Abstract: A fuel filter assembly employs a base which mounts a disposable filter element cartridge and includes a sump for collecting water removed from the filtering unit. The cartridge includes a dual stage filter system wherein fuel flows axially to an upper filter element for removing particulate matter and coalescing water droplets and axially to a secondary filter stage which functions as a water barrier. The filtered fule flows axially downwardly and through an outlet passage from the base. The water collected in the sump is removed through a drain cock.

Abstract: A heated fuel filter and water separator is disclosed. The assembly has a filter element mounted inside a fuel container. The fuel container has an upper chamber containing a filter element and a drainable lower chamber for collecting water and sediment. A heat exchanger circulates preheated fuel from a manifold return line to heat the filtered fuel in the container. The filter element utilizes helically wound aluminum strips as the filter media.

Abstract: A treater for electrostatically and/or mechanically separating emulsified brine from oil during longitudinal flow through a horizontally elongate metal tank, wherein coalescer elements are provided for enhancement of the de-emulsification process. Following the diffusion and distribution of the flowing emulsion across the transverse area of the treater, the emulsion is directed through electrical fields where the brine droplets take on an electrical charge, then moved through an electrically-grounded coalescing element comprising a multiplicity of longitudinally-extending downwardly-inclined open-ended tubes arranged in bundle-fashion. Individual tubes present opposition to the flow of emulsion for contact between brine droplets of the emulsion and the interior surfaces of the tubes, the brine droplets adhering to the tube surfaces where they lose their charge and accumulate, trickling downwardly by gravity to a brine sump. De-emulsified oil is removed in a stream separate from the brine stream.

Abstract: A fiber bed element and process for utilizing such element for removing and collecting small particles of liquids or soluble solids from a gas stream, the element formed of one or more layers of pin-punched fiber supported by an appropriate supporting structure, the fiber layers being subjected to pressure to achieve a selected density and the punched holes functioning to create drainage paths through which liquids may drain. The fiber layer density and fiber size is maintained uniform throughout the element so that the pressure drop of the saturated filter bed element will be between 1.1 and 3.0 times the pressure drop of the dry filter bed as originally constructed and before use.

Abstract: From a liquid mixture containing a liquid in a continuous phase and a liquid in the form of drops in a phase dispersed therein, the liquid in the dispersed phase is separated from the liquid in the continuous phase by passing the liquid mixture through a liquid-permeable layer (11, 12), arranged in chamber (10), with through-holes of which at least the majority has a cross section area which is greater than the cross section area of at least the main part of the drops in the dispersed phase, the liquid mixture being sheared, by means of a rotor (23) arranged in the chamber on the inlet side of the liquid-permeable layer, over the layer while maintaining a film (24) of liquid, movable along the layer, from the dispersed phase on the layer and while maintaining a higher pressure on the inlet side of the layer than on its outlet side. Drops of dispersed liquid then coalesce in the film and in the through-holes of the layer and can thus be separated from the liquid in the continuous phase.

Abstract: The coalescing plate is designed to separate immiscible components of differing densities mixed in a fluid. The plate includes bidirectional corrugations forming crests and valleys. Bleed holes are provided in the crests and valleys to allow the immiscible components to pass through. Plural plates are stacked and separated by spacers. The spacers are configured to provide multiple spacings between adjacent plates. The immiscible components less dense than the host fluid migrate upwardly and pass through the bleed holes in the crests. Solids and other components denser than the host fluid move downwardly and pass through the bleed holes in the valleys. The plates are readily cleaned in situ by passing a nozzle through the bleed holes nad introducing a pressurized fluid or gas to flush out the space between the plates.

Abstract: A process for removing by coalescence condensation water from large quantities of lubricating oil of a steam driven turbine a significant portion of which water is in the form of an oil/water emulsion. The process is capable of reducing the free and emulsified water content of lubricating oil having a viscosity rating of 150 ssu at 100.degree. F. from 5000 ppm to 25 ppm in a single pass through the unit at a flow rate of 100 gallons per minute with most of the water in the oil as received by the equipment being in emulsion.

Abstract: A method of coalescence involves the use of a coalescer element consisting essentially of or comprising a sintered polymeric media having a fine porous structure. Suitable polymers include thermoplastics or thermosetting resins.The element is suitable for de-oiling oily water and dewatering crude oil.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for cleaning oil of an oil sealed vacuum pump which comprises a cartridge housing, the cartridge housing being releasably mounted to the vacuum pump; filter materials including at least two types of filters having different characteristics, the filter materials including the filters being disposed in the cartridge housing.

Abstract: A filter assembly including a base for supporting and providing fluid connection to a removable filter cartridge, the base having a hollow connecting end for mating with the cartridge, a removable filter cartridge comprising a filter medium and having a connecting end shape to mate coaxially with the end of the base in a rotatable, telescopic relationship, the connecting end of one of the base and the cartridge having lug means extending radially toward the end of the other, the other connecting end having corresponding passage means for lockably receiving the lug means, the telescopically related mating ends of the base and cartridge providing radially opposed surfaces of circular cross-section about the mutual axis of the connecting ends of the base and cartridge, and a circular elastomeric sealing ring providing a radial seal between the circular cross-section surfaces, preventing liquid flow past it between the telescopic ends.

Abstract: A filter device adapted to separate immiscible liquids in beverages such as coffee or tea and other consumable material such as soups and gravies is so designed whereby the beverage or other consumable material passes through a special prewetted filter cloth member and the oils or other immiscible organic liquids contained in the consumable material are coalesced and retained upon the surface of the filter cloth member. The special filter cloth member is formed of synthetic fibers having a low moisture regain, provided with a multiplicity of fine interstitial openings and is napped on the upper surface.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an oil decontamination and water recycling system which is designed to prevent oil, grease, and fuel contamination of ground or surface water and to return the clean water in a single pass for reuse. Water contamination results from pressure or steam cleaning of grit, scale, oil, grease and fuel contaminated equipment. The system is a closed loop separation, filtration and absorption system which removes these contaminants and most other petroleum products. The free oils are discharged to a holding barrel and the solids are removed from the settlement tank and drained off from the centrifugal separator. The petroleum based contaminants such as oil, grease and fuel are absorbed mechanically by a cartridge filter for easy disposal.

Abstract: An oil separator for removing oil from a flowing waste stream of waste fluid includes: a separator body having a flow bore with a center, an open bottom and an open top each communicating with the flow bore so that fluid can flow in the flow bore between the open bottom and the open top; and a plurality of vanes, each defining a spiral path for fluid flowing in the bore between the open bottom to the open top, the vanes being spaced radially from the center of the bore and each vane having upper and lower end portions.

Abstract: A microwave-based emulsion treating system comprising a microwave energy source and a microwave applicator for treating an oil-water emulsion is disclosed. The applicator includes an internal coalescer medium for enhancing the effects of the microwave energy in separating the emulsion.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in augmenting the separation of oil and water flowing comingled in a stream having a conduit through which the stream of comingled water and oil passes, an assembly of nodules formed of catalytic metal alloy, the nodules being generally cylindrical and having longitudinal notches on the external cylindrical surfaces and the nodules being arranged in subassemblies, each subassembly being formed of three nodules affixed to each other in a layer such that a longitudinal notch of each nodule mates with a longitudinal notch of the other two nodules to provide a central opening through the subassembly, and a central axial shaft received within the central opening retaining a plurality of the subassemblies. The complete assembly is positioned within the conduit so as to be engaged by the water and oil flowing therethrough. Each nodules being formed of an alloy of copper, zinc, nickel, lead and tin which augments the separation of the oil and water.

Abstract: An oil filter for connection in the fuel line between a fuel tank and an engine comprises an outer housing with an inlet for connection to the fuel tank and an outlet for connection in the supply line to the engine, an inner filter housing mounted in the outer housing with an open upper end for oil flow into the filter housing and an outlet at its lower end connected to the housing outlet, the filter housing containing a removable filter cartridge for filtering particles from the oil. A water collecting device is connected to the lower end of the outer housing. The filter cartridge is preferably a spirally wound roll of paper which substantially fills the inner housing.

Abstract: A separator for continuously separating a mixture of immiscible liquids of differing densities into the constituents of the mixture including a vessel, a first upper outlet for the lower density constituents, a second upper outlet for the higher density constituents, an inlet in the vessel for the mixture located below the outlets, a conduit interconnecting the vessel above the inlet and the first outlet and a further conduit opening into the vessel below the inlet and connecting the interior of the vessel and the second outlet.

