US4469170A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Liquid skimmer apparatus
Assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Co
•
Filing: 1982-03-02
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Granted: 1984-09-04
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Expires: 2002-03-02
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for skimming an overlying non-conductive lighter liquid from an underlying conductive heavier liquid in a two-liquid body which are particularly applicable for recovering oil and/or gasoline from a well. A skimmer designed to float in the two-liquid body contained in the well includes a closed cylindrical float, a hollow cylindrical skirt installed over a portion of one end of the float and permanently attached to the float. The end of the skirt surrounding the float is open to the lighter liquid. Spaced-apart liquid level controls are positioned on the skirt for sensing the liquid/liquid interface level. The other end of the skirt is connected to a pump for removing lighter liquids collected in the skirt. Means operated by the controls turn the pump off and on in response to higher and lower levels, respectively, of the two-liquid interface.
Inventors
- 👤 Verne E. Farmer, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 16:26
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/34; E21B43/38; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S210/00; Y10S210/918; Y10S210/922; Y10S210/923
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
Skimmer apparatus for removing an overlying lighter liquid from an underlying heavier liquid in a well comprising: a float adapted to float in said two liquids; a receptacle connected to said float, one end of said receptacle being open for collecting said lighter liquid in said receptacle; spaced-apart sensors attached to said receptacle for sensing the lighter-heavier liquid interface; means for removing said ligher liquid from said receptacle in response to the level of said interface in said well; said lighter liquid comprises an electrical non-conductor and said heavier liquid comprises an electrical conductor; means for adjusting the buoyancy of said skimmer in said liquids; and said float being closed and said receptacle forming a skirt surrounding a portion of said float.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
Skimmer apparatus for removing an overlying lighter liquid from an underlying heavier liquid in a well comprising: a float adapted to float in said two liquids; a receptacle connected to said float, one end of said receptacle being open for collecting said lighter liquid in said receptacle; spaced-apart sensors attached to said receptacle for sensing the lighter-heavier liquid interface; means for removing said ligher liquid from said receptacle in response to the level of said interface in said well; said lighter liquid comprises an electrical non-conductor and said heavier liquid comprises an electrical conductor; means for adjusting the buoyancy of said skimmer in said liquids; and said float being closed and said receptacle forming a skirt surrounding a portion of said float.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 in which said float and said receptacle are cylindrically configured.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 in which said lighter liquid comprises a hydrocarbon and said heavier liquid comprises water.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 3 in which said sensors include electrical conductors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus as recited in claims 3 or 4 in which said removal means includes pump means connected to said receptacle; and electrical circuit means connected to said sensors and to said pump means for actuating and deactivating said pump means in response to the level of said interface in said well.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
108 words
Skimmer apparatus arranged in a well containing lighter and heavier liquids comprising: a float floating in said liquids; a receptacle connected to said float, the upper end of said receptacle being open for collecting said lighter liquid in said receptacle; spaced apart sensors attached to said receptacle for sensing the lighter-heavier liquid interface; means for removing said lighter liquid from said receptacle in response to the level of said interface in said well; said ligther liquid comprises an electrical non-conductor and said heavier liquid comprises an electrical conductor; means for adjusting the buoyancy of said skimmer in said liquids; and said receptacle surrounding a portion of said float.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
108 words
Skimmer apparatus arranged in a well containing lighter and heavier liquids comprising: a float floating in said liquids; a receptacle connected to said float, the upper end of said receptacle being open for collecting said lighter liquid in said receptacle; spaced apart sensors attached to said receptacle for sensing the lighter-heavier liquid interface; means for removing said lighter liquid from said receptacle in response to the level of said interface in said well; said ligther liquid comprises an electrical non-conductor and said heavier liquid comprises an electrical conductor; means for adjusting the buoyancy of said skimmer in said liquids; and said receptacle surrounding a portion of said float.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 6 in which said float and said receptacle are cylindrically configured.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 6 in which said lighter liquid comprises a hydrocarbon and said heavier liquid comprises water.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 8 in which said sensors include electrical conductors.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus as recited in claims 8 or 9 in which said removal means includes pump means connected to said receptacle and electrical circuit means connected to said sensors and to said pump means for actuating and deactivating said pump means in response to the level of said interface in said well.
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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) | 1987-09-04 | 1988-03-05 | 1988-09-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-09-04 | 1992-03-05 | 1992-09-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-09-04 | 1996-03-05 | 1996-09-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |