Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil-water separation apparatus which permits oil-water separation of heavily polluted oil-water mixed liquids or mixed liquids of high viscosity oil and water, etc., to be efficiently made.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating immiscible solid or liquid particles such as oil from a liquid-based mixture or emulsion. The apparatus consists of two spaced apart concentric elongated metal cylinders. The wall of the innermost cylinder contains a multiplicity of spaced apart radially bored holes and its exit end is capped. The outer surface of the innermost cylinder and the inner surface of the outer cylinder consists of an alloy of copper and nickel. Liquid is pumped under pressure into the innermost cylinder causing a multiplicity of jets of liquid to issue from the holes in the inner cylinder wall to bombard the copper-nickel surface of the inner wall of the outer cylinder. Electrons freed from the copper in the wall combine with both liquid molecules and particle molecules, causing the particles to separate from the liquid.

Abstract: A liquid purification system capable of separating a first liquid from a second liquid, in which the first liquid is a corrosive aqueous liquid that is wholly or partly immiscible in and forms a discontinuous phase with a second, continuous phase-forming organic liquid is provided including a housing, a fluid inlet in the housing, a first liquid outlet in the housing, a second liquid outlet in the housing, at least one coalescing assembly for coalescing the first liquid, and a liquid separating region in the housing. The coalescing assembly has at least one coalescing element which includes a halocarbon polymer packing material having a solid capture efficiency of as high as 20 .mu.m, is substantially chemically inert to corrosive liquids and is adapted to separate liquids differing in interfacial tension of at least about 0.6 dynes/cm.

Abstract: The instant device serves to remove petroleum substances from pumped bilgewater in small boats. Bilgewater under pressure is pumped into a media housing chamber after having first passed into a filter housing chamber containing polyethylene beads that separate the petroleum substances from water. The purified water under pressure is pumped out of the media housing chamber. When petroleum product that is so separated builds up in concentration to a certain critical level, an electrical sensing component is activated serving to notify a person to open a petroleum product outline control valve on the media housing chamber and to close an outflow control valve on outflow piping attached to he media housing chamber in order to permit such petroleum substances to be pumped away into a collecting pan.

Abstract: An electric field is applied to a coalescer type filter element in which the mesh size decreases in a step-like manner toward its outside. A subject liquid is passed through the filter from its inside to outside. A primary processed liquid discharged from the filter is introduced into an oil-water separating space provided outside the filter which space has an elongated path and to which space an electric field is applied. While the primary processed liquid passes through the oil-water separating space, rise of separated oil and fall of separated water are facilitated.

Abstract: A filter element for a fuel filter includes an outer, coalescing filter media and an inner, water-absorbing filter media. The outer media normally filters or separates particles from the fuel system and coalesces water in the fuel. As the outer media degrades through use and water penetrates to the inner media, the inner media absorbs the water to act as a back-up for the outer filter media. As the inner media absorbs water, the inner media expands to restrict the fuel flow therethrough. At a predetermined pressure differential across the inner media, a by-pass device in the inner filter media opens or otherwise allows fluid from the outer filter media to bypass the inner filter media. Although the by-pass device provides a fluid path around the inner media, the outer media maintains its particle filtration efficiency of the fuel at a high level.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing machine tool coolants wherein the used coolant fluid includes emulsified oils of light density or the like to be separated from a heavier density metal working fluid such as oil or water. The apparatus also removes particles, bacteria and odor from the processed fluid. Contaminated used coolant is prefiltered of particles prior to passing through a coalescer separation reservoir consisting of a plurality of adjacent configured plates permitting the low density emulsified oils to rise to the surface of the liquid within the separation reservoir. The emulsified oils pass over a weir and are drained away, and the skimmed coolant fluid passes from the separation reservoir to an accumulation reservoir whose level is sensed by a float controlling a pump which removes the coolant fluid from the accumulation reservoir and passes the fluid through a fine activated charcoal filter to complete the processing.

Abstract: A porous coalescing filter element of conical configuration is diposed within a substantially cylindrical filter housing such tha the area between the element and the wall increases in the direction of the primary phase flow to keep the annular velocity substantially constant or decreasing in the direction of primary fluid flow. The element may be manufactured with a round end and tapered walls terminating to a pointed apex, but is more preferably manufactured and secured within the filter housing using flat end caps on both ends. The filter element may be vacuumed formed, or manufactured from media in a flat sheet form, which may be pleated if desired.

Abstract: A closed loop system for processing the effluent of drilling mud, cuttings, diesel, water and ultrafines includes a first mechanism for separating the cuttings from the mud, ultrafines and diesel utilizing washing fluid and shaking mechanisms. A second system is also provided to separate the majority of the diesel and water and ultrafines into water and diesel and ultrafines separately.

Abstract: An improved food, oil and grease accumulating apparatus and method of use is disclosed. The improved apparatus includes a pump station to discharge contaminated effluent at a higher flow rate at periodic intervals into a first food separation station for removing food particles. Effluent leaves the food separation station into a second food separation system and then an oil and grease separation station which uses an oleophillic material to attract and coalesce oil and grease particles and permit their advancement along channels to the top region of the oil and grease separation station. The oil and grease are removed through an evacuation system while the water is permitted to discharge from the oil and grease separation station into the sewer system.

Abstract: A liquid purification system is provided which is capable of separating a first liquid, that is wholly or partly immiscible in and forms a discontinuous phase with a second, continuous phase-forming liquid, from the second liquid, which includes at least one coalescing element or assembly for coalescing the first liquid having at least one fluid inlet at the top thereof; and at least one separating element or assembly for separating droplets of the first liquid from the second liquid, the at least one coalescing element or assembly being arranged in superposed and fluid communicable relationship above the at least one separating element or assembly

Abstract: A filter coalescer cartridge for removing contaminants from a liquid comprises:(a) a first support at one end of the cartridge,(b) a second end support tending towards the other end of the cartridge,(c) a filter coalescer element comprising a plurality of aligned fibers or bundles of fibers, each fiber or bundle being secured at one end to one end support and at the other end to the other end support, and(d) a drive mechanism for relatively rotating and moving the end supports towards and away from each other to twist and compress and straighten and extend respectively the filter coalescer element.The cartridge gives good performance and is easily regenerated.

Abstract: A method for removing petroleum contaminants from larger-size and smaller-size petroleum-bearing earth-like materials using a movable apparatus.

Abstract: A device for removing oil and oily substances from a liquid, in particular water, has at least one open-ended tube that can be at least partially submerged into the oil-contaminated liquid to receive the liquid and that rotates around its longitudinal axis. The surface of the wall of the tube is treated so that it is particularly effective in retaining oil and oily substances. In addition, at least one scraping element that lies against the wall of the tube scrapes oil and oily substances away from the wall of the tube and transmits them to a collecting reservoir.

Abstract: A coalescence separator comprises a tank with an inlet for an oil-water mixture. In the upper area of the tank, a drain is arranged for the oil collected in the tank. In the lower area of the tank, a drain is arranged for the water accumulating in the tank. The water drain is provided with an ascending pipe which ends below the oil drain. A changeable coalescence element is arranged on the bottom side of the tank and is associated with the ascending pipe through a guide body which prevents swirls in a chamber of the tank above the coalescence element. The coalescence element is easily exchanged by removal from either the upper end of the tank or from below by way of a screw mounting.

Abstract: A system for the reduction and separation of highly emulsified and/or immiscible components mixed in a fluid, particularly useful for treating waste water contaminated with oils and oily emulsions, as from depleted oil wells, vehicle washing stations, and meat rendering plants. The system is operative for reducing the amount of organic and inorganic contaminants, and is particularly suitable for reducing the amount of oil, with oil-consuming microorganisms, and separating oil that is not consumed within the system from the water so that the oil may be recycled and the water discharged into wetlands or sanitary sewers without further treatment. The system comprises a multi-stage, recirculating series of treatment tanks. In a first stage, the fluid is recirculated through a treatment loop where the fluid is aerated and then passed through a coalescer.

Abstract: A method and materials for separating oil from water, using stacked disks to coalesce the oil, is disclosed. The method of coalescence allows configuration of systems which are compact, efficient, adaptable to modular configuration, and have a very high flow rate.

Abstract: In a non-agitational, countercurrent flow type of liquid-liquid contacting tower, splitter plates with plural slits and/or holes through which light and heavy liquids flow, and baffles having the appropriate shapes and areas in order to cover the liquid flowing upward or downward, are alternately mounted horizontally inside the tower shell in vertical direction. The ratios of the opening area to the total cross-sectional area in the splitter plate are 10% to 40%, and the opening area of a baffles is larger than the aperture area of a splitter plate. The advantages of this invention are as follows: Because of the high contacting efficiency, a relatively smaller contactor has an equivalent performance with that of a larger contactor; there exists no risk of plugging due to scum accumulation, and maintenance is easy.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for the separation of floating oil from oil/water mixtures, in which the arrangement comprises a tank which contains the mixture, at least one inlet for the mixture and separate outlets for the floating oil and the remaining liquid mixture. In addition, three sensors are provided which are arranged on the tank so as to be vertically displaced relative to each other. The sensors which are arranged uppermost and in the middle control the discharge means for the floating oil, while the sensors arranged in the middle and lowermost are designed and provided to control the discharge means for the liquid mixture to an emulsion separator.

Abstract: A filter backflushing system including either a pneumatically-driven piston or pneumatic accumulator for propelling a supply of a filtered backflushing fluid, contained in a backflushing fluid chamber, in a reverse direction through a filter element. The filter backflushing system provides a high intensity, substantially instantaneous, constant pressure backflushing flow which effectively removes clogging contaminants from the filter element.

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

Abstract: A system and a process for separating impurities such as grease, fuels and solid particulate matter, from water contaminated therewith, comprising passing the water to be treated through a first cleanable strainer bag assembly for filtering solids, a holding/settling tank for separation of an oily and water phase and for precipitation of solids, a second cleanable strainer bag assembly having at least one strainer bag of a porosity finer than the porosity of the strainer bag of said first cleanable strainer bag assembly, a heavy oil gravity separator, a light oil coalescer, a further oil and petrochemical and very fine solid separator with a replaceable polypropylene element for adsorbing or absorbing oil and filtering solids, and preferably also a carbon filter assembly. The invention makes possible the economical removal of impurities and the reclaiming of water with a residual impurities level of less than 5 parts per million.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous reconditioning of non-conductive hydrocarbon fluids from a system utilizing such fluids includes an arrangement of interconnected filters having at least two different type filters, with means for mechanically and electrically arranging the filters to allow a continuous reconditioning of the fluid with the option of re-refining some selected portions of the fluid. A monitor is provided at the end of at least one of the filtering functions for monitoring the quality of the fluid, and the fluid is automatically rerouted to either a clean reservoir or to recycling.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating at least one selected medium from a liquid influent stream includes an assembly for dividing the influent stream into a plurality of smaller streams at an interface and means for filtering the smaller streams as they each flow along a discrete flow path substantially distinct from the flow paths of the other smaller streams. The apparatus is particularly suited for removing oils, greases, and suspended solids from a water oil mixture and is of a compact overall shape to permit mobile on-site use of the separator, for example, to remove contaminants from an aqueous mixture drawn out from a contaminated water table. The assembly for dividing the influent stream into smaller streams may include a diffuser plate having a plurality of apertures and the filtering assembly may include a head of oil disposed adjacent the diffuser plate for acting on the smaller streams created by the flow of the influent through the apertures of the diffuser plate.

Abstract: A separator or emulsion breaker for separating the emulsion into a hydrocarbon component which is lighter than an aqueous component and having capability for handling excessive amounts of water, the separator, includes a tank having an emulsion permeable partition forming or flow stabilizer within the tank dividing the latter into an entry chamber and a separating compartment. The emulsion permeable stabilizer receives a turbulent stream of incoming emulsion and discharges the same as a relatively quiescent flow in an upward direction to facilitate separation of the hydrocarbon component from the aqueous component. The solids contained in the emulsion flow downwardly into the sand trap. As the lighter component is raised by the rising water surface, it can be removed through a multi-port discharge opening.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering oil from an oil spill on the surface of a body of water includes a skimmer unit for recovering an oil-water mixture from the surface of the body of water, a three stage coalescer unit for separating the oil in the oil-water mixture from the water therein and a solvent injection assembly for injecting solvent into the coalescer unit after the first and second stages in order to reduce the viscosity of the oil entering the second and third stages. The first, second, and third stages of the coalescer unit comprise interceptors having a surface area ratios between 27 and 65 ft.sup.2 /ft.sup.3 ; 65 ft.sup.2 /ft.sup.3 and 2500 ft.sup.2 /ft.sup.3 ; and 500 ft.sup.2 /ft.sup.3 and 4200 ft.sup.2 /ft.sup.3, respectively.

Abstract: Oil, water, and sludge are separated from a mixture thereof to provide waste oil, usable water, and concentrated sludge. The sludge can be further reduced in volume to facilitate disposal. The invention includes a system having a vessel with a coalescer supported therewithin to form an upper oil containment chamber at the top of the vessel, a contaminated water inlet chamber at one side, a lower sludge containing chamber at the bottom, and a treated water outlet chamber at the other side. The coalescer includes a number of corrugated plate members disposed parallel to one another and inclined respective to the horizontal. The corrugations of the plate members, when viewed in horizontal cross-section, form a sinusoidal wave pattern. There being a wide, long, thin, inclined, sinusoidal passageway formed between the plate members that extend from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber.

Abstract: A separator device to separate a mixture of immiscible liquids of different densities wherein one of said liquids is in a discontinuous phase. The separator device includes a container having an inlet for the mixture of immiscible liquids and an outlet for removing one of the liquids after separation. A drain is provided to remove the discontinuous phase liquid after separation. Randomly arranged, loosely packed, coalescing medium within the container encourages coalescence and agglomeration of the discontinuous phase liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating contaminant from water, the contaminant being of lower density than water. The apparatus comprises a settlement chamber, initial separating means, and an entry port for introducing the liquid to be separated into the initial separating means for flow therethrough into the settlement chamber. A contaminant outlet opens from an upper region of the settlement chamber. A pump intake is located towards the lowermost part of the settlement chamber, and feeds a pump. The outlet from the pump is directed to a molecular separation filter capable of separating water from contaminant. Water discharges from the molecular separation filter, and can be further treated by an optional activated carbon filter. Contaminant leaving the molecular separation filter is directed back into the initial separating means.

Abstract: A separator for removing oil-like substances from water using vertical columns of coalescing media to then enhance separation of the two phases. The coalescing media is an inert packing material having surfaces to enhance coalescing without significant resistance to flow. Final oil removal is achieved by a vertical column of charcoal pellets. The separator is of particular value in the processing of oil/water discharges from air compressing systems. This produces water that can be discharged in an environmentally safe manner to conventional sewers, etc. The oil is held in a convenient storage vessel for ultimate disposal. No pumping devices are needed in the separator as flow is provided either by the pressure in the outlet from the compressor system, or by gravity from a feed tank. The vertical columns are arranged within a cylindrical vessel to minimize floor space and plumbing. The oil concentration in the product water is below current EPA standards.

Abstract: A method of separating and recovering components of a mixture having a gap in the range of miscibility and having organic compounds and water in a pervaporization process with the aid of membranes. The mixture is first separated into an organically loaded water phase and a water-saturated organic phase. Subsequently, the organically loaded water phase and the water-saturated organic phase are separately subjected to parallel, different pervaporization processes, resulting in retentates as water on the one hand and organic liquid on the other hand. The permeates that result during the pervaporization processes are subsequently returned to the mixture that is to be separated.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating oil from an oil/water mixture. The mixture is introduced into a vessel through entry ports and passes through a coalescing filter, flowing therethrough into a settlement chamber. Separation of oil and water occurs in the chamber and oil flows therefrom through an outlet to a waste collection vessel. Water is taken from the lower part of the chamber through a pipe and passes through a sorbent bed prior to discharge through an outlet located at a level below the level of the oil outlet opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing two different phases in a liquid-liquid extraction process and for separating the phases employs a spiral stirrer having two tubular coils for creating homogeneous circulation throughout a mixer. The stirrer rotates at a relatively slow speed to create an upward flow from bottom to top of the mixer near the mixer periphery and a downward flow in the middle of the mixer. The mixer has a flow reversing profile ring and is designed to prevent aeration and formation of an emulsion.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for removing contaminants from a liquid. The contaminants may be solid particles and/or a second liquid immiscible with but finely dispersed in the first liquid.More particularly, the invention relates to a filter coalescer cartridge for removing contaminants from a liquid which comprises:(a) a first support at one end of the cartridge,(b) a second end support tending towards the other end of the cartridge,(c) a filter coalescer element comprising a plurality of aligned fibers or bundles of fibers, each fiber or bundle being secured at one end to one end support and at the other end to the other end support, and(d) a drive mechanism for relatively rotating and moving the end supports towards and away from each other to twist and compress and straighten and extend respectively the filter coalescer element.The cartridge gives good performance and is easily regenerated.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a system for treating commercial, industrial and institutional effluents to remove contaminants such as: fats, oils and greases, (FOGs) from the waste water. The system generally features a continuous processing treatment of the effluent, but can also be adapted on a small scale to a batch procedure. The system comprises the feeding of an emulsified waste stream to a first screening station, where solid matter and large particulates are removed. The FOGs in the waste stream are initially emulsified during the laundering or cleaning process by an alkaline detergent. The alkaline, emulsified waste stream is then fed to a first stage of a pH adjustment station. Here, the emulsified FOGs begin the process of being released and dispersed within the fluid, through the downward adjustment of the pH, i.e. by treating the effluent with acid.

Abstract: Simplified single cell fluid flow apparatus for flotation removal of suspended impurities and liquids are provided wherein the method and apparatus are directed to an induced gas liquid coalescer for flotation separation of suspended impurities. The apparatus provides for a separation vessel which can be fabricated to withstand internal pressure requirements experienced in flotation separation devices wherein the apparatus induces maximum gas volumes consistent with optimum mass transfer of gas medium to suspended impurities in the liquid while controlling intercell or vessel chamber turbulence. Such maximum gas induction achieved without turbulence is through the use of microscopic gas bubbles. Such microscopic gas bubbles provide massive surface area with which the suspended impurities adhere and allows for various apparatus utilization.

Abstract: This invention relates to water pollution control and concerns a method for removing dispersed oil droplets from water by contacting oleophilic bodies with an oil-water emulsion before the emulsion is separated in a settling tank. Oleophilic bodies which float on oil are provided in a settling tank into which an oil-water emulsion is introduced downwardly. Oil-free water is drawn off at the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: A fluid purifier includes a vacuum separator having a rotating disc disposed inside a chamber which is maintained at a negative pressure. Oil contaminated with a chlorofluorocarbon is introduced onto the surface of the disc, and the disc is rotated to disperse the oil into droplets. Chlorofluorocarbons in the oil are vaporized from the droplets to form a vapor. The vapor is condensed to recover a liquid chlorofluorocarbon.

Abstract: A method of coalescing a disperse phase within a continuous phase of a fluid mixture comprising the steps of:(a) supplying said fluid mixture to a primary inlet of a coalescing device;(b) passing said fluid mixture from said primary inlet to a substantially cylindrical chamber of said coalescing device, said primary inlet being arranged substantially radially of said chamber;(c) introducing a fluid to said chamber via a secondary inlet of said coalescing device, said secondary inlet being arranged substantially tangentially to said chamber, thereby setting said fluid mixture into rotating motion within said chamber; and(d) allowing said fluid and said fluid mixture to exit said chamber via an outlet of said coalescing device having a longitudinal axis arranged coaxially with said chamber, such that said exiting fluid and fluid mixture are caused to spin about said longitudinal axis to cause coalescing of said disperse phase.

Abstract: Liquid separator and method of separating oil and water components of a liquid mixture wherein the oil component is made up of droplets of a less dense phase in a more dense water phase, using a hydrocyclone for separating the components. A less dense component of the mixture separated by the hydrocyclone is passed from the underflow of the hydrocyclone to a filter device for further separation. A residence vessel may be provided upstream of the hydrocyclone for coalescing the mixture prior to passage into the hydrocyclone.

Abstract: A simplified single cell fluid flow apparatus for flotation removal of suspended impurities and liquids are provided wherein the method and apparatus are directed to an induced gas liquid coalescer for flotation separation of suspended impurities. The apparatus provides for a separation vessel which can be fabricated to withstand internal pressure requirements experienced in flotation separation devices wherein the apparatus induces maximum gas volumes consistent with optimum mass transfer of gas medium to suspended impurities in the liquid while controlling intercell or vessel chamber turbulence. Such maximum gas induction achieved without turbulence is through the use of microscopic gas bubbles. Such microscopic gas bubbles provide massive surface area with which the suspended impurities adhere and allows for apparatus utilization which is smaller and more compact for comparative treatment volumes.

Abstract: A coalescing plate packing system for use in separating immiscible components of different densities mixed in a fluid, the packing system being used in a vessel having a fluid inlet, a lighter component outlet and a heavier components outlet, the packing system being formed of a stack of spaced apart coalescing plate each having orthogonally arranged corrugations running both laterally and longitudinally, a pair of bottom supports each having an undulating upper edge conforming to the lateral corrugations of the coalescing plates, the bottom supports being spaced apart from each other for supporting the coalescing plates, a pair of top supports each having an undulating bottom edge conforming to the lateral configurations of the coalescing plates and positioned directly over and in common vertical planes with the bottom supports and elongated, preferably fiberglass rods extending through the coalescing plates and attached at the ends thereof to the bottom and top supports holding the supports and coalescing p

Abstract: A process for separating emulsified, suspended and separate oil as well as other contaminants from the water phase of a compressed air system condensate comprises the steps of discharging air and condensate from a compressed air system into a water filled separation tank where air is separated from the condensate. Some of the contaminants heavier than water are allowed to settle to the bottom of the separation tank while lighter oil contaminants are allowed to float to the surface where they are removed. Water and the remaining contaminants which did not flow to the surface or settle to the bottom of the tank are drained away until a given amount of liquid mass has been accumulated. Pressure applied to the liquid mass forces the mass into and through an underwater coalescing media. Such action causes substantially all of the remaining oil constituents to coalesce and thereby form a floating oil phase while other contaminants are retained by the coalescing media.

Abstract: A gas purification apparatus which is operable utilizing an upflow direct impingement coalescer. A central inlet in the lower portion of a column expands the flow of air and liquid droplets (vertical flow to horizontal separation). The droplets lose velocity and are impinged in the packing. Migration is first outward from the main gas flow and then downward. Finally, the liquids are drained at the bottom. A collar around the central inlet insures that liquid will not reenter into the central inlet.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon material of the starting product is separated in an extractive distillation column in which an N-substituted morpholine whose substituents do not have more than seven carbon atoms is used as a selective solvent. The overhead product comes down as a top product of the extractive distillation and is fed through a coalescer in which the sump product comes down with a solvent content of 20 to 75% by weight at a temperature of 20.degree. to 70.degree. C. and subsequent to that is fed into a separating vessel. There it is separated into a heavier and lighter phase. After that the heavier phase is conducted into an extractive distillation column and the lighter phase into the overhead product distillation column.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering oil from an oil spill on the surface of a body of water. The method is operative for recovering an oil having a viscosity in excess of 80 centipoise and it includes the steps of drawing an oil-water mixture from the surface of a body of water, adjusting the viscosity of the oil in the oil-water mixture to a level below approximately 80 centipoise and passing the resultant adjusted oil-water mixture through an oil-water coalescer to separate the oil in the adjusted oil-water mixture from the water therein. The viscosity of the oil in the feed oil-water mixture is preferably adjusted by adding a low viscosity hydrophobic hydrocarbon solvent to the oil-water mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for promoting the separation and/or contact of two immiscible liquids, said apparatus comprising at least one pipe for feeding an emulsion of the two liquids to an assembly of tubes in each of which there is disposed, in the direction of its length and over at least a portion thereof, a bundle of fibers which are preferentially wettable by one of the two liquids, said assembly being connected to a decanter in which the two liquids separate, the decanter being provided with pipes for the discharge of each of the two liquids.The tubes are bounded by two walls, separated by a substantially constant distance, and by a corrugated element inserted between said walls and alternately in contact with each of them through its corrugations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the separation of a dispersed phase in emulsion or in suspension in a continuous phase of a different density. The process comprises causing the emulsion to circulate in a coalescing enclosure (1) containing a filling (11) having an inherent volume of particles or fibers which is slight with respect to the useable volume of the enclosure, and causing the filling to move with respect to the emulsion in such a manner that the particles or fibers thereof sweep the enclosure with an average speed which is high with respect to the flow speed of the emulsion in the enclosure. The invention is particularly applicable for the separation of hydrocarbons or fatty bodies dispersed in an aqueous effluent.

Abstract: Process equipment is provided enabling a plurality of non-soluble lower specific gravity oils to be more effectively separated and collected from an aqueous liquid medium. The equipment utilizes gravity flow to separately remove surface oil constituents according to relative specific gravity in combination with a coalescing medium permitting oil constituents dispersed in the liquid medium to also be removed and with oil collection taking place at multiple locations in said equipment. A method operating the equipment in such manner is also disclosed.