Abstract Oil-contaminated water is purified using apparatus having a revolving polyurethane foam belt which is mounted on an incline relative to the horizontal. The contaminated water moves past and through the revolving belt or the belt is mounted on a boat which moves the belt through the water. In either case, as the belt and water move relative to each other, the oil-contaminated water filters through the belt and is purified. The belt is then squeezed twice. First gently to remove water, and then vigorously to remove oil. The belt may include inner and outer abutting sections which are reinforced by a network of threads. The outer section which first contacts the contaminated water has a larger pore structure than the inner section.
The process of claim 1 wherein the filter member is foamed polyurethane.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
11 words
A process for removing oil from water, comprising the steps of:
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
115 words
A process for removing oil from water, comprising the steps of: filtering the oil and water through a rotating, inclined, continuous belt member made of a regenerable porous filter material, said filter material including a large pore section having about 45 or less pores per linear inch and a small pore section having about 60 or more pores per linear inch; the pores in the small pore section being substantially smaller than the pores in the large pore section, the large pore section being adapted to trap heavy viscous oil and the small pore section being adapted to trap lighter oils; and removing absorbed oil from the belt memBer and collecting said removed absorbed oil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 3 wherein the belt member is inclined relative to the horizontal at an angle of from about 30* to about 60*.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process of claim 3 wherein the water with associated oil and the belt member move relative to each other at speeds ranging between about one-half and about 3 miles per hour.