US3764527A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for separating oil from water
Assignee: 3M Co
•
Filing: 1972-05-04
•
Granted: 1973-10-09
•
Expires: 1992-05-04
Abstract
Abstract A method for separating water-immiscible oils and oil-like substances from mixtures including said oils in an aqueous medium which comprises contacting the mixture with an oleophilic fibrous web comprising large numbers of interconnected, interstitial spaces for reception and retention of the oil to the exclusion of water.
Inventors
- 👤 W Sohl
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 09:22
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02B; E02B15/00; E02B15/04; E02B15/10; B; B01; B01D; B01D17/00; B01D17/02; B01D17/0202; C; C02; C02F; C02F1/00; C02F1/68; C02F1/681; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A20/00; Y02A20/20; Y02A20/204
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the fibrous web comprises a material the surface of which, when contacted by oil in the presence of water, allows the oil to assume a contact angle with said surface which is substantially zero.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 1 wherein at least 90 percent of the fibers comprising said web have diameters ranging between about 1 micron and about 5 microns, and wherein the web density, expressed as a percentage of fiber density, is between about 4 percent and about 8 percent.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the fibers comprising the said web are of a material selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polyamides and polycarbonates.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the fibers comprising said web are of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene and copolymers thereof, poly-4-methylpentylene, polytrifluorochloroethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 in which the oil-water mixture to be separated is in a relatively static state.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the oil-water mixture to be separated is passed through said fibrous web.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the isolated oil is removed from said web by squeezing the web.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said isolated oil and said web are reclaimed by catalytic cracking. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said isolated oil and said web are reclaimed by thermal cracking.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said oleophilic fibers comprise a polyolefin polymer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said oleophilic fibers are polypropylene.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-08 | 1977-04-09 | 1977-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-08 | 1981-04-09 | 1981-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-08 | 1985-04-09 | 1985-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |