Petrochemical recovery machine

Claim 1

A petrochemical recovery machine, comprising: (a) a pickup unit comprising (a1) a substantially rectangular housing; (a2) floatation means for the housing; (a3) a receiving scoop for skimming an oil-water mixture from the surface of a body of water; (a4) means for adjusting the depth of the receiving scoop below the surface of the water; (a5) a paddle-wheel for urging the mixture forward while forming a seal on the inside surface of the receiving scoop to prevent backflow of the mixture; (a6) a motor for driving the paddle-wheel; and (a7) a first pump well for receiving and containing the oil-water mixture; (b) a first separator unit comprising (b1) a substantially rectangular housing; (b2) an intake line for transferring the oil-water mixture from the first pump well of the pickup unit to the first separator unit; (b3) a first pump for conveying the oil-water mixture through the intake line; (b4) a first substantially horizontal, slotted distribution manifold substantially perpendicular to and larger in cross-section than the intake line, for distributing a stream of the oil-water mixture uniformly across the lower portion of the housing, the slotted distribution manifold constructed and arranged to direct the flow of the oil-water mixture slightly downward, the intake line substantially bisecting the distribution manifold, for effecting a uniform distribution of the oil-water mixture from the distribution manifold to the lower portion of the housing; (b5) first flow-balancing means fastened to the first distribution manifold, for effecting an even more uniform distribution of the oil-water mixture to the lower portion of the housing; (b6) a first baffle downstream of the first distribution line, the first baffle constructed and arranged as a compound overflow solid baffle having a lower vertical plate and an oblique upper plate, the lower vertical plate being secured to the bottom and side walls of the housing, the upper plate generally directed toward the distribution manifold, the height of the baffle being approximately equal to the height of the stream of the oil-water mixture leaving the first distribution manifold, the first baffle constructed and arranged to change the direction of flow of the stream of oil-water mixture to reverse and upward directions, thereby dividing the stream into an upper oil-rich stream and a lower water-rich stream; (b7) an excess-oil diverter above and downstream of the first baffle, for receiving and conducting upward the oil-rich stream overflowing the first baffle; (b8) a second baffle downstream of the excess-oil diverter, the second baffle constructed and arranged as a compound, vertical, vented baffle secured to the bottom and side walls of the housing, the second baffle constructed and arranged to direct the water-rich stream toward the bottom of the housing; (b9) a second pump well for receiving and containing the oil-rich stream, the second pump well comprising an upstream vertical wall including an oblique plate at its upper end for receiving and downwardly directing the oil-rich stream, the oblique plate generally directed downward and defining an acute angle with the upstream vertical wall; (b10) a bypassed-water suction line extending vertically upward from the bottom of the second pump well to beyond the top of the second pump well, for removing water from the second pump well; (b11) a first detector which serves as a high-level water detector, for detecting the highest acceptable water level, the first detector mounted on the upstream vertical wall of the second pump well; (b12) a first splash-guard plate disposed between the upstream vertical wall and the bypassed-water suction line, the first splash-guard plate constructed and arranged as a vertical plate extending downward from the top of the housing to very nearly the bottom of the housing, the upstream vertical wall and the splash-guard plate defining therebetween a passageway for the oil-rich stream overflowing the upstream vertical wall; (b13) a first stop-flow gate valve mounted on a first inclined plate, for starting and stopping the flow of the oil-rich stream from the excess-oil diverter to the second pump well; (b14) a flapper valve for preventing the oil-rich stream from flowing under the second pump well; (b15) a second detector which serves as a low-level water detector, the second detector being attached to the upstream vertical wall below the first detector, for detecting the lowest acceptable water level; (b16) a third baffle downstream of the second baffle, the third baffle extending obliquely upward from the bottom of the housing to slightly above the top of the second baffle, the third baffle secured to the bottom and side walls of the housing and defining an acute angle with the bottom of the housing, the third baffle generally directed away from the first and second baffles, the third baffle constructed and arranged to direct the water-rich stream upward and to provide a seal stop for the first stop-flow gate valve, (b17) a fourth baffle disposed downstream of the bypassed-water suction line and secured to the bottom and side walls of the second pump well, the fourth baffle being substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the second pump well and extending vertically upward to about the same distance above the bottom of the second pump well as the lower end of the first splash-guard plate, the fourth baffle constructed and arranged to provide a trap for bypassed water; (b18) a third detector, attached to the fourth baffle approximately midway between the upper and lower edges thereof, for activating suction on the bypassed-water suction line; (b19) a first oil-suction line for recovering the separated oil; (b20) a first float-level switch for starting and stopping suction on the first oil-suction line; (b21) a first air vent to vent air from the first separator unit; and (b22) a first water-discharge line for discharging water from the second pump well; (c) a second separator unit comprising (c1) a substantially rectangular housing; (c2) a second distribution manifold and second flow-balancing means attached thereto, equivalent in structure and function to the first distribution manifold and first flow-balancing means, the second distribution manifold connected to the first water-discharge line, for receiving water from the second pump well by means of a second pump; (c3) a fourth detector which serves as a high-level water detector, for detecting the highest acceptable water level in the second separator unit; (c4) a fifth detector which serves as a low-level water detector, for detecting the lowest acceptable water level in the second separator unit; (c5) a fifth baffle similar in structure and function to the first baffle; (c6) a sixth baffle similar in structure and function to the second baffle; (c7) a second stop-flow gate valve similar in structure and function to the first stop-flow gate valve; (c8) a third pump well similar in structure and function to the second pump well; (c9) a second oil-suction line for recovering residual oil separated from the water in the second separator unit; (c10) a second water-discharge line, for discharging water from the second separator unit; (c11) a second bypassed-water line similar in structure and function to the first bypassed-water line; and (c12) a second air vent equivalent to the first air vent; and (d) a third separator unit comprising (d1) a substantially rectangular housing; (d2) a water-distribution manifold closed at both ends, for receiving water from the second water-discharge line, the water-distribution manifold larger in cross-section than the second water-discharge line, the second water-discharge line connected to the water-distribution manifold in a substantially perpendicular configuration and substantially bisecting the water-distribution line; (d3) a plurality of lateral hollow arms extending outward from the water-distribution manifold, one end of each lateral arm connected to the water-distribution manifold, the other end of each arm closed to seal the arm, the arms somewhat smaller in cross section than the water-distribution manifold, each lateral arm including at least one opening in its lower surface for discharging water therefrom; (d4) a filter bed disposed beneath the lateral arms, to receive and filter the water discharged therefrom; and (d5) a third water-discharge line for discharging the filtered water.

Claim 30

A method for removing, separating, and for recovering petrochemical oils from the surface of bodies of water, comprising the steps of: (a) skimming the surace layer of oil and entrained water from the surface of the body of water utilizing a unit comprising (a1) an external housing; (a2) floatation means for the housing; (a3) a receiving scoop for skimming an oil-water mixture from the surface of a body of water; (a4) means for adjusting the depth of the receiving scoop below the surface of the water; (a5) a paddle-wheel for urging the mixture forward while forming a seal on the inside surface of the receiving scoop to prevent back-flow of the mixture; (a6) a motor for driving the paddle-wheel; and (a7) a first pump well for receiving and containing the oil-water mixture; (b) transferring the oil-water mixture from the first pump well of the pickup unit to a first separator unit comprising (b1) an external housing; (b2) an intake line for transferring the oil-water mixture from the pickup unit to the first separator unit; (b3) a first substantially horizontal, slotted distribution manifold substantially perpendicular to and larger in cross section than the intake line, for distributing a stream of the oil-water mixture uniformly across the lower portion of the housing, the slotted distribution manifold being constructed and arranged to direct the flow of the oil-water mixture slightly downward, the intake line substantially bisecting the distribution manifold for effecting a uniform distribution of the oil-water mixture from the distribution manifold to the lower portion of the housing; (b4) a first baffle downstream of the distribution manifold, the first baffle constructed and arranged as a compound overflow solid baffle having a lower vertical plate and an oblique upper plate, the lower vertical plate being secured to the bottom and side walls of the housing, the upper plate generally directed toward the distribution manifold, the height of the baffle being approximately equal to the height of the stream of the oil-water mixture leaving the slotted distribution manifold, the first baffle being being constructed and arranged to change the direction of flow of the stream of oil-water mixture to reverse and upward directions, thereby dividing the stream into an upper oil-rich stream and a lower water-rich stream; (b5) an excess-oil diverter above and downstream of the first baffle, for receiving and conducting upward the oil-rich stream overflowing the first baffle; (b6) a second baffle downstream of the excess-oil diverter, the second baffle being constructed and arranged as a compound vertical vented baffle secured to the bottom and side walls of the housing, for directing the water-rich stream toward the bottom of the housing; (b7) a second well for receiving and containing the oil-rich stream, the second well comprising an upstream vertical wall including an oblique plate at its upper end for receiving and downwardly directing the oil-rich stream, the oblique plate generally directed downward and defining an acute angle with the upstream vertical wall; (b8) a bypassed-water suction line extending vertically upward from the bottom of the second well to beyond the top of the well, for removing water from the second well; (b9) a first detector which serves as a high-level water detector, for detecting the highest acceptable water level, the first detector mounted on the upstream vertical wall of the second well; (b10) a splash-guard plate disposed between the upstream vertical wall and the bypassed-water suction line, the splash-guard plate being constructed and arranged as a vertical plate extending downward from the top of the housing to very nearly the bottom of the housing, the upstream vertical wall and the splash-guard plate defining therebetween a passageway for the oil-rich stream overflowing the upstream vertical wall; (b11) a stop-flow gate valve mounted on an an inclined plate for starting and stopping the flow of the oil-rich stream from the excess-oil diverter to the second well; (b12) a flapper valve for preventing the oil-rich stream from flowing under the second well; (b13) a second detector which serves as a low-level water detector, the second detector being attached to the upstream vertical wall below the first detector, for detecting the lowest acceptable water level; (b14) a third baffle downstream of the second baffle, the third baffle extending obliquely upward from the bottom of the housing to slightly above the top of the second baffle, the third baffle secured to the bottom and side walls of the housing and defining an acute angle with the bottom of the housing, the third baffle generally directed away from the first and second baffles, the third baffle being constructed and arranged to direct the water-rich stream upward and to provide a seal stop for the first stop-flow gate valve; (b15) a fourth baffle disposed downstream of the bypassed-water suction line and secured to the bottom and side walls of the second well, the fourth baffle being substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the second well and extending vertically upward to about the same distance above the bottom of the second well as the lower end of the first splash-guard plate, to provide a trap for bypassed water; (b16) a third detector, attached to the fourth baffle approximately midway between the upper and lower ends thereof, for activating suction on the bypassed-water suction line; (b17) a first oil-suction line for recovering the separated oil; (b18) a float-level switch for starting and stopping suction on the oil-suction line; (b19) a first air vent to vent air from the housing of the first separator unit; and (b20) a first water-discharge line for discharging water from the second well; (c) processing the oil-water mixture in the first separator unit, thereby obtaining a first stream containing mostly oil and a second stream containing mostly water; (d) recovering the oil-rich first stream through the first oil-suction line; (e) transferring the water-rich second stream to a second separator unit comprising (e1) an external housing; (e2) a second distribution manifold for receiving water from the first water-discharge line, the second distribution manifold being eauivalent in structure and function to the first distribution manifold; (e3) a fourth detector which serves as a high-level water detector, the fourth detector equivalent in structure and function to the first detector; (e4) a fifth detector which serves as a low-level water detector, the fifth detector equivalent in structure and function to the second detector; (e5) a fifth baffle similar in structure and function to the first baffle; (e6) a sixth baffle similar in structure and function to the second baffle; (e7) a second stop-flow gate valve similar in structure and function to the first stop-flow gate valve; (e8) a second flapper valve similar in structure and function to the first flapper valve; (e9) a well similar in structure and function to the second well; (e10) a second bypassed-water line similar in structure and function to the first bypassed-water suction line; (e11) a second oil-suction line similar in structure and function to the first oil-suction line; (e12) a second air vent similar in structure and function to the first air vent; and (e13) a second water-discharge line for discharging water from the second separator unit; (f) processing the water-rich stream from the first separator unit in the second separator unit, thereby obtaining a third stream of essentially pure oil and a fourth stream of essentially pure water; (g) transferring the stream of essentially pure water to a third separator unit comprising (g1) an external housing; (g2) a water-distribution manifold closed at both ends, for receiving water from the second water-discharge line, the water-distribution manifold larger in cross section than the second water-discharge line, the second water-discharge line connected to the water-distribution manifold in a substantially perpendicular configuration and substantially bisecting the water-distribution manifold; (g3) a plurality of lateral hollow arms extending outward from the water-distribution manifold, one end of each lateral arm connected to the water-distribution manifold, the other end of each arm closed to seal the arm, the arms smaller in cross section than the water-distribution line, each lateral arm including at least one opening in its lower surface for discharging water therefrom; (g4) a filter bed disposed beneath the lateral arms, to receive and filter the water discharged therefrom; and (g5) a third water-discharge line for discharging the filtered water.

Claim 31

A method for removing, separating, and for recovering petrochemical oils from the surface of bodies of water, comprising the steps of: (a) skimming the surace layer of oil and entrained water from the surface of the body of water utilizing a unit comprising (a1) an external housing; (a2) floatation means for the housing; (a3) a receiving scoop for skimming an oil-water mixture from the surface of a body of water; (a4) means for adjusting the depth of the receiving scoop below the surface of the water; (a5) a paddle-wheel for urging the mixture forward while forming a seal on the inside surface of the receiving scoop to prevent back-flow of the mixture; (a6) a motor for driving the paddle-wheel; and (a7) a first pump well for receiving and containing the oil-water mixture; (b) transferring the oil-water mixture from the first pump well of the pickup unit to a first separator unit comprising (b1) an external housing; (b2) an intake line for transferring the oil-water mixture from the pickup unit to the first separator unit; (b3) a first substantially horizontal, slotted distribution manifold substantially perpendicular to and larger in cross section than the intake line, for distributing a stream of the oil-water mixture uniformly across the lower portion of the housing, the slotted distribution manifold being constructed and arranged to direct the flow of the oil-water mixture slightly downward, the intake line substantially bisecting the distribution manifold for effecting a uniform distribution of the oil-water mixture from the distribution manifold to the lower portion of the housing; (b4) a first baffle downstream of the distribution manifold, the first baffle constructed and arranged as a compound overflow solid baffle having a lower vertical plate and an oblique upper plate, the lower vertical plate being secured to the bottom and side walls of the housing, the upper plate generally directed toward the distribution manifold, the height of the baffle being approximately equal to the height of the stream of the oil-water mixture leaving the slotted distribution manifold, the first baffle being being constructed and arranged to change the direction of flow of the stream of oil-water mixture to reverse and upward directions, thereby dividing the stream into an upper oil-rich stream and a lower water-rich stream; (b5) an excess-oil diverter above and downstream of the first baffle, for receiving and conducting upward the oil-rich stream overflowing the first baffle; (b6) a second baffle downstream of the excess-oil diverter, the second baffle being constructed and arranged as a compound vertical vented baffle secured to the bottom and side walls of the housing, for directing the water-rich stream toward the bottom of the housing; (b7) a second well for receiving and containing the oil-rich stream, the second well comprising an upstream vertical wall including an oblique plate at its upper end for receiving and downwardly directing the oil-rich stream, the oblique plate generally directed downward and defining an acute angle with the upstream vertical wall; (b8) a bypassed-water suction line extending vertically upward from the bottom of the second well to beyond the top of the well, for removing water from the second well; (b9) a first detector which serves as a high-level water detector, for detecting the highest acceptable water level, the first detector mounted on the upstream vertical wall of the second well; (b10) a splash-guard plate disposed between the upstream vertical wall and the bypassed-water suction line, the splash-guard plate being constructed and arranged as a vertical plate extending downward from the top of the housing to very nearly the bottom of the housing, the upstream vertical wall and the splash-guard plate defining therebetween a passageway for the oil-rich stream overflowing the upstream vertical wall; (b11) a stop-flow gate valve mounted on an an inclined plate for starting and stopping the flow of the oil-rich stream from the excess-oil diverter to the second well; (b12) a flapper valve for preventing the oil-rich stream from flowing under the second well; (b13) a second detector which serves as a low-level water detector, the second detector being attached to the upstream vertical wall below the first detector, for detecting the lowest acceptable water level; (b14) a third baffle downstream of the second baffle, the third baffle extending obliquely upward from the bottom of the housing to slightly above the top of the second baffle, the third baffle secured to the bottom and side walls of the housing and defining an acute angle with the bottom of the housing, the third baffle generally directed away from the first and second baffles, the third baffle being constructed and arranged to direct the water-rich stream upward and to provide a seal stop for the first stop-flow gate valve; (b15) a fourth baffle disposed downstream of the bypassed-water suction line and secured to the bottom and side walls of the second well, the fourth baffle being substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the second well and extending vertically upward to about the same distance above the bottom of the second well as the lower end of the first splash-guard plate, to provide a trap for bypassed water; (b16) a third detector, attached to the fourth baffle approximately midway between the upper and lower ends thereof, for activating suction on the bypassed-water suction line; (b17) a first oil-suction line for recovering the separated oil; (b18) a float-level switch for starting and stopping suction on the oil-suction line; (b19) a first air vent to vent air from the housing of the first separator unit; and (b20) a first water-discharge line for discharging water from the second well; (c) processing the oil-water mixture in the first separator unit, thereby obtaining a first stream containing mostly oil and a second stream containing mostly water; (d) recovering the oil-rich first stream through the first oil-suction line; (e) transferring the water-rich second stream to a second separator unit comprising (e1) an external housing; (e2) a second distribution manifold for receiving water from the first water-discharge line, the second distribution manifold being eauivalent in structure and function to the first distribution manifold; (e3) a fourth detector which serves as a high-level water detector, the fourth detector equivalent in structure and function to the first detector; (e4) a fifth detector which serves as a low-level water detector, the fifth detector equivalent in structure and function to the second detector; (e5) a fifth baffle similar in structure and function to the first baffle; (e6) a sixth baffle similar in structure and function to the second baffle; (e7) a second stop-flow gate valve similar in structure and function to the first stop-flow gate valve; (e8) a second flapper valve similar in structure and function to the first flapper valve; (e9) a well similar in structure and function to the second well; (e10) a second bypassed-water line similar in structure and function to the first bypassed-water suction line; (e11) a second oil-suction line similar in structure and function to the first oil-suction line; (e12) a second air vent similar in structure and function to the first air vent; and (e13) a second water-discharge line for discharging water from the second separator unit; (f) processing the water-rich stream from the first separator unit in the second separator unit, thereby obtaining a third stream of essentially pure oil and a fourth stream of essentially pure water; (g) transferring the stream of essentially pure water to a third separator unit comprising (g1) an external housing; (g2) a water-distribution manifold closed at both ends, for receiving water from the second water-discharge line, the water-distribution manifold larger in cross section than the second water-discharge line, the second water-discharge line connected to the water-distribution manifold in a substantially perpendicular configuration and substantially bisecting the water-distribution manifold; (g3) a plurality of lateral hollow arms extending outward from the water-distribution manifold, one end of each lateral arm connected to the water-distribution manifold, the other end of each arm closed to seal the arm, the arms smaller in cross section than the water-distribution line, each lateral arm including at least one opening in its lower surface for discharging water therefrom; (g4) a filter bed disposed beneath the lateral arms, to receive and filter the water discharged therefrom; and (g5) a third water-discharge line for discharging the filtered water.