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 method and apparatus for removing oil from the produced water that is associated with hydrocarbons. The method consists of providing a plurality of serially connected individual compartments in a vertical flume or pipe with each compartment connected to the next compartment by a flow path that induces the oil droplets to coalesce.

Abstract: A separator for removing water from a lower density liquid fuel has a generally circular cross-section container with co-axual downwardly open outlet conduit that includes a portion widening towards the bottom entry opening. An inlet above the widening portion of the conduit directs a liquid flow obliquely downwards and radially offset from the conduit to generate a rotational flow promoting separation of the denser water fraction from the fuel. Smaller water droplets that drift down the outer surface of the outlet conduit because they are less influenced by centrifugal forces, are collected in an upturned lip at the bottom edge of the conduit. There they coalesce into larger drops that can fall through the outlet flow to the bottom of the container. A shield in the container lower region limits the entrainment of remaining smaller droplets from that lower region into the outlet flow.

Abstract: Membranes of highly crystalline PTFE having an average pore size between about 0.01 micron and about 0.5 micron ordinarily reject any passage of water while allowing an organic nonpolar liquid to flow therethrough. By thoroughly wetting an expanded polytetrafluroethylene membrane with isopropyl alcohol, such a membrane will selectively allow the passage of a polar liquid, for example water, therethrough while rejecting other components, including nonpolar organic liquids, such as oil, kerosene or the like, and dissolved components of fairly large molecular size. Such IPA-wetted membranes are used to separate oil-water mixtures by allowing the water to selectively permeate through the membrane. The membrane may include a 5 mil thick backing layer of nonwoven synthetic fibers. The mixture is supplied to the membrane at a pressure not greater than about 90 psig., and often very low pressures of about 5-20 psig. can be used.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating a water emulsion from a hydrocarbon fluid is disclosed. The invention is practiced by conveying the fluids into contact with a metal which has a nickel content greater than seventy-five percent. The invention separates the water from the hydrocarbon fluids and reduces the quantity of paraffin solids which accumulate.

Abstract: A coalescing filter capable of removing liquid aerosols (such as water and oil) from gaseous streams with high efficiency. The filter comprises three layers, (a) an intermediate fibrous layer having a pore size of from about 1.25(t) to about 2(t), where t is the dynamic film thickness of the aerosol in the gaseous stream, the fibers of the intermediate fibrous layer having diameters ranging from about 0.1 to about 20 micrometers, (b) a fibrous layer upstream of the intermediate layer having a pore size greater than the intermediate layer, and (c) a downstream fibrous layer having a pore size greater than the intermediate layer and wherein the critical surface energy of each layer of the filter is less than the surface tension of the liquid making up the aerosol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating an oil phase from an aqueous phase by means of a rotating drum apparatus containing one or more compartments, each being partially filled with oleophilic free bodies. When containing two or more compartments, they are separated by an apertured baffle. The interior surfaces of the drum are oleophilic and the portion of the drum sidewall, where the mixture is removed is apertured. Due to the oleophilic free bodies and interior oleophilic surfaces, the aqueous phase velocity through the drum is faster than the oil phase which adheres to the oleophilic surfaces causing an in situ buildup and agglomeration of oil phase in the drum. The mixture exiting the apertured drum sidewall is partitioned by the tumbling free bodies, oleophilic drum surfaces and drum rotation such that aqueous phase leaves the drum between the 6 and 9 o'clock positions of counter clockwise rotation where free body concentration is minimal.

Abstract: A variegated density mist eliminator pad for use in gas-liquid contacting devices for the removal of mists from a mist-containing gas stream which pad comprises a plurality of fibrous elements such as a knitted or woven mesh having open areas for the flow of the gas stream therethrough and characterized by defined adjacent regions of different, i.e. high and low, fiber density with the direction of density variation generally perpendicular to the direction of gas flow, the high density region within the pad permitting enhanced drainage of coalesced liquid, and a method of preparing the high and low density regions through a nesting and non-nesting relationship of fibrous layers.

Abstract: A separating device for separating a pair of immiscible components from a fluid mixture, such as separating water from a diesel fuel oil/water mixture, includes a housing and a filter cartridge mounted on the housing such that the filter cartridge is oriented substantially horizontally. The housing includes an inlet fitting, an outlet fitting, and a sump for receiving the fluid component separated from the mixture. Because of the orientation of the housing, the coalesced water or heavier component of the fluid mixture tends to collect in the lower portion of the filter cartridge and drains into the sump, where it may be drained periodically. The lighter component or fuel oil is communicated to the outlet port or fitting.

