Abstract: A reclaimer, for the separation of heavier solids from slurry water, including an inlet means (50) to allow loading of a flow of the solid laden slurry water (90), a reclaiming tank (10) to contain the input from the inlet means (50), a plurality of lamella plates (20) to increase the effective separation surface area to improve the separation process, said lamella plates (20) provided at an angle, an agitation mechanism (40) for loosening up the slurry water from the heavier solids, an outlet means (82) to allow the separated slurry water to exit the tank (10), wherein the agitation mechanism (40) is a conveyor, with a plurality of protrusions (42).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing settleable solids and unsettleable solids from a partially closed flush system in a dairy milking operation whereby a first processing tank bottom removes settleable solids contained therein where the net current flow vertically in the process tank is less than the settling rate of the settleable solids contained therein. The process tank batch feeds a plurality of thickening tanks that are each allowed to settle for a period of time before transferring fluid is to a second separator. The method and apparatus uses the solids for feeding a digester.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment includes an elevated aeration system. The aeration system is used to provide air and nutrients to biological growth in a wastewater treatment vessel, and to promote circulation of the support media used for the biological growth. The aeration system is elevated from the bottom of the reactor vessel by supports that extend from sidewalls of the vessel, or from suspension systems that hang the aeration system at a desired height. Silt, debris and sludge may be removed from the free space between the elevated aeration system and the vessel floor. Mechanical collection or removal devices may be positioned between the elevated aeration system and the reactor floor.

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: 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 separation device for removing solids from an input stream is provided, comprising a vessel, such as a production vessel or storage tank, having an inlet for receiving an input stream containing fluids, such as oil and water, and solids, such as sand and silt. The vessel also includes a fluid outlet and a drain outlet. An optional fluid recirculation and injection device is mounted inside the vessel and delivers fluid to facilitate removal of the solids through the drain outlet. The vessel also includes an agitation or flighted device mounted adjacent to the drain outlet for contacting and dislodging solids which have settled within the vessel. The agitation device includes a rotatable shaft driven by a motor, and an agitation element, such as an auger, to break up the solids and move them toward the drain outlet. A method of removing solids is also provided using the auger device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide individual blades driven by drives configured to reduce a tendency of sludge to be moved in an undesired return direction. Drive configurations apply “pull” and “pull” forces that only pull on tensile structures, avoiding a need in actual commercial practice for use of extra structural drive members having high resistance to both tension and compressive forces exerted parallel to a sludge movement direction. Each of two separate tensile structures carries one blade, or a separate set of blades, with blade(s) of one structure adjacent to, and alternating with, blade(s) of the other structure. Embodiments move sludge from a corner of a basin and across a floor of the basin. The reduced tendency of sludge movement in the return direction results from moving one tensile structure and blade(s) in the sludge movement direction as the other tensile structure and adjacent opposed blade(s) move in the return direction.

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 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 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: A fluid controlled containment berm system for automatically forming a containment berm to contain hazardous liquid spills involving a vehicle. The fluid controlled containment berm system includes a liner including a floor and a sidewall, a buoyant member attached to an upper portion of the liner, and a pair of diffuser members attached between the floor and the sidewall.

Abstract: Improved fluidized bed precipitators (20, 46, 62, 74, 108, 112, 134, 168) especially useful for the treatment of waste waters containing soluble phosphorus are provided, having upright, primary fluidized bed sections (22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136) and obliquely oriented solids settling sections (28, 54, 68, 120, 144) which enhance the settling of small particles (166) and return thereof to the fluidized bed sections (22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136). The precipitators (20, 46, 62, 74, 108, 112, 134, 168) may also be equipped with a solids detection/withdrawal assembly (178) made up of one or more pressure transducers (180, 182) operable to determine the pressures within the fluidized bed sections 22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136) as a measure of bed densities, along with a selectively operable valve (172) which may be opened to periodically remove solids without clogging.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treatment of contaminated liquid are provided including an integrated ultra-filtration and clarification apparatus, and an optional integrated electrocoagulation capability. The integrated apparatus comprises an outer tank, an inner casing, and a plurality of ultra-filtration filters contained within the inner casing. Clarification of liquid occurs in the gap between the casing and tank. Solid matter settles, and aggregates in the bottom portion of the tank. The accumulated solid material acts as a secondary filter by pre-filtering the liquid prior to contact with the ultra-filtration filters. Clarified liquid is retained in a chamber of the casing, and the clarified liquid is drawn through the ultra-filtration filters as initiated by a source of vacuum communicating with the ultra-filtration filters.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide individual blades driven by drives configured to reduce a tendency of sludge to be moved in an undesired return direction. Drive configurations apply “pull” and “pull” forces that only pull on tensile structures, avoiding a need in actual commercial practice for use of extra structural drive members having high resistance to both tension and compressive forces exerted parallel to a sludge movement direction. Each of two separate tensile structures carries one blade, or a separate set of blades, with blade(s) of one structure adjacent to, and alternating with, blade(s) of the other structure. Embodiments move sludge from a corner of a basin and across a floor of the basin. The reduced tendency of sludge movement in the return direction results from moving one tensile structure and blade(s) in the sludge movement direction as the other tensile structure and adjacent opposed blade(s) move in the return direction.

Abstract: Processes for treating drilling fluid by passing the fluid through a separator including a clarifying zone and a thickening zone, the clarifying zone having inclined plates and the thickening zone having at least one wall with an angle of less than about 60°. The separator may optionally include an agglomeration zone and a removal zone.

Abstract: A method for handling separation media slurry in a tank, before transferring the separation media slurry to a column or a container. The method comprises the steps of: —blowing gas from the bottom of the tank into the sedimented media in the tank and thereby the sedimented media starts to re-suspend; —starting an impeller (7) provided in the tank in order to stir said media slurry that already has started to re-suspend.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for removing sludge from a liquid reservoir, the apparatus (10) comprising buoyant float means (12), a sludge pump (24) mounted via a support arm (17) and the apparatus (10) having an upper profile so as to allow it in use to operate beneath a membrane covering at least part of the reservoir. The support arm (17) may be oscillated to move the pump in a substantially vertical plane. The buoyancy of the float means (12) may be adjusted to vary the position of floating of the apparatus (10) in the liquid.

Abstract: A recirculating/filtering/flushing system for cleaning a water main is provided, wherein the water main includes first and second access points. The system comprises at least one filter for filtering water in the water main; an inlet conduit coupled with the first access point and the at least one filter; an outlet conduit coupled with the second access point and the at least one filter; a bypass conduit coupled with the inlet conduit at a first location upstream of the at least one filter, and coupled with the outlet conduit at a second location downstream of the at least one filter; and a pumping device for flowing the water in the water main through the inlet conduit, through either the at least one filter or the bypass conduit, and through the outlet conduit.

Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from water, the system including an inlet for receiving a fluid, the fluid including a water phase and a hydrocarbon phase, and a separation tank having a first partition and a second partition, wherein the first partition is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet. Furthermore, the system includes a first outlet configured to receive the water phase from the first partition, a second outlet configured to receive the hydrocarbon phase from the second partition, and a support structure configured to receive the water phase from the first outlet and the hydrocarbon phase from the second outlet. Also, a method of separating a fluid into a water phase and a hydrocarbon phase, the method including injecting the fluid containing the water phase and the hydrocarbon phase into a separation tank.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide individual blades driven by drives configured to reduce a tendency of sludge to be moved in an undesired return direction. Drive configurations apply “pull” and “pull” forces that only pull on tensile structures, avoiding a need in actual commercial practice for use of extra structural drive members having high resistance to both tension and compressive forces exerted parallel to a sludge movement direction. Each of two separate tensile structures carries one blade, or a separate set of blades, with blade(s) of one structure adjacent to, and alternating with, blade(s) of the other structure. Embodiments move sludge from a corner of a basin and across a floor of the basin. The reduced tendency of sludge movement in the return direction results from moving one tensile structure and blade(s) in the sludge movement direction as the other tensile structure and adjacent opposed blade(s) move in the return direction.

Abstract: A collector for removing sediment from a waterway. The collector has a housing (24) with an opening (38) and an internal cavity (44) for receiving particles. Means for adjusting the type of sediment is provided. An inlet (120) communicates with the cavity for altering the amount of suction and controlling the water intake and the type of material removed.

Abstract: A flotation apparatus (10) for the separation of solid particles from a suspension with formation of a fraction lacking in solid particles and a fraction rich in solid particles comprises a tank with an inlet (14) for the suspension, with an outlet (16) for the fraction lacking in solid particles, with an outlet (18) for the fraction rich in solid particles, and with at least one block of slats (20) composed of multiple overlapping slats (22), wherein the at least one block of slats (20) has a rear side oriented toward the tank wall and a front side arranged on the opposite side of the block of slats (20). On the rear side of the at least one block of slats, a plate (26) is arranged which extends over at least a part of the rear side of the block of slats, wherein the plate has a plurality of openings which facilitate the penetration of liquid through the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting soluble component-removed powder that collects soluble component-removed and poorly soluble component-containing powder to recycle by removing the soluble component from the powder through filtering using a vacuum pump after mixing soluble component-removed and poorly soluble component-containing powder and a solvent dissolving the soluble component, and a method of the same.

