CA1154691A - Apparatus for recovering fluids floating on water - Google Patents
Apparatus for recovering fluids floating on waterInfo
- Publication number
- CA1154691A CA1154691A CA000366680A CA366680A CA1154691A CA 1154691 A CA1154691 A CA 1154691A CA 000366680 A CA000366680 A CA 000366680A CA 366680 A CA366680 A CA 366680A CA 1154691 A CA1154691 A CA 1154691A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- discs
- rows
- water
- fluid
- row
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
- E02B15/00—Cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open water; Apparatus therefor
- E02B15/04—Devices for cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open water from oil or like floating materials by separating or removing these materials
- E02B15/10—Devices for removing the material from the surface
- E02B15/102—Discs
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
- Y02A20/20—Controlling water pollution; Waste water treatment
- Y02A20/204—Keeping clear the surface of open water from oil spills
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Removal Of Floating Material (AREA)
Abstract
Morris 1 APPARATUS FOR RECOVERING FLUIDS
FLOATING ON WATER
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An apparatus for recovering fluids floating on a body of water comprises a support structure and two rows of discs mounted on the support structure so the discs are in contact with the fluid. The discs of each row are spaced-apart coaxially along a shaft. There is a motor coupled to the shafts for rotating the shafts and the discs. Wipers contact the sides of the discs for wiping the fluid from the discs as the discs rotate and collect the fluid, The shafts are parallel and spaced-apart a distance such that the discs of the two rows interdigitate.
FLOATING ON WATER
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An apparatus for recovering fluids floating on a body of water comprises a support structure and two rows of discs mounted on the support structure so the discs are in contact with the fluid. The discs of each row are spaced-apart coaxially along a shaft. There is a motor coupled to the shafts for rotating the shafts and the discs. Wipers contact the sides of the discs for wiping the fluid from the discs as the discs rotate and collect the fluid, The shafts are parallel and spaced-apart a distance such that the discs of the two rows interdigitate.
Description
(1 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus for recovering fluids floating on a body of water.
The removal of fluids, particularly petro-leum products, floating on a body of water has become an important task in the protection of the environ-ment. Various methods and devices have been suggested for the removal of such fluids including the use of ,-floating oil skimmers. One type of floating oil skim-mer includes a plurality of spaced-apart discs ar-ranged coaxially along a rotatabl.e shaft. The discs `have lower portions immersed in the fluid which ;15 clings to the discs as they rotate, Wipers are pro-,vided to scrape the ~luid from the discs and the fluid is then deflected into a collector system.
While disc-type oil skimmers have been one of the most efficient means for removing spilled oil, the performance of such oil skimmers has not always achieved ~he desi,red level.
It is therefore desirable to provide an improyed disc-type floating oil skimmer with a bett,er level of performance and capable of operating for extended periods without extensive maintenance or repair, This calls for a~$elat~yely simple desig~
employing proven components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention~ an apparatus for recovering fluids floating on a body of water ;35 comprises a support structure for maintaining the .~.,,~
:
This invention relates to an apparatus for recovering fluids floating on a body of water.
The removal of fluids, particularly petro-leum products, floating on a body of water has become an important task in the protection of the environ-ment. Various methods and devices have been suggested for the removal of such fluids including the use of ,-floating oil skimmers. One type of floating oil skim-mer includes a plurality of spaced-apart discs ar-ranged coaxially along a rotatabl.e shaft. The discs `have lower portions immersed in the fluid which ;15 clings to the discs as they rotate, Wipers are pro-,vided to scrape the ~luid from the discs and the fluid is then deflected into a collector system.
While disc-type oil skimmers have been one of the most efficient means for removing spilled oil, the performance of such oil skimmers has not always achieved ~he desi,red level.
It is therefore desirable to provide an improyed disc-type floating oil skimmer with a bett,er level of performance and capable of operating for extended periods without extensive maintenance or repair, This calls for a~$elat~yely simple desig~
employing proven components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention~ an apparatus for recovering fluids floating on a body of water ;35 comprises a support structure for maintaining the .~.,,~
:
(2) apparatus near the surface of the body of water and two rows of discs mounted on the support structure so the discs are in contact with the fluid when the apparatus is near the surface of the body of water. The discs of each said row are spaced-apart coaxially along a shaft means. A motor means is coupled to the shaft means for rotating the shaft means and the discs.
Wiping means contact the sides of the discs for wiping the fluid from the discs as the discs rotate and col-10 lect the fluid. The shaft means for the rows of discsare parallel and spaced-apart a distance such that the discs of the two rows interdigitate.
The support structure may comprise float 15 means for floating the apparatus on a body of water.
Preferably, the rows of discs are contra-' rotatable by the motor means.
For example, where the discs of the rows interdigitate at a position midway between the shaft means of the rows, the discs may be rotatable by the motor means so the discs of both said rows rotate upwardly from the water at said position when the 25 apparatus is near the surface of the body of water.
By providing at least two rows of discs which interdigitate, the invention allows more rows of discs to be fitted to`a floating oil skimmer of 30 a certain size. The increased number of rotating discs increases the volume of floating fluid which the apparatus can recover in a given time.
