cause recirculation. The nozzle may be adjusted so the direction of flow may follow the angle of the tank floor.

Abstract: A method for the heat treatment of granular solids includes initially introducing solids into a first reactor configured as a flash reactor or fluidized bed reactor where they are brought into contact with hot gases at temperatures in the range 500° C. to 1500° C. Next, the solids are passed through a residence time reactor in which they are fluidized. The residence time reactor is configured in a manner such that it has various regions which are separated from one another, from which the solid can be withdrawn in a manner such that it is provided with a variety of residence times in the residence time reactor.

Abstract: A plastic debris collection system intended for marine use is disclosed. The system includes: a buoyant ring structure; various surface sheathings of plastic disposed on the buoyant ring structure and configured to be joined to a plastic debris; and a heating device disposed on the buoyant ring structure and configured to heat and join the plastic debris to one of the various surface sheathings of plastic.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing material collected in a material collection container having a floor and at least one substantially vertically extending wall. The apparatus includes a material removal assembly for removing material collected in the material collection container. The material removal assembly includes a first conduit and a second conduit. The first conduit is in telescoping relationship with the second conduit to permit the first conduit to move relative to the second conduit. The first conduit and the second conduit each have a longitudinal axis. The material removal assembly further includes at least one material removal header configured to receive material accumulating on the floor of the material collection container. The material removal assembly is preferably configured to enhance numerous aspects of the sludge removal process.

Abstract: A processing system for separating raw slurry material into particulate materials and liquid materials comprising a processing structure, a frame, and a drive motor. The processing structure defines a processing chamber, an inlet, an outlet, and at least one pre-processing opening arranged between the inlet and the outlet. The frame supports the processing structure. Operation of the drive motor rotates the processing structure such that at least some of the particulate materials in the raw slurry material are transported from the inlet to the outlet, at least some of the liquid materials in the raw slurry material are allowed to flow back towards the inlet, and at least some of the liquid materials and at least some of the particulate materials are allowed to flow through the at least one pre-processing opening.

Abstract: A separator plate is used for separating immiscible liquids and solids from a liquid mixture. The oil water separator plate is composed of bi-directional corrugations extending in both lateral and longitudinal directions, thereby forming a plurality of peaks and valleys. A ramp extends from each peak to the neighboring valleys. An elongated oil port is formed in the peak for passing immiscible liquids that disengage from the liquid mixture. The oil port includes a tip portion angled approximately vertically from horizontal. Solids disengaged from the liquid mixture translate through a solids aperture. Fences are included along the lower surface of the plate to guide rising immiscible liquid. The separator plate is configured for stacking by selectively engaging a pin with one of a number of sockets in another plate. The pin and sockets permit varied vertical spacing and alignment in both lateral directions and longitudinal directions.

Abstract: A separation process and system for extracting hydrocarbons from a mixture. In some embodiments, a process for separating a bitumen froth stream containing bitumen froth, water and fine solids into a bitumen enriched froth stream and a water and fine solids stream, comprises: (a) receiving the bitumen froth stream in a concentrator vessel, (b) distributing the bitumen froth stream in the concentrator vessel as a substantially uniform and generally horizontal flow of the bitumen froth stream at a first flow velocity, (c) slowing the bitumen froth stream to a second flow velocity, slower than the first flow velocity, in a separation region of the concentrator vessel to promote separation of the bitumen froth from the water and fine solids, and then (d) collecting a bitumen enriched froth stream and (e) collecting a separate water and fine solids stream. Related embodiments of systems and apparatus may also be provided.

Abstract: A pumpbox apparatus includes a reservoir volume having a first inlet for receiving a feedstock stream and a second inlet for receiving a water stream, the reservoir volume being in communication with a discharge outlet disposed to discharge accumulated liquid from the reservoir volume. The reservoir volume is operable to accumulate the feedstock stream and the water stream in the reservoir volume while withdrawing a discharge stream through the discharge outlet to cause a flow of liquid through the pumpbox. The first inlet defines a first flow velocity region between the first inlet and the second inlet and a second flow velocity region between the second inlet and the discharge outlet. The first flow velocity is lower than the second flow velocity to facilitate flotation of a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock through the first region toward an upper surface of the liquid accumulated in the reservoir volume.

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

Abstract: A grit removal system for tanks with a need to remove settled solids (e.g., anaerobic digester tank) is described. The system is especially suitable for a large tank, preferably having a flat floor, and it works well while submerged under a liquid. Specifically, a periphery-driven rack & pinion mechanism drives a shaft to rotate about a center pivot, and scrapes settled solids towards tank periphery, where the solids fall into a pit on the tank floor. A drainage opening inside the pit, when opened by a valve, is used to flush out the solids through a standpipe into a settlement tank for final dewatering and solid disposal. The system is compatible for continuous tank operation, and is useful for stirring tanks requiring periodic sediment removal.

Abstract: A method for using an extractor system to extract particulate material from a liquid tank includes inserting a first conduit into a liquid tank; inserting an outflow line into the liquid tank, the outflow line comprising one or more nozzles having a distal end; inserting an inflow line into the liquid tank, the inflow line comprising a collector having a distal end, the collector and the one or more nozzles being proximate each other; and operating the pump to pump liquid from an extractor tank through an outflow line out of the one or more nozzles to unsettle the particulate material, the particulate material drawn through the collector and the inflow line into the extractor tank without passing through the pump.

Abstract: A processing system for processing raw slurry material comprising a barrel member defining a feed portion, a processing chamber, and an outlet opening, at least one pre-processing member, and at least one pre-processing opening formed in the barrel member adjacent to a first portion of the pre-processing member. As the barrel member rotates, the at least one pre-processing member transports at least a portion of the raw slurry material such that at least some of the heavy particulate material in the raw slurry material is transported to the outlet opening, at least some of the liquid material in the raw slurry material is allowed to flow back towards the feed portion, and at least some of the liquid material and at least some of the light particulate material is allowed to flow through the at least one pre-processing opening.

Abstract: A separator for separating oils from waste water and solids. Waste liquids are drained into a baffle tube of the separator so that the oils rise and the waste water and solids migrate to the bottom of the separator. A collection head having a restriction is located at the bottom of the separator and is adapted for suctioning the waste water and the solids therein and carrying the same to a discharge outlet of the separator. Waste liquids drained into the separator provide the hydraulic force to accelerate the waste water and solids into the collection head. Liquids drained into the separator also provide the hydraulic force that allows the oils to be drained from the top of the separator.

Abstract: A processing system for processing raw slurry material comprises a barrel member defining a processing chamber, at least one intermediate opening, and an outlet opening, a trough system arranged to contain the raw slurry material, at least one transport member, and a drive system. As the drive system rotates the barrel member, the at least one transport member transports at least a portion of the raw slurry material from the trough system and through the processing chamber such that at least a first portion of the raw slurry material is transported to outlet opening, at least a second portion the raw slurry material exits the processing chamber through the intermediate opening, and at least at third portion of the raw slurry material is allowed to flow back towards the trough system.

Abstract: A system for separating particulate from a fluid stream having an inlet solids content, the system comprising: a magnetic dynamic settling vessel comprising at least one magnetic field inside the vessel and/or one magnetized component; at least one inlet for introduction of the fluid stream having a starting solids content; at least one exit for a stream comprising a solids content not greater than the inlet solids content; at least one exit for a fluid stream comprising a solids content not less than the inlet solids content; and a vertical feed conduit extending at least 70% of the distance from the at least one fluid inlet to the at least one exit for a fluid stream comprising a solids content not less than the inlet solids content. A method for separating particulate from a fluid stream having an inlet solids content is also provided.

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

Abstract: A system for sludge removal in a circular settling tank having a side wall (106) comprises a rotatable drive ring (130) adapted to be interconnected to a scraper arm provided with scraper blades, wherein the drive ring having a plurality of engagement surfaces (134) A traction assembly (140) is fixedly attached to the side wall and comprises a drive wheel (142). By providing a drive wheel with a plurality of engagement rolls (148) adapted to engage the engagement surfaces of the drive ring during rotation of the drive wheel, the drive ring can be rotated essentially without exerting any radial forces on the drive ring.

Abstract: A tank cleaning system for use at a drilling location, including a first cuttings storage vessel comprising an inlet and an outlet, at least one tank cleaning machine configured to clean a tank, a disposal vessel, and a module including a pump configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids from a clean water vessel to the at least one tank cleaning machine, and a fluid connection configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids from the outlet of the first cuttings storage vessel to the disposal vessel.

Abstract: A method of removing suspended solids from a gasification process water stream includes, in an exemplary embodiment, providing a gasification process water stream containing process derived suspended solids, settling at least a portion of the suspended solids from the process water stream in a settling apparatus, providing a filter apparatus having a plurality of filter elements, and removing a portion of the settled solids from the settling apparatus. The method also includes precoating the filter elements with the settled solids removed from the settling apparatus, directing a portion of the process water stream from the settling apparatus to the filter apparatus, and filtering the portion of the process water stream directed from the settling apparatus through the precoated filter elements to remove suspended solids particles to form a filtrate.

Abstract: A processing system for processing raw slurry material comprises a barrel member defining a processing chamber, at least one intermediate opening, and an outlet opening, a trough system arranged to contain the raw slurry material, at least one transport member, and a drive system. As the drive system rotates the barrel member, the at least one transport member transports at least a portion of the raw slurry material from the trough system and through the processing chamber such that at least a first portion of the raw slurry material is transported to outlet opening, at least a second portion the raw slurry material exits the processing chamber through the intermediate opening, and at least at third portion of the raw slurry material is allowed to flow back towards the trough system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator including one or more separation members upon which residue can accumulate. An agitator is provided for agitating the separation members to remove the residue. The agitator may clean residue from the members without removing the separation members from the separator. Advantageously, the frequency that the members need to be removed from the separator and thoroughly cleaned is reduced when compared with the known separator.

Abstract: A sand separator for capturing sand and rock debris from recovered natural gas fracturing fluid includes a cylindrical, high-pressure-rated vessel disposed vertically and immediately downstream of the gas wellhead. High pressure fracturing fluid enters the top of the separator into an inner flue extending coaxially downward to terminate a spaced distance above the bottom of the vessel. Transverse baffles spaced apart along the length of the flue extend through the flue to the inner walls of the vessel to keep the flue centered within the separator. As the fluid enters the separator, openings through the flue near the vessel inlet permit lighter weight and gaseous constituents to escape the fluid and bypass the flue, thereby reducing the velocity of the fluid remaining inside the flue. As the remaining fluid falls to the bottom of the vessel, it further slows as it reverses direction to rise between the flue and the vessel walls.

Abstract: A system and method for filtering sediment from water prior to disposal. According to some aspects, water is provided to a trough which feeds a settling pool via a port. The settling pool may comprise one or more blocks disposed in one or more corresponding channels which restricts flow of the water. In some embodiments, this restriction of flow may cause sediment to collect on a bottom of the settling pool and/or residual oil to collect on a surface of the water. The residual oil may be pumped or skimmed from the surface and the water may be pumped from the settling pool into one or more external holding tanks The one or more blocks may then be removed from the settling pool and the sediment may be collected via a frontloader or other device accessing the sediment via an access ramp formed in the settling pool.

Abstract: A method of removing sediment from the bottom of a settling collects the sediment from the compressed Zone IV layer of sediment adjacent the floor of the settling tank. The process utilizes a fabricated metal sludge collection system having a central truck and a pair of triangularly shaped header wings extending laterally to each side of the central truck. The header wings have an open throat that allows the passage of the Zone IV sediment layer into the header wing, while the diagonally oriented, rearwardly extending side edges of the header wing have elastomeric sweeps attached to prevent the sediment from passing out of the header wing. The sweeps accumulate the sediment at the rearwardly trailing apex of the header wing where a pump extracts the accumulated sediment remotely from the settling tank. A T-connector is formed with a baffle to improve the discharge of sediment from the header wings.

Abstract: A convenient, cost effective and efficient solid separation apparatus and method of removing solid material from production fluid is disclosed. The solids separation apparatus includes a fluid inlet pipe; a fluid outlet pipe; a vessel that is a fluid velocity driven solid settlement inducement structure and/or a fluid vector driven solid settlement inducement structure; at least one solid discharge opening within the vessel longitudinally spaced between the fluid inlet pipe and the fluid outlet pipe; and, a tank disposed below the vessel with at least one solid entry opening communicated with the at least one solid discharge opening.