Abstract: Treating wastewater by receiving wastewater having a reduced concentration of waste solids into a secondary containment space and allowing the waste solids to distribute into a lower horizontal sludge layer, an upper horizontal scum layer, and a relatively clear horizontal layer of liquid therebetween; flowing the liquid from the relatively clear layer through at least one filter element enclosed in a housing the top of which is submerged below the wastewater level of the secondary containment space; and thereafter flowing the filtered effluent out of the housing. In some embodiments, the filtered effluent may be discharged from the secondary containment space using an effluent pump configured with a conventional flow inducer or, alternatively, using an effluent pump sealably configured with a shortened flow inducer thereby allowing discharge of the filtered effluent to a wastewater level below that of the pump's intake.

Abstract: The present invention advances tank-based aquaculture by providing a low cost, high efficiency solid waste separator. The invention combines the simplicity of centrifugal-gravitational separation with the practicality of automatic separator cleaning. Low-pressure air from a blower or air pump induces water flow through the separator. The compressed air source is also used to purge accumulated sludge from the separator and to scour internal separator surfaces. Installation of a captive floating granular media bed within the separator further stabilizes the centrifugal flow pattern, enhances the scouring action during sludge flushing events, and provides substrate for nitrifying bacteria colonization. Separator purging and scouring processes are simply and easily automated with small, low-voltage electric valves and timers. Operational cost-savings are magnified in multiple tank systems where multiple separators are operated by a centralized compressed air system and controller.

Abstract: This present invention is related to a method of collecting high-level radioactive contaminated uranium powder underwater. It utilizes a long rod fixed to the pipe of the sewage pump at bottom, and takes another end of the sewage pump to connect to the sediment bag to collect uranium powder which is dispersed and contaminates the pond. Inhaling the pond water contains uranium powder into the sediment bag by sewage pump that is joined to a collecting can under it and waiting for precipitation of the powder. When the uranium powder in the sediment bag is completely precipitated into the collecting can, operator can utilize submersible pump to drain the pond water from the sediment bag. Operator may hold the cable wire of the uranium powder collecting can manually to move it to the collecting shelf and repeat the process several times until the high-level radioactive uranium powder in the contaminated pond are all collected on the uranium powder collecting shelf.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the use of a class of acetylenic surfactants to resolve or break water and oil emulsions. The surfactants are of particular advantage in resolving crude oil emulsions of the type encountered in desalter and similar apparatus designed to extract brines from the crude as they partition to the aqueous phase in the desalter. Also, the surfactants may be used to separate oil from oil sands and similar oil/solids matrices.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for collecting solids selling on the bottom of a liquid reservoir and/or floating solids, the apparatus (10) having a hollow suction head (23) and at least one outlet duct (26) extending from the suction head (23). Air can be supplied to the suction head (23) to create a suction pressure in the suction head (23) to cause settling solids beneath the suction head (23) to pass along the outlet duct or ducts (26). The suction head (23) may be connected to a collector (11) which is provided with a float (21) to support the collector (11) at the surface of the liquid, and the outlet duct or ducts (26) are connected to the collector (11) which collects the solids. The collector (11) may also have an inlet to collect floating solids.

Abstract: A flange joint for connecting two objects in a fluid connection so that fluid can flow between the objects. The flange joint has a gasket and the gasket is installed in the flange joint. The flange joint has at least one channel for feeding additional fluid from outside of the flange joint through the gasket into fluid flowing between the two objects.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting a material from a body of liquid and methods therefore are disclosed. A transport member comprises at least one continuous loop configured to pass through a continuous orbit. The material sufficiently adheres to at least a portion of the at least one continuous loop. A scraping member urges against at least a portion of the continuous loop for removing at least some of any of the material adhered to the continuous loop. Such an apparatus can be a harvester that includes a frame having a first end and a second end. A first conveyor drum can be supported by the frame adjacent the first end and can have an outer surface for engaging the transport member. A second conveyor drum can be supported adjacent the second end and can have an outer surface for engaging the transport member.

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: The invention relates to a method and equipment with which an organic solution extraction solution is purified from entrainment of aqueous solution and impurities during hydrometallurgical liquid-liquid extraction. The method treats an organic extraction solution, which is loaded with a valuable metal or valuable substance from the aqueous solution. The purpose is to carry out the physical separation of water droplets and the chemical removal of impurities from the organic extraction solution simultaneously.