In addition to increasing the number of 35 discs on the apparatus, contra-rotating the rows of ~ ~,eL;~
Wiping means contact the sides of the discs for wiping the fluid from the discs as the discs rotate and col-10 lect the fluid. The shaft means for the rows of discsare parallel and spaced-apart a distance such that the discs of the two rows interdigitate.
The support structure may comprise float 15 means for floating the apparatus on a body of water.
Preferably, the rows of discs are contra-' rotatable by the motor means.
For example, where the discs of the rows interdigitate at a position midway between the shaft means of the rows, the discs may be rotatable by the motor means so the discs of both said rows rotate upwardly from the water at said position when the 25 apparatus is near the surface of the body of water.
By providing at least two rows of discs which interdigitate, the invention allows more rows of discs to be fitted to`a floating oil skimmer of 30 a certain size. The increased number of rotating discs increases the volume of floating fluid which the apparatus can recover in a given time.
In addition to increasing the number of 35 discs on the apparatus, contra-rotating the rows of ~ ~,eL;~
(3) discs so that the interdigitated portions of the discs move upwardly provides a unique pumping action. The spacing between the discs in a row must be sufficient to fit wipers between the discs to remove the oil or other fluid from the discs. The spacing between the interdigi~ated portions of the two rows of discs is one-half the spacing between the discs of a given row, The adhesion between the fluid and opposing surfaces of adjacent discs of the two rows causes the fluid to 10 be p~mped upwardly. The pumping action is appreciably grea~er than found with the wider spacing between discs of a single row and the amount of fluid cli.nging to the discs and brought to the wipers is signifi-cantly greater.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING~
Figure 1 is an elevational view, partly broken away, of an apparatus for recoverying fluid, ac-cording to a first embodiment of the inven-tion;
Figure 2 is a simplified perspecl:ive view of an ap-paratus for recovering fluid, according to a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along Line 3-3 of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a top plan, fragmentary view of portions of the interdigitated rows of discs of the embodiment of Figure 2;
5 Figure 5 is a side sectional view -taken along Line 5-5 of Figure 4;
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING~
Figure 1 is an elevational view, partly broken away, of an apparatus for recoverying fluid, ac-cording to a first embodiment of the inven-tion;
Figure 2 is a simplified perspecl:ive view of an ap-paratus for recovering fluid, according to a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along Line 3-3 of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a top plan, fragmentary view of portions of the interdigitated rows of discs of the embodiment of Figure 2;
5 Figure 5 is a side sectional view -taken along Line 5-5 of Figure 4;
(4) Figure 6 is a simpl~fied, perspective view of an appara-tus for recoverin~ fluids according to a third embodiment of the invention; and Figures 7 to 10 are top plan viewsof alternative embodiments of the invention in simplified, diagra~natic form.
10 D~S-CRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Figure 2 illustrates in simplified :Eorm an appa-ratus 12 for recovering fluids floating on a body of water.
~ pair of spaced apart, elongate floats 14 and 16 extend 15 fore and aft on each side of the apparatus and serve as a support structure for maintaining the apparatus near the surface of a body of water. There is a weir 18 near the front end of the apparatus which serves as means for de-1ect~ng fluid into the pool 20 between the floats. The 20 weir ~s generally horizontal and extends between the floats near the front end of the apparatus, but is hinged at its forward edge and angled downwardly towarcls the-Eront end of the apparatus. Accordingly, as ~he apparatus is propelled forwardly through the water, the weir tends to lift the 25 layer of fluid floating on the water and deflects it into the pool 20.
The pool 20 extends fore and aft between the weir 18 and the wall 22 at the stern of the apparatus and later-30 ally between the floats 14 and 16. The pool 20 is, con-sequently, rectangular in shape and has a f~lse bottom formed by the perforated plate 24. Plate 24 is perforated by a plurality of apertures 26 which comprise means for re-moving water from the pool. The water passing over weir 18 ~ 3 (5~
collects in the pool and passes through apertures 26 and collects in the sump 28, shown best in Figure 3, which is below plate 24. A pump 30 powered by a hy-draulic motor 32 has an intake in sump 28 and pumps water from the sump. The water passes through a suit-able condui~ and is discharged from the apparatus. As may be seen, therefore, the pool 20 contains substan-tially only the oil or other floating liquid.
~pparatus 12 has two sets of rotatable discs 36 and 38. Both sets are identical, so only set 36 is described in detail. The set of discs 36 comprises two rows of discs 40 and 42 which are rotatably mounted on the floats 14 and 16 so that the lower ].5 Portions of the discs are in contact with the fluid.
This is best illustrated in Figure 3 where the bottom portions of the discs are below the surface 4~ of the fluid. Of course, the portions of the discs below the surface change as the discs rotate.
The discs of rows 40 ancl 42 are spaced-apart coaxially along shafts 46 and 48, respectively, which extend perpendicularly to the fore and aft direction of the floats. The discs are fi~edly mounted on the 25 shafts so they rotate when the shafts 46 and 48 are rotated by hydraulic motors 50 ancl 52 coupled to the shafts. The motors rotate in opposite directions so t~at the rows of discs are contra-rotated as illus-trated by the arrows in ~igure 3 and Figure 5.