Claim 32

A method for separating immimscible liquids having different densities, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an external housing and an intake line for the liquids; (b) conveying the liquids through the intake line to a substantially horizontal, slotted distribution manifold larger in cross section than the intake line, and being constructed and arranged to direct the liquid flow slightly downward; (c) distributing the liquids through the distribution manifold uniformly across the lower portion of the housing; (d) conveying the liquids above a first baffle downstream of the distribution manifold, the first baffle being constructed and arranged as a compound overflow solid baffle having a lower vertical plate and an oblique upper plate, the lower vertical plate being secured to the bottom and side walls of the housing, the upper plate generally directed toward the distribution manifold, the height of the baffle being approximately equal to the height of the liquid stream leaving the slotted distribution manifold, the first baffle being constructed and arranged to change the direction of flow of the liquid stream to reverse and upward directions, thereby dividing the stream into an upper stream enriched in the less-dense liquid and a lower stream enriched in the more-dense liquid; (e) discharging the stream enriched in the less-dense liquid; and (f) separately discharging the stream enriched in the more-dense liquid.

Claim 33

A method for separating immimscible liquids having different densities, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an external housing and an intake line for the liquids; (b) conveying the liquids through the intake line to a substantially horizontal, slotted distribution manifold larger in cross section than the intake line, and being constructed and arranged to direct the liquid flow slightly downward; (c) distributing the liquids through the distribution manifold uniformly across the lower portion of the housing; (d) conveying the liquids above a first baffle downstream of the distribution manifold, the first baffle being constructed and arranged as a compound overflow solid baffle having a lower vertical plate and an oblique upper plate, the lower vertical plate being secured to the bottom and side walls of the housing, the upper plate generally directed toward the distribution manifold, the height of the baffle being approximately equal to the height of the liquid stream leaving the slotted distribution manifold, the first baffle being constructed and arranged to change the direction of flow of the liquid stream to reverse and upward directions, thereby dividing the stream into an upper stream enriched in the less-dense liquid and a lower stream enriched in the more-dense liquid; (e) discharging the stream enriched in the less-dense liquid; and (f) separately discharging the stream enriched in the more-dense liquid.