Abstract: The application discloses an apparatus and method for processing biological material, including a suspension of cells.

Abstract: Efficient methods and apparatus for separating both settleable-particles and finer-non-settlable-particles from particle-laden fluid are provided by combining many successive settling, filtration, and treatment stages in one basin. A sludge and finer-particle removal system combined into the one basin is configured with a common gantry drive having many arms hanging from an overhead beam, each arm carrying a particle remover configured for the corresponding stage. In one stage, a practical method of removing sludge from between closely-spaced settler flow trays is provided by one pair of arms that straddle the trays and move an array of pushers during movement of the common gantry drive. During that movement the common gantry drive also removes the finer-non-settleable-particles from all downstream stages of filtration and treatment, and each stage continues operating while the common gantry drive operates to perform the respective removal.

Abstract: A system for washing contaminated sand comprises a plurality of reactors arranged in a sequence from a first to a last reactor. The first reactor is configured to receive contaminated sand. Each reactor comprises a funnel portion in a lower section thereof for accumulating a sand layer and a sand conveying device for removing sand through an aperture defined near a bottom of the funnel portion. Each reactor except the first reactor receives sand removed from a previous reactor. The system also comprises a steam supply system for providing each reactor with steam for washing the sand, a water supply system for providing the last reactor with clean water for rinsing the sand, and a fluid outlet associated with each reactor for removing fluid and providing the fluid to a separator for separating the fluid into first and second portions respectively containing relatively low and high proportions of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An automatic tank cleaning system includes a water recycling unit having a weir therein and a conically-shaped bottom, a cutting box having a portable weir therein, a hydrocyclonic separator, and a mud tank. Tank slop is pumped from the mud tank to the water recycling unit where solids collect at the bottom. The solids are removed and collected in the cutting box. Water in the recycling unit may be pumped through the hydrocyclonic separator. Solids removed by the separator are collected in the cutting box and the water is directed into a clean water compartment defined by the weir within the recycling unit. Water in the cutting box is collected by the portable weir therein and pumped to the clean water compartment. Water from the clean water compartment is pumped to one or more rotary jet heads within the mud tank. Overflow from the water recycling unit may be directed to the cutting box. A chemical inductor may be used to add cleaning chemicals to the water prior to being directed through the wash nozzle.

Abstract: A process for decontamination and separation of a contaminated fluid including a first agent, a second agent, and a third agent may include the steps of directing the contaminated fluid to a first tank, substantially separating first agent in a first layer, a second agent in a second layer and a third agent in a third layer in a first tank, generating a vacuum and removing the first agent and the second agent by the vacuum, placing the first agent and the second agent in a second tank, generating a vacuum and removing the first agent and the second agent by the vacuum and placing the first and second agents in a second tank, removing the third agent by a vacuum and placing the third agent in a third tank, separating the first agent and the second agent based upon the gravities of the first and second agents, removing the second agent from the second tank and placing the second agent in the first tank based upon and until the first agent is detected.

Abstract: A reclaimer, for the separation of heavier solids from slurry water, including an inlet means (50) to allow loading of a flow of the solid laden slurry water (90), a reclaiming tank (10) to contain the input from the inlet means (50), a plurality of lamella plates (20) to increase the effective separation surface area to improve the separation process, said lamella plates (20) provided at an angle, an agitation mechanism (40) for loosening up the slurry water from the heavier solids, an outlet means (82) to allow the separated slurry water to exit the tank (10), wherein the agitation mechanism (40) is a conveyor, with a plurality of protrusions (42).

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for removing sludge from a liquid reservoir, the apparatus (10) comprising buoyant float means (12), a sludge pump (24) mounted via a support arm (17) and the apparatus (10) having an upper profile so as to allow it in use to operate beneath a membrane covering at least part of the reservoir. The support arm (17) may be oscillated to move the pump in a substantially vertical plane. The buoyancy of the float means (12) may be adjusted to vary the position of floating of the apparatus (10) in the liquid.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for screening drilling fluids to remove entrained debris, the fluid is urged upwardly from the lower side to the upper side of an inclined or horizontal mesh screen, so that debris falls from the face of the screen under gravity to be collected and removed, and the clean fluid emerges above the screen. The debris may be removed by a conveyor or by a vibrating mesh surface. The operating life of the screen is thereby extended.

Abstract: A pretreatment particle-accelerating deposition and separation apparatus and method for purifying turbid raw water, which based on the theories of laminar flow requirement, particle-accelerating vertical deposition and water horizontal movement, separates water molecules from turbidity particles in a laminar flow region (with a Reynolds number lower than 1,000). By accelerating the velocity of high-turbidity raw water and the turbidity particles, the particles settle vertically because of inertia. Thus, the turbidity particles can be removed physically from the raw water and clean water can be collected at different heights of the apparatus while concentrated turbid water can be released to a nearby body of water after appropriate treatments. Thereby, turbid water can be purified for the subsequent coagulation, sedimentation and filtration processes in traditional water treatment plants.

Abstract: A pretreatment particle-accelerating deposition and separation apparatus and method for purifying turbid raw water, which based on the theories of laminar flow requirement, particle-accelerating vertical deposition and water horizontal movement, separates water molecules from turbidity particles in a laminar flow region (with a Reynolds number lower than 1,000). By accelerating the velocity of high-turbidity raw water and the turbidity particles, the particles settle vertically because of inertia. Thus, the turbidity particles can be removed physically from the raw water and clean water can be collected at different heights of the apparatus while concentrated turbid water can be released to a nearby body of water after appropriate treatments. Thereby, turbid water can be purified for the subsequent coagulation, sedimentation and filtration processes in traditional water treatment plants.

Abstract: The system involves a transitionary septic tank. The transitionary septic tank includes an enclosed containment body having an interior portion. An inlet opening is formed in the enclosed containment body. A first outlet opening is formed in the enclosed containment body. A divider is positioned in the interior portion between the inlet opening and the first outlet opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recycling drilling fluids used in the drilling of wells is provided. The apparatus comprises a tank with a plurality of compartments. Used drilling fluid containing well cuttings or “solids” is pumped into a receiving compartment of the tank and directed towards a flow-reversing barrier. Reversal of the flow causes heavier solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. As fluid fills the receiving compartment, it flows downstream into an adjacent compartment by passing through a flow-restricting baffle that causes more solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. As fluid overflows from compartment to compartment in the tank, it passes through successive flow-restricting baffles causing further solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. Fluid is removed from the collecting compartment of the tank to be used again in drilling operations.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides a separator for the removal of solids from a drilling liquid, the separator comprising a tube settler (4) through which the drilling liquid can flow and beneath which a particle collection container is arranged for collecting solids separated from the liquid in the tube settler, wherein the solids collection container is a transportable container that is separate or separable from the tube settler. The invention further provides a process for the removal of solids from a drilling liquid using a separator, in which process a drilling liquid comprising solids is set to flow through a tube settler in order to allow the solids to settle out, thereby obtaining a solids depleted drilling liquid and an accumulation of solids. The invention also provides for the use of a separator comprising a tube settler to remove solids from a drilling liquid.

Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.

Abstract: A settling tank for drilling fluids is provided, having a first compartment. The first compartment has confining walls, an inlet, an outlet weir, and a source of secondary fluid. At least one of the confining walls has a downwardly sloped confining wall. The inlet is provided for supply of drilling fluids into the first compartment. The outlet weir is positioned in at least one of the confining walls. At least one source of secondary fluid is provided. The source of secondary fluid is configured to direct fluids down the downwardly sloped confining wall towards a collection area. By directing fluids down the downwardly sloped confining wall, solids that may accumulate in the compartment are more efficiently moved towards the collection area where they can be removed. The apparatus and method disclosed herein describe an efficient approach to processing drilling fluids on site.

Abstract: A system for separating a heavy fraction from a liquid, including a housing and a mechanism in operative connection with the housing to induce rotational flow within an upper section of the housing. The system further includes a flow restrictor positioned below (that is, at the bottom of or below) the upper section of the housing in which rotational flow is induced by the rotational flow mechanism. The flow restrictor has a diameter less than the inner diameter of the housing so that a gap is formed between the flow restrictor and the housing. The housing further includes an inlet positioned above the flow restrictor and a first outlet positioned below the flow restrictor. The first outlet is positioned radially inward from an interior wall of the housing. The housing can be generally cylindrical from the top of the gap to a baffle positioned below the flow restrictor. The baffle defines a settling section for the heavier fraction.

Abstract: A choke for removing large diameter particulate matter from an oil or natural gas well includes a housing having a chamber with an integral solids receptacle. The chamber is in communication with a flow stream outlet and a flow stream inlet. The flow stream inlet is located below the flow stream outlet. The flow stream inlet directly adjoins the integral solids receptacle in the chamber. The choke includes a solids removal outlet located below the flow stream inlet in communication with the chamber for flowing particulate from the chamber when actuatedby a user. The choke includes a needle disposed in a bonnet connected to the chamber above the flow stream inlet for controlling the flow stream from the flow stream inlet to the flow stream outlet by engaging a choke face of a seat with the needle.