~ s best appreciated from Figure 2 and Figure 4, the shafts 46 and 48 are spaced-apart a distance such that the discs of the two rows 40 and 42 interdigitate. The interdigitation results in a 35 portion of the discs of one row extending between (6) two adjacent discs of the other row. For e~ample, por-tion 54 of disc 56 on row 42 extends between the two adjacent discs 53 and 60 of row 40. Similarly, por-tion 64 of disc 60 on row ~0 extends between the ad-Jacent discs 56 and 62 on row 42. Figure 5 illustrates that the interdigitated portions, for example portion -64, represent double convex-shaped areas on both sides of each disc. While each row of discs has a plurality of discs each of which extends between two adjacent 10 discs of the other row, the end discs 66 and 68 of rows 40 and ~2 do not.
Referring to Figure 5, the discs of the two rows are contra-rotated by motors 50 and 52 in rota-15 tional directions such that the discs rotate upwardlyat a position 70 midway between the shafts 46 and 48.
At any glven rotational position, the discs have a lower portion 72 immersed in the fluid 7~ as illus-trated for discs 60 and 56 in Figure 5, As the discs 20 rotate, the fluid clings to the sides of the discs and is carried upwardly past position 70.
The apparatus 12 is provided with wiping means contacting the sides of the discs for wiping 25 the ~luid ~rom the discs as the discs rotateS The wiping means comprises a plurality o~ identical resilient wiper blades 76 shown best in Figures 2, 4 and 5. The wiper blades are U-shaped and those between two discs of the same row wipe the opposing 30 sides of the two discs. The blades are each connect-` ed to one of the collector channels 78 which are placed between the discs of each row and at the ends of each row of discs. The channels are upwardly tapering. The front of each of 35 ~he channels is cut away near the top thereof to ;~ .
.
.
(7) form an opening 80, as best seen in Flgure 4, throughwhich the wiper blades project. The wiper blades are connected to the channels by means of bolts, rivets or other suitable fasteners. Referring to Figure 5, S it is apparent that the channels hold the blades 76 so the blades extend radially from near the centers 82 of the adjacent discs to near the top rotational posi-tions 84 of the discs. The wiper blades are held in a downwardly inclined position so that the fluid wiped 10 from the sides of the discs runs down the blades and into the channels. The channels are connected by suitable conduits, in the conventional manner, to a hydraulic pump capable of pumping the fluid to suit-: able storage adjacen~ apparatus 12.
Figure 6 illustrates another apparatus 87for recovering fluids floating on a body of ~ater.
The components of apparatus 87 are generally identi-cal to those in the embodiment of Figures 2 to 5 and 20 so the same reference numbers are used. However, in apparatus 87, a pair of lateral supports 88 and 90 extend between the floats 14 and 16 near the fronts and middles thereof. The shafts 46 and 48 of the set of discs 36 extend between support 90 and wall 22 25 at the stern of the apparatus, while the hydraulic motors 50 and 52 are mounted on support 90. The cor-responding shafts 46 and 48 of the set of discs 38 extend between support 88 and support 90 and the hydraulic motors 50 are mounted on support 88.
30 Accordingly, the shaft of each of the rows of discs extends in the fore and aft direction parallel to floats 14 and 16.
Apparatus 12 of Figures 2 to 5 and apparatus 35 87 of Figure 6 are all operated in the same manner.
., r `
~8) . .
Each apparatus is moved forwardly through a body of water having a floating layer of oil or other fluid.
The apparatus can be self-propelled or towed by another vessel as desired. As the bow or forward end of the apparatus mGveS through the water, the weir 18 acts as a pre-skimming device which makes an initial separa-tion of the oil, or other fluid, and water. The oil is deflected into the pool 20 as the apparatus moves forward'and any water passes downwardly through aper-10 tures 26 into the sump 28 and is discharged from theapparatus by means of pump 32. The discharged water may be sprayed in front of the apparatus to break the oil slick and perform an '?oil'herding" operation. The oil collecting in pool 20 covers the bottom portions 15 oE the discs as seen in Figure 3. As the discs ro-tate, the oil clings to the sides of the discs and is carried towards the wipers 76.
Figure 1 shows an apparatus 1 for recovering 2a fluids floating on a body of water according to a fur-ther embodiment o the invention. This apparatus is generally silnilar to the appal-atuses shown in Figures 2 to 6, but lacks floats. Instead, a frame 2 and four legs 3 connected thereto serve as the support 25 structure for maintaining the apparatus near the sur-face of a body of water. This embodiment is particul-' arly adapted for use in relatively small pools or sumps and the legs 3 extend to the bottom of a pool or ' sump, while ~he rest of the apparatus is near the sur-30 face.
Apparatus 1 has two recoveri~g modules comprising interdigitated sets o~ discs 4 and 5 generally similar in arrangement to the sets of discs 36 and 3~ shown in Figure 35 6. The set of discs 4 consists of two rows 6 and 7, while . .
, . . . -, - ~ - . ~ . .