Abstract: Oil-water separation apparatus and method employing a velocity head diffusion baffle facing upwardly and towards the feed end of a separator tank to which feed flow is directed. The separator tank comprises a relatively turbulent inlet section and a relatively large separator section and the baffle tends to isolate inlet turbulence from the separator section. Furthermore, the baffle tends to reduce flow turbulence in the separator section and to distribute flow of the inlet stream over the entire width of the tank. The baffle tends to improve the separation of solids and any immiscible liquids which are susceptible to gravity separation.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for separating liquids and particularly water and oil. The separating apparatus includes a tank containing two coalescent cells or units, one of which receives the liquids directly from a supply pipe and immediately disperses the liquids through a perforate recess into the cell. The liquids are partly separated in that cell and further in the second cell. Oil is separated from the top of the tank into a separate chamber and water is separated from the bottom into another chamber from which it is discharged and can be recirculated. The cells, which contain bodies with a high surface-to-weight ratio and are made of a material having an affinity for oil, are readily removable from the system for cleaning or replacement of the bodies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water-repellent nonwoven fabric made of a melt-blown fiber having a single filament denier of 0.005 to 2.0, wherein the fiber packing ratio is 5 to 70% and the water pressure rresistance index is 400 to 2,000 mmH.sub.2 O. The nonwoven fabric is used for an oil-water separating filter having a permeability to oil and non-permeability to water. A composite fabric comprising a combination of the nonwoven fabric and an air-permeable knitted or woven fabric laminated and integrated with at least one surface of the nonwoven fabric is useful as an air permeable and water repellent fabric.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating and removing sand from fluid streams are provided. The apparatus is comprised of a closed separator vessel having first and second compartments therein. An inlet connection is attached to the vessel for introducing the fluid stream into the first compartment and filter means for separating sand from the fluid stream are disposed within the first compartment. The fluid stream is caused to flow from the first compartment through the filter means into the second compartment from where the fluid stream is removed by way of an outlet connection attached to the vessel. Conduit means attached through a wall of the vessel are disposed within the first compartment for conducting and periodically discharging sand wash liquid thereinto.

Abstract: A filter and water separator for use with liquid hydrocarbons such as aircraft fuel includes a horizontally directed housing and within the housing a first set of filtering and coalescing elements connected to the inlet port of the housing and a parallel arranged set of separating elements arranged parallel to the filtering elements and communicating with the outlet ports in the housing. Each separating element is provided in its interior with a coaxially arranged hollow cylinder communicating at one end with the outlet port and having an inlet opening at its opposite end. The cylindrical wall of the hollow cylinder is formed with a plurality of inlet openings, the combined cross-section of which increases from the end face inlet opening toward the outlet port.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for separating a phase dispersed by emulsion or by suspension in a continuous phase of different density, comprising a coalescence enclosure 1 provided with an inlet 1a and with an outlet 1b which enters a separation enclosure 4, the coalescence enclosure 1 assuming the shape of an elongated surface of revolution about an axis XX' slanted with respect to the vertical and containing at least one rigid or semi-rigid sheet 7 rolled up about the inclined axis XX' to form windings of which the generatrices extend along the enclosures, these windings being spaced apart and substantially covering all of the free cross-section of the enclosure; this sheet in particular may be rolled up in a spiral and may consist of a material preferentially wetted by the dispersed phase.

Abstract: An oil content monitor/control unit system is configured to automatically nitor and control processed effluent from an associated oil/water separator so that if the processed effluent exceeds predetermined in-port or at-sea oil concentration limits, it is either recirculated to an associated oil/water separator via a ship's bilge for additional processing, or diverted to a holding tank for storage. On the other hand, if the oil concentration of the processed effluent is less than predetermined in-port or at-sea limits, it is discharged overboard.