Abstract: A combined sedimentation and pressure floatation wastewater treatment tank includes a tank body, a sedimentation treatment device and a pressure floatation treatment device. The tank body contains a predetermined amount of wastewater for treatment. The sedimentation treatment device is used to remove relatively heavier sludge from the wastewater by sedimentation treatment, and the pressure floatation treatment device is used to remove relatively lighter sludge from the initially treated wastewater by pressure floatation treatment. In operation, the wastewater is initially treated by the sedimentation treatment device and is further treated by the pressure floatation treatment device. Alternatively, the wastewater is initially treated by the pressure floatation treatment device and is further treated by the sedimentation treatment device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grit chamber, wherein the chamber body of the grit chamber is in the shape of a hollow cylinder with a cone-shaped bottom; a grit channel is installed below the center of the cone-shaped bottom; a grit removing device is installed in the grit channel; a wall mixer, a plurality of vertical mixers and a spiral grit remover are installed in the chamber body; the wall mixer is installed on the wall of the hollow cylinder; the spiral grit remover is installed in the center of the cylinder, and is provided with a grit-removing blade for removing the grit on the cone-shaped bottom; and the vertical mixers are installed at the position close to the cone-shaped bottom and are vertical to the wall. The invention also provides a grit removing system containing a grit chamber and a grit removing method.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for completely recovering the reusable components of an abrasive slurry used in slicing crystalline materials of silicon, quartz or ceramics when it becomes exhausted and enriched with undesired waste matter. The process consists of an initial centrifuge separation of the exhausted slurry as such and of a wet size-sorting treatment of the fraction containing the abrasive grains obtained from the centrifuge, carried out in a battery of hydrocyclones or centrifuges connected in series. The section for the recovery and purification of the abrasive grains comprises a multifunctional apparatus that performs all the required operations within a single pressure vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for refining a process liquor that includes solids, which apparatus includes a vessel having a base and a side wall that define an internal volume for containing the process liquor and for allowing gravity settling of the solids in the liquor, whereby to produce a refined liquor toward a top of the internal volume and a slurry toward a bottom of the internal volume, the apparatus further includes solids displacement elements disposed within the internal volume for directing settled solids and/or settling solids in the vicinity of the side wall or of the base toward a flow path of the slurry being extracted from the slurry outlet. A processing plant including the above refining apparatus and a method for refining a process liquor.

Abstract: A method for treating waste water and sewage by introducing high pressure wash water or other fluids including gas into a housing of a hydro-cyclone and creating a cyclone with an enhanced and controllable vortex for increased removal of putrescible materials. Waste water and sewage is introduced into the housing and into the cyclone vortex. By the very high centrifugal force generated, suspended inorganic grit is quickly separated from the wash water and organic matter. The water with organic matter is then discharged typically out of the top of the housing, for returning to a water treatment plant for further processing. At this time, the separated inorganic grit, as a concentrated grit liquid, is typically funneled downwardly by gravity through a bottom of the hydro-cyclone housing for waste discharge removal.

Abstract: A coolant filtration system and method for use with one or more metal working machines. The system includes a housing, pump, conveyer assembly, drum assembly, and centrifugal separator. The housing includes a tank that receives and holds coolant coming out of the one or more metal working machines. The pump is used to drive the coolant through the coolant filtration system. A part of the conveyer assembly is disposed within the housing in order to carry-away workpiece chips from the coolant. The drum assembly is located near the conveyer assembly in order to filter the coolant. The centrifugal separator receives coolant processed by the conveyor and drum assemblies. The system can further include one or more fine filters for additional filtering of the coolant outputted by the centrifugal separator.

Abstract: A process vessel is provided for separating a multi-component stream. The process vessel includes an inlet for permitting introduction of reaction water stream into the vessel and an outlet for withdrawing a water-rich phase from the vessel. The vessel further includes a plurality of draw-off points for drawing off a phase rich in suspended hydrocarbons from the vessel, the draw-off point(s) being located above the outlet.

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

Abstract: The overflow and underflow effluents of a conventional hydrocyclone are discharged into enclosed vessels, so that the operating pressure may be manipulated for each effluent independently of other operating parameters. Each of the effluent vessels is equipped with a source of pressurized gas to form a gas blanket over the effluent at a controllable pressure. Such variable pressures in each vessel, in combination with the pressure of the incoming feed stream, provide the necessary parameters to implement pressure-differential-ratio control, thereby improving the efficiency of separation.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied as a processing system for processing raw slurry material. The processing system comprises a barrel member, at least one pre-processing member, and a plurality of separator members. The at least one pre-processing member and the plurality of separator members are supported by the barrel member, and the plurality of separator members define at least one separator gap. As the barrel member rotates about the processing axis A, the at least one pre-processing member transports at least a portion of the raw slurry material from the feed portion to the separator portion through the pre-processing portion. The plurality of separator members transport at least a portion of the raw slurry material from the pre-processing portion to the outlet opening through the separator portion.

Abstract: A convenient, cost effective and efficient solid separation apparatus and method of removing solid material from production fluid is disclosed. The solids separation apparatus includes a fluid inlet pipe; a fluid outlet pipe; a vessel that is a fluid velocity driven solid settlement inducement structure and/or a fluid vector driven solid settlement inducement structure; at least one solid discharge opening within the vessel longitudinally spaced between the fluid inlet pipe and the fluid outlet pipe; and, a tank disposed below the vessel with at least one solid entry opening communicated with the at least one solid discharge opening.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a collection receptacle and a method for reclaiming backflow from a wellbore. The collection receptacle, in one embodiment, includes an enclosure configured to collect solid and liquid matter, and an elevated auger extending into the enclosure and configured to remove the solid matter from the enclosure. In this embodiment, the auger includes a housing and a flighting, the housing and flighting configured in such a way as to promote separation of the solid matter from the liquid matter as the solid matter travels up the auger and out of the enclosure.

Abstract: The system is for the reception and transport of dry lime mud from a continuously operating pressurized filter in a causticization process. A tube valve is used as an outlet from the pressurized process. The tube valve has a minimum length that is twice a diameter of the tube. A column of lime mud can be held within it as a pressure lock. The column of lime mud can be caused to descend through the tube valve by controlling a difference in pressure between an inner surface and an outer surface of the tube such that the diameter of the tube expands essentially uniformly along its length by 5-10% or by at least 4-6 millimeters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating solids from a fluid. The apparatus includes a first container for receiving solids and fluid and a second container adjacently disposed to the first container in fluid communication therewith. The apparatus includes a conveying member extending upwardly from the bottom of the first container and angling upwardly through the second container such that the conveying member transports solids that settle to the sloped bottom portion of the first container from the first container and through the second container. A conveyor member housing may be disposed in the second container so as to provide an enclosure about the conveyor member to prevent solids that are being transported through the second container by the conveyor member from being deposited into the second container while permitting fluid that separates from the solids during transport to pass from the conveyor member housing and into the second container.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for separating drilling fluid from drill cuttings are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, for dewatering dredged material with a dry substance rate below 15%, comprising a tank (2) which is arranged with at least one inlet (5) for dredged material, a first outlet (8) for cleaned water and a second outlet (9) for sludge; the tank further comprises a mixing chamber (3), to which the inlet (5) for dredged masses leads, and a sedimentation chamber (4) in which the first (8) and the second outlet (9) are arranged. The mixing chamber (3) and the sedimentation chamber (4) are in fluid communication.

Abstract: The circular clarifier cleaning system includes a mainframe to which all various components are attached for the prevention of growth and accumulation of the algae and debris. The components within the system include gravity-driven, horizontal and vertical sweeping chains. The outer trough wall, V-notch weirs, baffle plate wall, and inner baffle plate wall are all cleaned utilizing a rotating chain system device. Two main drag chains are used to clean the effluent trough and the overflow in the overflow wall after the V-notch weirs. An individual chain is utilized as a “garland” to clean the V-notch weirs at the overflow. The circular clarifier cleaning system is driven by an existing skimmer arm found on all secondary clarifiers.

Abstract: A settling system may be used to separate and/or remove solid particles, such as sand, from fluids produced by wells. The container of the settling system may be cleaned without need for manned-entry.

Abstract: Toxic substances such as heavy metals are extracted from a medium using a sorbent composition. The sorbent composition is derived by sulfidation of red mud, which contains hydrated ferric oxides derived from the Bayer processing of bauxite ores. Exemplary sulfidizing compounds are H2S, Na2S, K2S, (NH4)2S, and CaSx. The sulfur content typically is from about 0.2 to about 10% above the residual sulfur in the red mud. Sulfidized red mud is an improved sorbent compared to red mud for most of the heavy metals tested (Hg, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Se, Th, and U). Unlike red mud, sulfidized red mud does not leach naturally contained metals. Sulfidized red mud also prevents leaching of metals when mixed with red mud. Mixtures of sulfidized red mud and red mud are more effective for sorbing other ions, such as As, Co, Mn, and Sr, than sulfidized red mud alone.

Abstract: An extraction system and process for extracting bitumen from a slurry containing bitumen, solids and water. The system comprises a cyclone separation facility for separating the slurry into a solids component stream and a bitumen froth stream with the bitumen froth stream including water and fine solids. The bitumen froth stream is then delivered to a froth concentration facility for separating the bitumen froth stream into a final bitumen enriched froth stream, and a water and fine solids stream. The final bitumen enriched froth stream is suitable for further processing. The system of the present invention is preferably mobile so that the cyclone extraction facility and the froth concentration facility can move with the mine face at an oil sands mining site, however, it is also contemplated that the system can be retrofitted to existing fixed treatment facilities to improve the operational efficiency of such fixed facilities.

Abstract: A separator for separating oils from waste water and solids. Waste liquids are drained into a baffle tube of the separator so that the oils rise and the waste water and solids migrate to the bottom of the separator. A collection head having a restriction is located at the bottom of the separator and is adapted for suctioning the waste water and the solids therein and carrying the same to a discharge outlet of the separator. Waste liquids drained into the separator provide the hydraulic force to accelerate the waste water and solids into the collection head. Liquids drained into the separator also provide the hydraulic force that allows the oils to be drained from the top of the separator.

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