(92 the sets of discs 5 consists of two interdigitated rows 8 and 9. The discs of rows 6 and 7 are provided with drive shafts 11 and 13, respectively, while the discs of rows 8 and 9 are provided with drive shafts 15 and 17, respectively. The frame 2 includes a first pair of spaced-apart supports 19 and 21, for the shafts 11 and 13, and a second pair of spaced-apart supports 23 and 25 for the shafts 15 and 17. The shafts are rotatably mounted at each end in bearings supported by one of 10 the p-illow blocks 27 mounted on the shaft supports.
The two sets of discs 4 and 5 are contra-ro-tated by a single hydraulic motor 29 between supports 21 and 23, The hydraulic motor is operatively connected to the shafts by a set of gears comprising worm gear 31 15 mounted on the motor and a pair of spur gears 33 and 35. Spur gear 33 is mounted on the two drive shafts 11 and 15, while spur gear 35 is mounted on the drive shaft 13 and 17~ The spur gears mesh with the worm gear, so the hydraulic motor is capable of conta- :
20 rotating the two rows of each of tihe sets of discs.
Instead of the collector channels emplo~ed on the other embodiments, apparatus 1 includes a plurallty of collector tubes 37 ~etween the discs, each provided 25 with a wiper blade 39 for wiping fluid from the discs as they rotate. The specific structure may be under-stood by reference to the other embodiments.
Frame 2 is, in this preferred embodiment, a uni-30 tary structure of glass fiber reinforced plastic includingthe drive shaft supports, a sump 41 and a pair of inter-nal, sloping conduits 43 and 45 for carrying fluid from the collector channels to the sump 41. A pump 47, driven by another hydraulic motor 49, is connected to the sump 35 for pumping fluid from the sump to a conveni.ent storage location.
.
(lQ) The leg 3 at each of the four corners of the fram~ 2 extends through a short length of tubing 51.
The height of the legs can be adjusted by means of a set screw 53 extending through each of the tubes 51.
The height of the legs is adjusted according to the depth of the water in the poo] or sump.
The operation of apparatus 1 is generally the same as the alternative embodiments shown in Fig-10 ures 2 to 6 except that the apparatus remains station-ary and supported on legs 3 instead of floating on the water.
The pumping action caused by the inter-15 digitated discs of the two rows is illustrated inFigure 5. The oil between the interdigitated por-;~ tions 64 oE adjacent discs of the two rows 40 and 42 is pumped upwardly. This pumping action is due to the upwards rotation of the interdigitated portions 20 of both rows of discs because of the contra-rotation of the rows of discs as illustrated by the arrows in Figure 5 and because of the closer spacing of the discs compared to conventional arrangements without interdigitation. As mentioned above, the interdigi-25 tated portions of the discs are spaced one-half the ; distance apart when compared with the discs of a given row in a conventional disc-type oil skimmer.
T~e interdigitated portiQns are thus 3/4" apart where :~` discs alon~ each of the rows are 1 1/2" apart. The 30 oil is supported by discs on both sides as it is carried up, This initial lift, illustrated by the : broken line 45 i.n Figure 5, is important. Once the oil is moving upwards, the surface tension is broken and the oil keeps moving towards the wipers 76. When 35 the oil clinaina tc the discs reaches the wipers 76, , .' ' c~
(11) it is scraped off the sics and drains down the wipers into the channels 78 and through suitable conduits to a storage location.
It should be understood that the use of contra-rotating, interdigitated rows of discs accor-ding to the invention is not limited to the specific arrangements shown in the drawings. Such interdigi-tated rows of discs can be employed on other devices 10 used to remove floating oil or other fluid from water.
For example, Figures 7 to 10 show alternative arrange-ments of apparatuses employing sets of contra?rotating rows of discs for recovering fluids floating on a body of water. In Figure 7, apparatus 100 has two contin-15 uous shafts 102 and 104 connected to a motor 106 todrive two sets of discs 108 and 110. Figure 8 shows an apparatus 112 where three motors 114, 116 and 118 drive t~ree sets of discs 120, 122 and 124. Four motors 126, 128, 130 and 132 drive four sets of discs 20 134, 136, 138 and 140 in the cross-sllaped apparatus 142 of Figure ~. Similarly, five motors 144, 146, 148, 150 and 152 drive five sets of discs 154, 156, 158, 160 and 162 in apparatus 164 of Figure 10.
Apparatus 100 of Figure 7 could be used with a non-25 floating support structure similar to that of Figure1 or, with suitable modifications, as a floating de-vice similar to Figures 2, 3 and 6. Apparatuses 112, 142 and 164 are suitable as floating devices.
10 D~S-CRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Figure 2 illustrates in simplified :Eorm an appa-ratus 12 for recovering fluids floating on a body of water.
~ pair of spaced apart, elongate floats 14 and 16 extend 15 fore and aft on each side of the apparatus and serve as a support structure for maintaining the apparatus near the surface of a body of water. There is a weir 18 near the front end of the apparatus which serves as means for de-1ect~ng fluid into the pool 20 between the floats. The 20 weir ~s generally horizontal and extends between the floats near the front end of the apparatus, but is hinged at its forward edge and angled downwardly towarcls the-Eront end of the apparatus. Accordingly, as ~he apparatus is propelled forwardly through the water, the weir tends to lift the 25 layer of fluid floating on the water and deflects it into the pool 20.
The pool 20 extends fore and aft between the weir 18 and the wall 22 at the stern of the apparatus and later-30 ally between the floats 14 and 16. The pool 20 is, con-sequently, rectangular in shape and has a f~lse bottom formed by the perforated plate 24. Plate 24 is perforated by a plurality of apertures 26 which comprise means for re-moving water from the pool. The water passing over weir 18 ~ 3 (5~
collects in the pool and passes through apertures 26 and collects in the sump 28, shown best in Figure 3, which is below plate 24. A pump 30 powered by a hy-draulic motor 32 has an intake in sump 28 and pumps water from the sump. The water passes through a suit-able condui~ and is discharged from the apparatus. As may be seen, therefore, the pool 20 contains substan-tially only the oil or other floating liquid.
~pparatus 12 has two sets of rotatable discs 36 and 38. Both sets are identical, so only set 36 is described in detail. The set of discs 36 comprises two rows of discs 40 and 42 which are rotatably mounted on the floats 14 and 16 so that the lower ].5 Portions of the discs are in contact with the fluid.
This is best illustrated in Figure 3 where the bottom portions of the discs are below the surface 4~ of the fluid. Of course, the portions of the discs below the surface change as the discs rotate.
The discs of rows 40 ancl 42 are spaced-apart coaxially along shafts 46 and 48, respectively, which extend perpendicularly to the fore and aft direction of the floats. The discs are fi~edly mounted on the 25 shafts so they rotate when the shafts 46 and 48 are rotated by hydraulic motors 50 ancl 52 coupled to the shafts. The motors rotate in opposite directions so t~at the rows of discs are contra-rotated as illus-trated by the arrows in ~igure 3 and Figure 5.
~ s best appreciated from Figure 2 and Figure 4, the shafts 46 and 48 are spaced-apart a distance such that the discs of the two rows 40 and 42 interdigitate. The interdigitation results in a 35 portion of the discs of one row extending between (6) two adjacent discs of the other row. For e~ample, por-tion 54 of disc 56 on row 42 extends between the two adjacent discs 53 and 60 of row 40. Similarly, por-tion 64 of disc 60 on row ~0 extends between the ad-Jacent discs 56 and 62 on row 42. Figure 5 illustrates that the interdigitated portions, for example portion -64, represent double convex-shaped areas on both sides of each disc. While each row of discs has a plurality of discs each of which extends between two adjacent 10 discs of the other row, the end discs 66 and 68 of rows 40 and ~2 do not.
Referring to Figure 5, the discs of the two rows are contra-rotated by motors 50 and 52 in rota-15 tional directions such that the discs rotate upwardlyat a position 70 midway between the shafts 46 and 48.
At any glven rotational position, the discs have a lower portion 72 immersed in the fluid 7~ as illus-trated for discs 60 and 56 in Figure 5, As the discs 20 rotate, the fluid clings to the sides of the discs and is carried upwardly past position 70.
The apparatus 12 is provided with wiping means contacting the sides of the discs for wiping 25 the ~luid ~rom the discs as the discs rotateS The wiping means comprises a plurality o~ identical resilient wiper blades 76 shown best in Figures 2, 4 and 5. The wiper blades are U-shaped and those between two discs of the same row wipe the opposing 30 sides of the two discs. The blades are each connect-` ed to one of the collector channels 78 which are placed between the discs of each row and at the ends of each row of discs. The channels are upwardly tapering. The front of each of 35 ~he channels is cut away near the top thereof to ;~ .
.
.
(7) form an opening 80, as best seen in Flgure 4, throughwhich the wiper blades project. The wiper blades are connected to the channels by means of bolts, rivets or other suitable fasteners. Referring to Figure 5, S it is apparent that the channels hold the blades 76 so the blades extend radially from near the centers 82 of the adjacent discs to near the top rotational posi-tions 84 of the discs. The wiper blades are held in a downwardly inclined position so that the fluid wiped 10 from the sides of the discs runs down the blades and into the channels. The channels are connected by suitable conduits, in the conventional manner, to a hydraulic pump capable of pumping the fluid to suit-: able storage adjacen~ apparatus 12.
Figure 6 illustrates another apparatus 87for recovering fluids floating on a body of ~ater.
The components of apparatus 87 are generally identi-cal to those in the embodiment of Figures 2 to 5 and 20 so the same reference numbers are used. However, in apparatus 87, a pair of lateral supports 88 and 90 extend between the floats 14 and 16 near the fronts and middles thereof. The shafts 46 and 48 of the set of discs 36 extend between support 90 and wall 22 25 at the stern of the apparatus, while the hydraulic motors 50 and 52 are mounted on support 90. The cor-responding shafts 46 and 48 of the set of discs 38 extend between support 88 and support 90 and the hydraulic motors 50 are mounted on support 88.
30 Accordingly, the shaft of each of the rows of discs extends in the fore and aft direction parallel to floats 14 and 16.
Apparatus 12 of Figures 2 to 5 and apparatus 35 87 of Figure 6 are all operated in the same manner.
., r `
~8) . .