Abstract: An oil content monitor/control unit system including an oil/water disperser evice is configured to automatically monitor and control processed effluent from an associated oil/water separator so that if the processed effluent exceeds predetermined in-port or at-sea oil concentration limits, it is either recirculated to an associated oil/water separator via a ship's bilge for additional processing, or diverted to a holding tank for storage. On the other hand, if the oil concentration of the processed effluent is less than predetermined in-port or at-sea limits, it is discharged overboard. The oil/water disperser device is configured to break up any oil present in the processed effluent into uniform droplets for more accurate sensing of the oil-in-water concentration level thereof. The oil/water disperser device has a flow-actuated variable orifice configured into a spring-loaded polyethylene plunger which provides the uniform distribution of oil droplets.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating liquid, such as for coalescing and separating finely dispersed oil droplets from an oil/water emulsion, which includes a cluster of fibers arranged in a housing, wherein the cluster of fibers can be displaced stepwise into and from a neck portion of the housing, thereby providing in the neck portion a compressed fibrous bed with an adjustable thickness.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the removal of sulfur from an aqueous sulfur-containing suspension through sulfur coalescence. Sulfur coalescence is initiated by passing the aqueous sulfur-containing suspension through a multi-passage filtering media. In one embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous sulfur-containing suspension is passed through a filtering media comprised of randomly oriented fibrous filter material. In another embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous sulfur containing suspension is passed through sintered metal filters. Optionally, downstream polishing, or filtration, steps using either the above enumerated filters or combinations of the above filters can also be used.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a device for separating a substantial fraction of a volatile contaminant from a contaminated fluid. The device comprises a vacuum chamber having an internal space that may be at least partially evacuated, at least one rotating plate disposed within the vacuum chamber with the edge of the rotating plate being spaced from a coalescing means, means for introducing the contaminated fluid onto the surface of the plate whereby small droplets of the contaminated fluid are centrifugally dispersed from the edge of the rotating plate. The distance between the edge of the rotating plate and the coalescing means yields a sufficient droplet residence time to permit the fraction of the volatile contaminant to be separated from the contaminated fluid as the droplets travel between the edge of the rotating plate and the coalescing means.

Abstract: In order to make better use of tankers transporting oil from the oil-producing countries to oil-consuming countries, attempts have been made at transporting drinking water from the latter countries to the oil-producing. These attempts have been fruitless since it has been impossible to reduce the oil content to an acceptable value. By using a filter consisting of units (4) of foam plastic with perforated closed cells it has been possible to achieve values below that considered acceptable.

Abstract: Saline-tolerant surfactant is utilized in tertiary recovery of oil. The surfactant is concentrated in a portion of the produced oil and water and is recovered by the use of a cosolvent and fresh water. Both the cosolvent and surfactant are reclaimed for reuse, while the oil is released for sale.

Abstract: A method for removing emulsified water from a produced crude oil stream containing up to 65 volume percent water wherein the water-in-produced crude oil emulsion is passed through a bed containing a water saturated coalescing media, preferably sand or crushed quartz whereby the water coalesces to form a water phase and an oil phase essentially free of water. The two phases are allowed to separate by gravity forming an upper crude oil phase containing less than 3 volume percent water, and can be less than one-half volume percent water.

Abstract: An oil separation method and apparatus for separation by coarse particulation which includes the steps of forming a coarse particulating element with an oil water separation layer which includes forming a water insoluble hydrogel which has an oil resisting and oil repelling function as well as water permeating and absorbing function on the surface of a porous material and/or the surface of a fluid passage to be contacted with oil holding water and alternately passing the oil holding water through the surface of the element to perform coarse particulation separation of oil at the surface of the element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel filter dehydrator apparatus for a fuel system which coalesces and retains residual water within the fuel filter. The device comprises a plurality of fuel filter dehydrator elements and a container for housing the filter elements. The container defines a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet for directing fuel through the filter dehydrator elements. Each of the filter dehydrator elements comprises a rigid, porous tube having a water retaining cellulose fiber sheet and water coalescing fiberglass layer wrapped therearound. The fiberglass coalesces water droplets in the fuel passing through the element and then releases the coalesced water to the cellulose fiber sheet. As the cellulose sheet becomes water saturated, its fluid permeability sharply decreases, automatically shutting off fuel flow therethrough. Residence of water in the fiberglass layer substantially adds to the water retaining capacity of each fuel filter dehydrator element.

Abstract: A filter cartridge uses two annular concentric filter media with a first contaminant outlet upstream from both media and a plurality of second contaminant outlets between the two filter media. A mating portion on the filter cartridge mates with a wall of a collection bowl having dual contaminant collection zones.

Abstract: A vessel in the form of a vertically-extended cylindrical tank receives oil well production containing a difficult-to-treat component. An elongated path for the production is formed within the tank with which to stratify production fluids. The upper stratum is oil containing some percentage of emulsion, the lower stratum is water containing some percentage of emulsion, and the intermediate stratum is a concentration of the remaining difficult-to-treat emulsion. A subsystem is provided for the liquids of each stratum. The subsystem processing the intermediate stratum extracts surfactant which has been used in facilitating production from the earth, and isopropanol utilized to break the bond of oil with the surfactant and water of the emulsion.

Abstract: A separator for multiple phase fluids has a unitary fluid separator box formed as a single metal plenary chamber, and alternatively as a simple fluid distribution box of a single plastic form. Each of the single plenum chamber branching channel box has a top fluid constricting support plate and a bottom support plate, with an inlet fluid channel which branches to a first pair of channels having each channel cross section equal to the single inlet channel, the first pair of channels each branching to a second pair of channels, also each having the inlet channel cross section, the second pair of channels can also each have a third pair of channels of outlet channel cross section, and so on. The inlet channel turbulent fluid flow is transformed by multiple dual channel splitting and flow into a substantially laminar fluid flow, allowing phase separations.

Abstract: A fuel filter unit having a fuel inlet chamber is threadedly mounted on a fuel pump for easy detachment therefrom. A tubular holder is fixed to the fuel pump for receiving fuel flowing out of the fuel filter unit when the latter is replaced. The fuel filter unit has a drain groove for collecting foreign matter trapped in fuel, so that any collected foreign matter will be discarded along with the fuel filter unit at the time of replacing the same. The fuel pump and the fuel filter unit are in fluid communication through an arrangement which includes a connector disposed in the fuel pump, and a fuel inlet pipe is connected to the connector through a side wall of the fuel pump. Therefore, it is not necessary to detach the fuel inlet pipe when the fuel filter unit is replaced.

Abstract: The present invention proposes the utilization of a bed of finely divided, naturally occurring, strongly hydrophilic, strongly oleophobic materials for the coalescent removal of oil from water-oil mixtures containing appreciable amounts of entrained gas, such as crude oil. Preferably, the bed materials have a water wetting-to-oil wetting ratio greater than about three and are of a particle size ranging from about 20 mesh to about 60 mesh. Specifically utilized materials include fruit pit shells and nut shells such as apricot pit shells, peach pit shells, walnut shells and the like. The method consists of flowing a water-oil mixture containing entrained gas through a deep bed of fine particles and coalescing the oil internally of the bed into globules of a size incapable of passing through the interstices of the bed.

Abstract: In a process for the separation of oil from an oil-in-water dispersion by coalescence followed by separation of coalesced drops, coalescence is carried out at the surface of a solid material manufactured by contacting a solid material having active H atoms in surface groups or a polyolefin in the presence of water with a compound Si(R.sup.1)(R.sup.2)(R.sup.3)(R.sup.4), in which R.sup.1 is a (cyclo)aliphatic group containing one or more amino groups, R.sup.2 a hydrolyzable group and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 a hydrolyzable or non-hydrolyzable organic group or a hydrolyzable atom.

Abstract: A spin on fuel water separator having a filter element attached within an electrically grounded housing, means are provided for supplying an electrical potential to the filter element and the filter element is electrically insulated from the housing. Separated water is stored within the housing, and when separated water accumulates within the housing so as to contact the filter element, a current flow through the filter element, the reservoir and the housing is indicated. The housing includes a reservoir bowl provided with a warming coil which allows separated sludge and water to be warmed prior to removal from the device. An optional embodiment includes a means for detecting and indicating a restricted filter element.

Abstract: A precoalescer unit for a twin tower assembly for decontaminating compressed gas the towers of which each contain a desiccant and under timer control of individual solenoid valves alternately receive contaminated gas and individually cycle between decontaminating and regenerating cycles, the precoalescer unit being interposed in the path of flow of contaminated gas from a source to the towers' inlet ports and having a casing and a double-seated drain valve on the casing and connected for actuation to an actuating gas line of one of the towers, the casing containing an open-ended in-out tubular coalescer and a valve in and normally closing a lower end of the coalescer and opening under differential pressure on opening of the drain valve for enabling the precoalescer unit, in response to cycling of the towers, to be purged cyclically of coalesced oil drained by gravity from the outside and contaminants washed from the inside of the tubular coalescer by compressed gas received from the source.