Each apparatus is moved forwardly through a body of water having a floating layer of oil or other fluid.
The apparatus can be self-propelled or towed by another vessel as desired. As the bow or forward end of the apparatus mGveS through the water, the weir 18 acts as a pre-skimming device which makes an initial separa-tion of the oil, or other fluid, and water. The oil is deflected into the pool 20 as the apparatus moves forward'and any water passes downwardly through aper-10 tures 26 into the sump 28 and is discharged from theapparatus by means of pump 32. The discharged water may be sprayed in front of the apparatus to break the oil slick and perform an '?oil'herding" operation. The oil collecting in pool 20 covers the bottom portions 15 oE the discs as seen in Figure 3. As the discs ro-tate, the oil clings to the sides of the discs and is carried towards the wipers 76.
Figure 1 shows an apparatus 1 for recovering 2a fluids floating on a body of water according to a fur-ther embodiment o the invention. This apparatus is generally silnilar to the appal-atuses shown in Figures 2 to 6, but lacks floats. Instead, a frame 2 and four legs 3 connected thereto serve as the support 25 structure for maintaining the apparatus near the sur-face of a body of water. This embodiment is particul-' arly adapted for use in relatively small pools or sumps and the legs 3 extend to the bottom of a pool or ' sump, while ~he rest of the apparatus is near the sur-30 face.
Apparatus 1 has two recoveri~g modules comprising interdigitated sets o~ discs 4 and 5 generally similar in arrangement to the sets of discs 36 and 3~ shown in Figure 35 6. The set of discs 4 consists of two rows 6 and 7, while . .
, . . . -, - ~ - . ~ . .
(92 the sets of discs 5 consists of two interdigitated rows 8 and 9. The discs of rows 6 and 7 are provided with drive shafts 11 and 13, respectively, while the discs of rows 8 and 9 are provided with drive shafts 15 and 17, respectively. The frame 2 includes a first pair of spaced-apart supports 19 and 21, for the shafts 11 and 13, and a second pair of spaced-apart supports 23 and 25 for the shafts 15 and 17. The shafts are rotatably mounted at each end in bearings supported by one of 10 the p-illow blocks 27 mounted on the shaft supports.
The two sets of discs 4 and 5 are contra-ro-tated by a single hydraulic motor 29 between supports 21 and 23, The hydraulic motor is operatively connected to the shafts by a set of gears comprising worm gear 31 15 mounted on the motor and a pair of spur gears 33 and 35. Spur gear 33 is mounted on the two drive shafts 11 and 15, while spur gear 35 is mounted on the drive shaft 13 and 17~ The spur gears mesh with the worm gear, so the hydraulic motor is capable of conta- :
20 rotating the two rows of each of tihe sets of discs.
Instead of the collector channels emplo~ed on the other embodiments, apparatus 1 includes a plurallty of collector tubes 37 ~etween the discs, each provided 25 with a wiper blade 39 for wiping fluid from the discs as they rotate. The specific structure may be under-stood by reference to the other embodiments.
Frame 2 is, in this preferred embodiment, a uni-30 tary structure of glass fiber reinforced plastic includingthe drive shaft supports, a sump 41 and a pair of inter-nal, sloping conduits 43 and 45 for carrying fluid from the collector channels to the sump 41. A pump 47, driven by another hydraulic motor 49, is connected to the sump 35 for pumping fluid from the sump to a conveni.ent storage location.
.
(lQ) The leg 3 at each of the four corners of the fram~ 2 extends through a short length of tubing 51.
The height of the legs can be adjusted by means of a set screw 53 extending through each of the tubes 51.
The height of the legs is adjusted according to the depth of the water in the poo] or sump.
The operation of apparatus 1 is generally the same as the alternative embodiments shown in Fig-10 ures 2 to 6 except that the apparatus remains station-ary and supported on legs 3 instead of floating on the water.
The pumping action caused by the inter-15 digitated discs of the two rows is illustrated inFigure 5. The oil between the interdigitated por-;~ tions 64 oE adjacent discs of the two rows 40 and 42 is pumped upwardly. This pumping action is due to the upwards rotation of the interdigitated portions 20 of both rows of discs because of the contra-rotation of the rows of discs as illustrated by the arrows in Figure 5 and because of the closer spacing of the discs compared to conventional arrangements without interdigitation. As mentioned above, the interdigi-25 tated portions of the discs are spaced one-half the ; distance apart when compared with the discs of a given row in a conventional disc-type oil skimmer.
T~e interdigitated portiQns are thus 3/4" apart where :~` discs alon~ each of the rows are 1 1/2" apart. The 30 oil is supported by discs on both sides as it is carried up, This initial lift, illustrated by the : broken line 45 i.n Figure 5, is important. Once the oil is moving upwards, the surface tension is broken and the oil keeps moving towards the wipers 76. When 35 the oil clinaina tc the discs reaches the wipers 76, , .' ' c~
(11) it is scraped off the sics and drains down the wipers into the channels 78 and through suitable conduits to a storage location.
It should be understood that the use of contra-rotating, interdigitated rows of discs accor-ding to the invention is not limited to the specific arrangements shown in the drawings. Such interdigi-tated rows of discs can be employed on other devices 10 used to remove floating oil or other fluid from water.
For example, Figures 7 to 10 show alternative arrange-ments of apparatuses employing sets of contra?rotating rows of discs for recovering fluids floating on a body of water. In Figure 7, apparatus 100 has two contin-15 uous shafts 102 and 104 connected to a motor 106 todrive two sets of discs 108 and 110. Figure 8 shows an apparatus 112 where three motors 114, 116 and 118 drive t~ree sets of discs 120, 122 and 124. Four motors 126, 128, 130 and 132 drive four sets of discs 20 134, 136, 138 and 140 in the cross-sllaped apparatus 142 of Figure ~. Similarly, five motors 144, 146, 148, 150 and 152 drive five sets of discs 154, 156, 158, 160 and 162 in apparatus 164 of Figure 10.
Apparatus 100 of Figure 7 could be used with a non-25 floating support structure similar to that of Figure1 or, with suitable modifications, as a floating de-vice similar to Figures 2, 3 and 6. Apparatuses 112, 142 and 164 are suitable as floating devices.
Claims (26)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An apparatus for recovering fluids floating on a body of water, the apparatus comprising:
(a) a support structure for maintaining the apparatus near the surface of the body of water;
(b) two rows of discs mounted on the support structure so the discs are in contact with the fluid when the apparatus is near the surface of the body of water, the discs of each said row being spaced-apart coaxially along a shaft means;
(c) motor means coupled to the shaft means for rotating the shaft means and the discs; and (d) wiping means contacting the sides of the discs for wiping the fluid from the discs as the discs rotate and for collecting the fluid;
(e) the shaft means for the rows of discs being parallel and spaced-apart a distance such that the discs of said two rows interdigitate.
(a) a support structure for maintaining the apparatus near the surface of the body of water;
(b) two rows of discs mounted on the support structure so the discs are in contact with the fluid when the apparatus is near the surface of the body of water, the discs of each said row being spaced-apart coaxially along a shaft means;
(c) motor means coupled to the shaft means for rotating the shaft means and the discs; and (d) wiping means contacting the sides of the discs for wiping the fluid from the discs as the discs rotate and for collecting the fluid;
(e) the shaft means for the rows of discs being parallel and spaced-apart a distance such that the discs of said two rows interdigitate.
2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the rows of discs are contra-rotatable by the motor means.
(13)
(13)
3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each disc of a plurality of discs of a first said row has a portion extending between two adjacent discs of a second said row and each said disc of a plurality of discs of the second row has a portion extending between two adjacent discs of the first row.
4, An apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the discs of the rows interdigitate at a position midway between the shaft means of the rows, the discs being rotatable by the motor means so the discs of both said rows rotate upwardly away from the water at said position when the appara-tus is near the surface of the body of water.
5. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the discs have a lower portion immersable in the fluid, the discs being spaced-apart a distance such as to provide a pumping action whereby adjacent discs of the two rows raise the fluid towards the wiping means.
6. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the discs of each said row are generally one and one-half inches apart.
7. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the wiping means comprises resilient wiper blades contacting the sides of the discs.
(14)
(14)
8. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, wherein each said disc has a top rotational position, each said wiper blade extending radially from near the center of an adjacent said disc to near the top rotational position.
9. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the wiping means comprises a collector tube bet-ween adjacent discs of each said row, the wiper blades being mounted on the tubes to deflect the fluid into the tubes:
10, An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the motor means comprises a hydraulic motor coupled to one end of each said shaft means.
11, An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the shaft means comprises a drive shaft ex-tending through the centers of the discs of each said row.
12, An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a pair of spaced apart floats extending fore and aft on each side of the apparatus, the rows of discs being mounted between the floats.
13. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 12 comprising a pool for the fluid between the floats, the discs being mounted on the floats so that the (15) bottom portions of the discs are immersed in the fluid within the pool as the discs rotate.
14. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 13, having a front end and comprising means for deflecting fluid into the pool when the apparatus moves forwardly in the body of water.
15. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the means for deflecting comprises a generally hor-izontal weir extending between the floats near the front end of the apparatus, the weir being hinged at its forward edge and angled downwardly towards the front end of the apparatus.
16. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 13 comprising means for removing water from the pool compris-ing a false bottom below the discs, apertures through the false bottom, a sump below the false bottom for collecting water passing through the apertures and a pump having an intake in the sump for pumping water from the sump.
17. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the rows of discs are mounted on the floats so the shaft means are in the fore and aft direction.
18. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the rows of discs are mounted on the floats so the shaft means are perpendicular to the fore and aft direction.
(16)
(16)
19. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises float means for floating the apparatus on the body of water.
20. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the support structure comprises a frame,
21. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the support structure comprises a unitary frame in-cluding supports for the shaft means, a sump and a conduit for carrying fluid from the wiping means to the sump.
22. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the unitary frame is of glass fiber reinforced plas-tic.
23. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the motor means comprises a hydraulic motor, the apparatus further comprising gears operatively connecting the hydraulic motor to the shaft means.
24. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 23, wherein the shaft means comprises a drive shaft for each of the rows of discs, the gears comprising a spur gear mounted on each drive shaft and a worm gear mounted on the hydraulic motor between the spur gears and meshing with the spur gears.
(17)
(17)
25. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 24, comprising a pump connected to the sump.
26. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the support structure further comprises adjustable legs connected to the frame for supporting the frame and discs near the surface of the water.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000366680A CA1154691A (en) | 1980-12-12 | 1980-12-12 | Apparatus for recovering fluids floating on water |
| GB8109123A GB2089228B (en) | 1980-12-12 | 1981-03-24 | Recovering fluids floating on water |
| MY446/86A MY8600446A (en) | 1980-12-12 | 1986-12-30 | Apparatus for recovering fluids floating on water |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000366680A CA1154691A (en) | 1980-12-12 | 1980-12-12 | Apparatus for recovering fluids floating on water |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1154691A true CA1154691A (en) | 1983-10-04 |
Family
ID=4118691
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000366680A Expired CA1154691A (en) | 1980-12-12 | 1980-12-12 | Apparatus for recovering fluids floating on water |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1154691A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2089228B (en) |
| MY (1) | MY8600446A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007059606A1 (en) * | 2005-11-23 | 2007-05-31 | Aqua-Guard Spill Response Inc. | Oil skimmer and method of operating same |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2206814A (en) * | 1987-06-10 | 1989-01-18 | Vikoma Int Ltd | Oil skimmers |
| FI910404A (en) * | 1991-01-28 | 1992-07-29 | Larsen Marin Ab Oy | OLJEUPPSAMLINGSANORDNING. |
| GB2252737A (en) * | 1991-02-16 | 1992-08-19 | Alan Richard Jauncey | Separation devices |
| IT1263693B (en) * | 1993-09-24 | 1996-08-27 | Giancarlo Ravagnan | EQUIPMENT FOR RECOVERING FLUID FLOATING SUBSTANCES ON THE WATER SURFACE |
| FR2809666B1 (en) | 2000-05-31 | 2003-03-14 | Rollin Sa | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A MULTILAYER PRINTING BLANKET AND BLANKET THUS OBTAINED |
| FR2809665B1 (en) | 2000-05-31 | 2003-03-14 | Rollin Sa | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A PRINTING BLANKET COMPRISING A BACK LAYER IN A POLYMER MATERIAL AND BLANKET THUS OBTAINED |
| FR2809667B1 (en) | 2000-05-31 | 2003-03-14 | Rollin Sa | PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING A PRINTING BLANKET AND A BLANKET THUS OBTAINED |
| DE10036805A1 (en) | 2000-07-28 | 2002-02-07 | Tesa Ag | Process for sheathing elongated goods, such as cable sets in particular |
-
1980
- 1980-12-12 CA CA000366680A patent/CA1154691A/en not_active Expired
-
1981
- 1981-03-24 GB GB8109123A patent/GB2089228B/en not_active Expired
-
1986
- 1986-12-30 MY MY446/86A patent/MY8600446A/en unknown
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007059606A1 (en) * | 2005-11-23 | 2007-05-31 | Aqua-Guard Spill Response Inc. | Oil skimmer and method of operating same |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2089228A (en) | 1982-06-23 |
| GB2089228B (en) | 1984-09-26 |
| MY8600446A (en) | 1986-12-31 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4360429A (en) | Apparatus for recovering fluids floating on water | |
| US3314545A (en) | Cleaning water surfaces | |
| EP2656906B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for recovery of spilled oil or other viscous fluid | |
| CA1154691A (en) | Apparatus for recovering fluids floating on water | |
| CA1225040A (en) | Method and apparatus for collecting and separating solids and/or insoluble liquids from a liquid body | |
| CN113106932B (en) | Water conservancy culvert gate sediment removal device | |
| GB2259654A (en) | Device for recovering floating material | |
| CN213677071U (en) | Dynamic oil collecting device on water surface | |
| CN106115846A (en) | A kind of degreasing unit | |
| CN216405343U (en) | Environment-friendly double-layer river trash rack | |
| CN210459164U (en) | Tubular oil bailing machine | |
| CN210315735U (en) | A debris cleaning device for hydraulic engineering | |
| CN211078546U (en) | Sewage treatment pond mud sediment collection limit remove device that floats | |
| CA1157782A (en) | Oil pick-up device | |
| CN217921555U (en) | Floating oil catcher for industrial sewage treatment | |
| JPH11131453A (en) | Hydraulic turbine device for hydraulic drive type dust catcher | |
| CN214061911U (en) | A prevent stifled cistern for hydraulic engineering | |
| CN220003072U (en) | Full-bridge type mud scraping and sucking equipment | |
| CN218816731U (en) | Combined tidal energy water diversion device | |
| RU2234570C1 (en) | Device for skimming oil products from water surface | |
| SU1671768A1 (en) | Device for collecting oil products from the surface of water | |
| CN214299377U (en) | Air floatation equipment convenient to clean for pollution prevention and control | |
| CN219922302U (en) | River course downstream water filter equipment | |
| EP0122091A1 (en) | A device for cleaning a collecting rope from oil or similar material | |
| CA1097227A (en) | Oil recovery apparatus and method |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |