CA2192138A1 - Pre-treatment air/liquid separation apparatus for fluid streams and method of using same - Google Patents
Pre-treatment air/liquid separation apparatus for fluid streams and method of using sameInfo
- Publication number
- CA2192138A1 CA2192138A1 CA002192138A CA2192138A CA2192138A1 CA 2192138 A1 CA2192138 A1 CA 2192138A1 CA 002192138 A CA002192138 A CA 002192138A CA 2192138 A CA2192138 A CA 2192138A CA 2192138 A1 CA2192138 A1 CA 2192138A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- collecting tank
- liquid
- air
- separator
- inlet port
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D19/00—Degasification of liquids
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D45/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces
- B01D45/12—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by centrifugal forces
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D45/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces
- B01D45/12—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by centrifugal forces
- B01D45/16—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by centrifugal forces generated by the winding course of the gas stream, the centrifugal forces being generated solely or partly by mechanical means, e.g. fixed swirl vanes
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
- B04C—APPARATUS USING FREE VORTEX FLOW, e.g. CYCLONES
- B04C11/00—Accessories, e.g. safety or control devices, not otherwise provided for, e.g. regulators, valves in inlet or overflow ducting
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
- B04C—APPARATUS USING FREE VORTEX FLOW, e.g. CYCLONES
- B04C5/00—Apparatus in which the axial direction of the vortex is reversed
- B04C5/14—Construction of the underflow ducting; Apex constructions; Discharge arrangements ; discharge through sidewall provided with a few slits or perforations
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Cyclones (AREA)
Abstract
An air/liquid separation apparatus comprises:
(a) an air/liquid separator having an inlet port, an upper portion, an air outlet port positioned in said upper portion, a lower portion and a liquid outlet port positioned in said lower portion;
(b) said air outlet port adapted to be connected to a vacuum source positioned upstream from said air outlet port for providing fluid suction to said inlet port;
(c) a collecting tank having a liquid inlet port in flow communication with said liquid outlet port of said separator via a transfer pipe, a liquid outlet port and an air inlet port, said transfer pipe having an associated valve operable between an open and a closed position for alternately permitting liquid to flow through said transfer pipe into said collecting tank and isolating said separator from said collecting tank;
(d) a vent pipe extending between said separator and said collecting tank to equalize the pressure in said separator and in said collecting tank, said vent pipe having an associated valve for isolating said separator from said collecting tank.
(a) an air/liquid separator having an inlet port, an upper portion, an air outlet port positioned in said upper portion, a lower portion and a liquid outlet port positioned in said lower portion;
(b) said air outlet port adapted to be connected to a vacuum source positioned upstream from said air outlet port for providing fluid suction to said inlet port;
(c) a collecting tank having a liquid inlet port in flow communication with said liquid outlet port of said separator via a transfer pipe, a liquid outlet port and an air inlet port, said transfer pipe having an associated valve operable between an open and a closed position for alternately permitting liquid to flow through said transfer pipe into said collecting tank and isolating said separator from said collecting tank;
(d) a vent pipe extending between said separator and said collecting tank to equalize the pressure in said separator and in said collecting tank, said vent pipe having an associated valve for isolating said separator from said collecting tank.
Description
Title: PRE-TREATMENT AIR/LIQUID SEPARATION APPARATUS
FOR FLUID STREAMS AND METHOD OF USING SAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to separation systems for fluid streams that include a gaseous component and a liquid component. In one embodiment, the invention relates to air/liquid 10 separation apparatus for multi-phase liquid streams such as those obtained during vacuum extraction environmental remediation treatments. Such streams may include water/hydrocarbon mixtures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various parts of the environment are contaminated with liquids which are non-miscible with water such as petroleum and its derivatives. These may be present in free water, such as ponds, rivers and the like, or else present in the subsurface such as in groundwater.
One method of remediating a site contaminated with such 20 non-miscible liquids is to use a vacuum to extract a stream, including the non-miscible liquid, from the site and to subject the resultant multi-phase stream to air/liquid separation. One method of capturing such a liquid is to insert a hose into the site and to withdraw such a stream. In many applications, such streams will also include air and, 25 in some cases, solids, such as soil in the case of groundwater.
Several alternate methods have been used to separate air from such multi-phase streams. For example, according to one method, the feed stream containing both air and a multi-phase liquid are passed through a pump. The liquid is subsequently collected in a 30 pressurized liquid separator which may then be evacuated using the elevated pressure in the liquid separator. One disadvantage of this approach is that pumping the multi-phase feed stream through a pump increases the emulsification of the non-miscible liquids thus increasing the difficulty of subsequently separating the non-miscible 35 liquids. A further disadvantage is that the pump may have difficulty "_ handling a feed stream having a high sediment loading or dissolved Fe, Mn and/or Ca.
A second alternate method is to install a cyclone separator on the intake end of a vacuum pump. The liquid collected in the 5 separator is evacuated by means of a moyno pump. One disadvantage of this ~y~tem is the high capital cost of a moyno pumps and their power consumptions. Further, the moyno pump is an additional piece of equipment which requires maintenance and which may break down therefore incurring potential additional down time.
A further alternative method is to install a cyclone separator upstream of a vacuum pump. At intervals, the vacuum is taken off line allowing liquid which has accumulated in the separator to drain from the separator by gravity. One disadvantage of this approach is that the system operates on a non-continuous basis.
15 During site remediation, it may not be desirable to interrupt the extraction of the multi-phase liquid. A further disadvantage of this system is that high flows of liquid may decrease the vacuum in the system before a full vacuum is achieved on the extraction point. In order to overcome these problems, two air-liquid separators may be 20 installed in parallel and the feed may be cycled between the two units so as to provide a continuous vacuum source. One disadvantage of such a modification is that increased manifolding is required as well as additional control systems. Further, site remediation equipment is typically mounted on a mobile platform and the addition of a second 25 liquid separator increases the footprint of the mobile platform.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
In accordance with the instant invention there is provided a cyclonic separator having an inlet port for introducing an air/liquid 30 inlet stream tangentially into the cyclonic separator, an upper portion, an air outlet port positioned in the upper portion and adapted to be connected to a vacuum source positioned upstream from the air outlet _ port for providing fluid suction to the inlet port, a lower portion, and a liquid outlet port positioned in the lower portion; a collecting tank positioned below the cyclonic separator having a liquid inlet port in flow communication with the liquid outlet port of the cyclonic 5 separator via a transfer pipe, a liquid outlet port having an associated valve operable between an open position and a closed position for draining the collecting tank and an air inlet port having an associated valve operable between an open position and a closed position for air entry into the collecting tank as the collecting tank is drained, the 10 transfer pipe having an associated valve operable between an open and a closed position for alternately permitting liquid to flow through the transfer pipe into the collecting tank and isolating the cyclonic separator from the collecting tank; and, a vent pipe extending between the cyclonic separator and the collecting tank to maintain the cyclonic 15 separator and the collecting tank at the same pressure, the vent pipe having an associated valve operable between an open position and a closed position.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention there is provided an air/liquid separation apparatus comprising an 20 air/liquid separator having an inlet port, an upper portion, an air outlet port positioned in the upper portion, a lower portion and a liquid outlet port positioned in the lower portion; the air outlet port adapted to be connected to a vacuum source positioned upstream from the air outlet port for providing fluid suction to the inlet port; a 25 collecting tank having a liquid inlet port in flow communication with the liquid outlet port of the separator via a transfer pipe, a liquid outlet port and an air inlet port, the transfer pipe having an associated valve operable between an open and a closed position for alternately permitting liquid to flow through the transfer pipe into the collecting 30 tank and isolating said separator from the collecting tank; a vent pipe extending between the separator and the collecting tank to equalize the pressure in the separator and in the collecting tank, the vent pipe having an associated valve for isolating the separator from the collecting tank.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of separating an air/liquid feed 5 stream into a liquid stream and an air stream comprising the steps of introducing the feed stream into a separator having an inlet port, an upper portion, an air outlet port positioned in the upper portion and connected to a vacuum source positioned upstream from the air outlet port for providing fluid suction to the inlet port, a lower portion and a 10 liquid outlet port positioned in the lower portion, the liquid outlet port being in flow communication with a collecting tank via a transfer pipe, the collecting tank having a liquid outlet port and an air inlet port, the transfer pipe, the liquid outlet port and an air inlet port having associated valves operable between an open and a closed 15 position, the pressure in the separator and the collecting tank being equalized by a vent pipe extending between the separator and the collecting tank, the vent pipe having an associated valve for isolating the separator from the collecting tank; closing the valve associated with the transfer pipe when the collecting tank is full whereby the 20 flow of liquid through the transfer pipe is stopped and the liquid separated from the feed stream is collected in the lower portion of the separator; closing the valve associated with the vent pipe to isolate the collecting tank from the vacuum source and opening the air inlet port to permit air to enter the collecting tank; opening the valve associated 25 with the liquid outlet port of the collecting tank to permit the collecting tank to be drained; closing the valves associated with the liquid outlet port of the collecting tank and the air inlet port when the collecting tank has been drained, and opening the valve associated with the vent pipe and then opening the valve associated with the 30 transfer pipe to drain the liquid which has accumulated in the lower portion of the separator into the collecting tank.
In one embodiment, the collecting tank is operable so as to _ be in flow communication with the source of pressurized air. The pressurized air assists in the draining of the collecting tank and therefore decreases the required cycle time to drain the collecting tank.
In order to maintain a constant extraction, the lower portion of the separator is preferably sized to collect the liquid separated from the inlet stream when the transfer pipe is closed and the collecting tank is being drained. By using pressurized air to assist in the draining of the collecting tank, the size of the lower portion may be decreased or, alternately, higher liquid flow rates may be accommodated while the collecting tank is being drained.
The apparatus of the instant invention provides a simplified apparatus for separating a gas such as air from a liquid stream. A further advantage is that mixing of the air/liquid feed stream is minimized thereby reducing the emulsification of any non-miscible liquids which may be present in the feed stream. A further advantage of this system is that the amount of equipment which is required for the air/liquid separation, as well as the size of the equipment, is reduced.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
These and other advantages of the instant invention will be more fully and completely understood by reference to the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention in which:
Figure 1 is an elevational view of an air/liquid separator according to the instant invention;
Figure 2 is a cross section along the line 2-2 in Figure 1 and, Figure 3 is an enlargement of area A of Figure 1.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
According to a preferred embodiment, air/liquid separator 10 comprises separator 12 having inlet port 14, air outlet port 16 and liquid outlet port 18, collecting tank 20 having inlet port 22 and liquid outlet port 24 and transfer pipe 26 extending between liquid outlet port 18 of separator 12 and inlet port 22 of collecting tank 20.
The feed stream which is fed to separator 12 via inlet port 14 may be any stream comprising a gas and liquid which requires the 5 gas to be separated from the liquid. The feed stream may further include solid or semi-solid material such as sediment, sludge and/or biomass. The solid or semi-solid material will be separated with the liquid from the gaseous component of the ~yslem. The separated liquid/solid mixture may subsequently be treated to separate the solid 10 component from the liquid component by means known in the art.
The liquid component of the feed stream preferably includes at least two non-miscible liquids which require separation. The liquid component may comprise water and a liquid which is non-miscible therewith. The non-miscible liquid may comprise a hydrocarbon such 15 as petroleum or a petroleum bi-product (e.g. gasoline, fuel oil, waste oil and the like). The gaseous component typically comprises air which is entrained with the feed stream to inlet port 14 and may also include gaseous vapours evolved from the non-miscible liquid.
The feed stream may be obtained from free water, such as 20 a pond, a river or other source which is contaminated with a non-miscible liquid. Alternately, the feed stream may be obtained from access wells installed into the subsurface water table.
A vacuum source is connected upstream from outlet port 16 and is in flow communication therewith. The vacuum source may 25 be a vacuum pump or other means for providing a vacuum such as venturi type pumps. As will be appreciated, during operation of separator 12 when separator 12 is in flow communication with collecting tank 20, collecting tank 20 is maintained as a closed system so that the vacuum source may draw the feed stream through inlet 30 port 14 into separator 12. A hose or other attachment (not shown) may be attached to inlet port 14. A nozzle or other liquid pick-up means (not shown) may be affixed to the distal end of the hose and inserted into the subsurface groundwater or other location which requires removal of liquid.
Separator 12 may be any air/liquid separator which operates under vacuum and is preferably a cyclonic separator. As 5 shown in Figure 2, separator 12 is a cyclonic separator having an interior surface 28 which, in cross-section, is cylindrical. Inlet port 14 is positioned such that the feed stream enters cyclonic separator 12 tangentially thereto forcing the liquid component of the feed stream to travel around interior wall 28. Rotation of the liquid components 10 around interior wall 28 causes the liquid components to travel downwardly towards the lower portion of cyclonic separator 12 and, eventually, to outlet port 18 which is positioned therein. The cyclonic action in the separator substantially separates the air and vapour components of the feed stream from the liquid components. The air 15 and any vapour components are drawn upwardly through cyclonic separator 12 and through air outlet port 16 by the vacuum source.
It will be appreciated that any solid components present in the feed stream will be generally entrained with the liquid components and carried downwardly to outlet port 18. An access port 20 (not shown) may be provided in cyclonic separator 12 to permit cleaning of cyclonic separator 12 as may be required, such as to remove built up sediments which may adhere to interior wall 28.
Collecting tank 20 may be of any particular configuration and size to permit collecting tank 20 to collect liquid which is separated 25 from the feed stream in cyclonic separator 12. Collecting tank 20 may be supported on a base 30 having leg supports 32.
As the quantity of liquids which require treatment are generally large, it is preferable to have liquid/air separator 10 mounted so that it may be transported to a site and, also, from one position to 30 another within a particular site. Accordingly, air/liquid separator 10 may be mounted in a trailer, truck, skid or other mobile platform. Base 30 may be the bed of a trailer, truck, skid or other mobile platform or -may be secured to the bed of a trailer, truck, skid or other mobile platform by bolts or other means known in the art.
Transfer pipe 26 extends between outlet port 18 of cyclonic separator 12 and inlet port 22 of collecting tank 20. As shown in Figure 5 1, cyclonic separator 12 is positioned above collecting tank 20 and transfer pipe 26 comprises a relatively short vertical pipe. In operation, the liquid separated from the feed stream flows downwardly by gravity through transfer pipe 26 into collecting tank 20.
Cyclonic separator 12 may be positioned at any location 10 with respect to collecting tank 20 provided that the configuration of transfer pipe 26 does not unduly impede the flow of liquid from cyclonic separator 12 to collecting tank 20. Preferably, collecting tank 20 is positioned directly below cyclonic separator 12 as shown in Figure 1.
A pump or other metering equipment may be associated with transfer 15 pipe 26 to assist in transferring liquid from separator 12 to collecting tank 20.
Valve 34, which is operable between an open position and a closed position, is positioned in transfer pipe 26. When valve 34 is in the open position, liquid may flow through transfer pipe 26 into 20 collecting tank 20. When valve 34 is in the closed position, the flow of liquid through transfer pipe 26 is terminated and the separated liquid then accumulates in the bottom of cyclonic separator 12. Valve 34 may be any valve known in the art. As shown in Figure 1, valve 34 is a pneumatic wafer valve which is operated by air supply 70 (such as a 25 compressor) via air feed line 38.
Discharge line 40 is provided downstream of liquid outlet port 24. Valve 36 is provided in discharge line 40. Valve 36 is operable between an open position, in which liquid collected in collecting tank 20 may be drained from collecting tank 20, and a closed position in 30 which discharge line 40 is closed. While collecting tank 20 fills with liquid, it is operated under vacuum. Valve 36 may be a ball check valve which will remain in the closed position while collecting tank 20 is at sub-atmospheric pressure.
Collecting tank 20 is also provided with an air inlet port 42. When valve 34 is opened, and liquid is draining from cyclonic separator 12 into collecting tank 20, it is desirable to maintain a constant vacuum level in both collecting tank 12 and cyclonic separator 12. Any venting means to equalize the vacuum in collecting tank 12 and cyclonic separator 12 may be used. For example, a vent line may be incorporated as part of transfer pipe 26. Alternately, vent pipe 44, which extends between cyclonic separator 12 and inlet port 42 of collecting tank 20 may be provided. Valve 46, which is operable between a first position in which vent pipe 44 is open and a second position in which vent pipe 44 is closed, may be provided in vent pipe 44. When valve 46 is open, vent pipe 44 comprises an open conduit extending between collecting tank 20 and cyclonic separator 12 to maintain a similar vacuum level in both units. When valve 46 is closed, vent pipe 44 is closed and will not equalize the vacuum in cyclonic separator 12 and collecting tank 20.
In order to assist in draining tank 20, a fluid, preferably air, is provided to collecting tank 20 to neutralize the vacuum therein and to permit the collected liquid to drain therefrom. The air may be provided to collecting tank 20 through an inlet port from any available source. For example, a valve of an inlet port may be opened permitting air to flow into collecting tank 20.
As shown in the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, when valve 46 is moved from a first position in which vent pipe 44 is open, to the second position in which vent pipe 44 is closed, valve 46 may also vent collecting tank 20 to the atmosphere thus permitting air to enter collecting tank 20 so that collecting tank 20 may be drained.
Preferably, pressurized air is used to assist in draining collecting tank 20. Thus, as shown in Figure 1, valve 46 may be a three way valve connected to pressurized air line 48 and three way valve 46 may be operated by means of pneumatic actuator 50 which is connected to pressurized air line 52. Accordingly, after collecting tank 20 has been elevated to atmospheric pressure, three way valve 46 may be moved to its second position and pressurized air may be fed from air supply 70 pressurized via air line 48, through valve 46, through air inlet port 42 into collecting tank 20 to assist in the draining of collecting tank 20. In order to permit three way valve 46 to supply atmospheric air to collecting tank 20, three way valve 46 may be associated with a spring check valve 51 which is positioned in air feed line 48 between air supply 70 and three way valve 46. When three way valve is in the second position, atmospheric air may enter collecting tank 20 through valve 46. When pressurized air is fed to spring check valve 51 via feed line 48, spring check valve 51 is closed to the atmosphere and pressurized air is fed via feed line 48 to collecting tank 20 . It will be appreciated that, in stead of first venting collecting tank 20 to the atmosphere, pressurized air may be fed to collecting tank 20 to relieve the vacuum therein.
As shown in Figure 3, each of lines 38, 48 and 52 may be supplied by a common source of pressurized air. Accordingly, each line 38, 48 and 52 may have an associated valve 53 so that each line may be independently opened and closed.
In order to assist in monitoring the liquid levels i n cyclonic separator 12 and collecting tank 20, sight glasses 60 and 62 may be provided in the walls thereof. In order to assist in the operation of the ~y~lem, switch 64 may be provided in cyclonic separator 12 and switch 66 may be provided in collecting tank 20. Switches 64 and 66 may be connected to a controller 68. Controller 68 may also be connected to air supply 70 which feeds air lines 38, 48 and 52. Switches 64 and 66 may be set at any desired position in cyclonic separator 12 and collecting tank 20 and, via controller 68 and air supply 70, may actuate valves 34 and 46 depending upon the liquid level in cyclonic separator 12 and collecting tank 20.
The operation of air/liquid separator 10 will now be -described. When air/liquid separator 10 commences operation, cyclonic separator 12 and collecting tank 20 are empty. The vacuum source is then actuated, valve 46 is opened to open vent pipe 44 and valve 36 is closed causing the pressure in cyclonic separator 12 and 5 collecting tank 20 to become sub-atmospheric. Valve 36 may be manually moved to this position or, if a check valve is utilized, the sub-atmospheric pressure in collecting tank 20 will cause the check valve to close thus closing collecting tank 20. This permits a feed stream to be drawn through inlet port 14 at a sufficient speed to cause 10 the liquid to rotate around inner wall 28 of cyclonic separator 12 thus separating gaseous elements in the feed stream from the liquid elements in the feed stream. The liquid elements will flow downwardly through cyclonic separator 12, through outlet port 18, through transfer pipe 26, through inlet port 22 into collecting tank 20.
As collecting tank 20 fills with liquid to a predetermined level where switch 66 is positioned, switch 66, which may be a float switch, is actuated. This sends a signal to controller 68 which causes air to be fed via air feed line 38 to valve 34 to move valve 34 to the closed position thereby preventing additional liquid from passing through 20 transfer pipe 26. It will be appreciated that the vacuum source is still operating and accordingly the separated liquid will commence accumulating in the bottom of cyclonic separator 12.
The actuation of switch 66 also causes controller 68 to send a signal causing air to be fed through air feed line 52 to actuator 50 for three way valve 46. When valve 46 is so actuated, vent pipe 44 is closed thus completing the isolation of collecting tank 20 from cyclonic separator 12. At this point, collecting tank 20 is still at sub-atmospheric pressure. At this time, air is drawn through spring check valve 51, through three way valve 46 into collecting tank 20 via air inlet port 42.
30 When collecting tank 20 reaches atmospheric pressure, valve 36 in discharge line 40 opens permitting the accumulated liquid in collecting tank 20 to be discharged. If valve 36 is a ball check valve, it will ._ automatically open once atmospheric pressure is achieved in collecting tank 20. Generally, the accumulated liquid will be sent to further treatment, such as liquid/liquid separation techniques generally known in the art.
After atmospheric pressure is reached in collecting tank 20, pressurized air may be fed via pressurized air line 48 closing spring check valve 51. The pressurized air then travels via pressurized air line 48, through three way valve 46 into collecting tank 20. The pressurized air assists in expediting the drainage of collecting tank 20.
Switch 66 may include a programable delay timer. The timer may be set for a predetermined time which is equivalent to the amount of time required for the liquid to be drained or substantially drained from collecting tank 20. After the predetermined time has expired, switch 66 will therefore send a signal to controller 68.
Alternately, a second level indicator may be incorporated into collecting tank 20 so as to actuate controller 68 when the tank has drained or has substantially drained. Upon such a signal, controller 68 sends a signal to air supply 70 isolating collecting tank 20 from pressurized air line 48, adjusting the position of three way valve 46 so that collecting tank 20 may return to sub-atmospheric pressure and opening valve 34 so that the liquid accumulated in the lower portion of cyclonic separator 12 may drain into collecting tank 20.
Switch 64, which monitors the liquid level in cyclonic separator 12, is also connected to controller 68. If cyclonic separator 62 is filling faster than collecting tank 20 can complete its draining cycle, then switch 64 which may be a float switch, is actuated sending a signal to controller 68 which will send a signal to prevent further liquid from entering cyclonic separator 12. For example, controller 68 may send a signal causing the vacuum source to shut down or may actuate a signal (eg. a siren) to the workers to remove the nozzle from the work surface. Alternately, cyclonic separator 12 may be connected to a second collecting tank 20 (not shown) and on a signal from controller 68, the '_ liquid in cyclonic separator 12 may be drained into such an additional tank.
It will be appreciated that in a normal operation, the system will operate on a continuous basis with a continuous source of 5 vacuum being exerted via inlet port 14. Further, by appropriately sizing cyclonic separator 12 and collecting tank 20, the lower portion of collecting tank 20 may be used as a holding tank to accumulate liquid while collecting tank 20 is drained. The use of the pressurized air line also assists in minimizing the required size of collecting tank 20 and, 10 therefore, the liquid hold up portion of cyclonic separator 12. It will be appreciated that, as this equipment is generally used on a mobile platform, the simplification of the apparatus, and the reduction in its size, is highly advantageous.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that 15 various changes and modifications may be made to the apparatus and they are all within the scope of this invention. In particular, instead of utilizing a three way valve for valve 46, three separate valves, each operable between and open and a closed position, may be utilized, one in vent pipe 44, one in pressurized air line 48 and one connected to 20 inlet port 42 to vent collecting tank 20 to the atmosphere.
FOR FLUID STREAMS AND METHOD OF USING SAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to separation systems for fluid streams that include a gaseous component and a liquid component. In one embodiment, the invention relates to air/liquid 10 separation apparatus for multi-phase liquid streams such as those obtained during vacuum extraction environmental remediation treatments. Such streams may include water/hydrocarbon mixtures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various parts of the environment are contaminated with liquids which are non-miscible with water such as petroleum and its derivatives. These may be present in free water, such as ponds, rivers and the like, or else present in the subsurface such as in groundwater.
One method of remediating a site contaminated with such 20 non-miscible liquids is to use a vacuum to extract a stream, including the non-miscible liquid, from the site and to subject the resultant multi-phase stream to air/liquid separation. One method of capturing such a liquid is to insert a hose into the site and to withdraw such a stream. In many applications, such streams will also include air and, 25 in some cases, solids, such as soil in the case of groundwater.
Several alternate methods have been used to separate air from such multi-phase streams. For example, according to one method, the feed stream containing both air and a multi-phase liquid are passed through a pump. The liquid is subsequently collected in a 30 pressurized liquid separator which may then be evacuated using the elevated pressure in the liquid separator. One disadvantage of this approach is that pumping the multi-phase feed stream through a pump increases the emulsification of the non-miscible liquids thus increasing the difficulty of subsequently separating the non-miscible 35 liquids. A further disadvantage is that the pump may have difficulty "_ handling a feed stream having a high sediment loading or dissolved Fe, Mn and/or Ca.
A second alternate method is to install a cyclone separator on the intake end of a vacuum pump. The liquid collected in the 5 separator is evacuated by means of a moyno pump. One disadvantage of this ~y~tem is the high capital cost of a moyno pumps and their power consumptions. Further, the moyno pump is an additional piece of equipment which requires maintenance and which may break down therefore incurring potential additional down time.
A further alternative method is to install a cyclone separator upstream of a vacuum pump. At intervals, the vacuum is taken off line allowing liquid which has accumulated in the separator to drain from the separator by gravity. One disadvantage of this approach is that the system operates on a non-continuous basis.
15 During site remediation, it may not be desirable to interrupt the extraction of the multi-phase liquid. A further disadvantage of this system is that high flows of liquid may decrease the vacuum in the system before a full vacuum is achieved on the extraction point. In order to overcome these problems, two air-liquid separators may be 20 installed in parallel and the feed may be cycled between the two units so as to provide a continuous vacuum source. One disadvantage of such a modification is that increased manifolding is required as well as additional control systems. Further, site remediation equipment is typically mounted on a mobile platform and the addition of a second 25 liquid separator increases the footprint of the mobile platform.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
In accordance with the instant invention there is provided a cyclonic separator having an inlet port for introducing an air/liquid 30 inlet stream tangentially into the cyclonic separator, an upper portion, an air outlet port positioned in the upper portion and adapted to be connected to a vacuum source positioned upstream from the air outlet _ port for providing fluid suction to the inlet port, a lower portion, and a liquid outlet port positioned in the lower portion; a collecting tank positioned below the cyclonic separator having a liquid inlet port in flow communication with the liquid outlet port of the cyclonic 5 separator via a transfer pipe, a liquid outlet port having an associated valve operable between an open position and a closed position for draining the collecting tank and an air inlet port having an associated valve operable between an open position and a closed position for air entry into the collecting tank as the collecting tank is drained, the 10 transfer pipe having an associated valve operable between an open and a closed position for alternately permitting liquid to flow through the transfer pipe into the collecting tank and isolating the cyclonic separator from the collecting tank; and, a vent pipe extending between the cyclonic separator and the collecting tank to maintain the cyclonic 15 separator and the collecting tank at the same pressure, the vent pipe having an associated valve operable between an open position and a closed position.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention there is provided an air/liquid separation apparatus comprising an 20 air/liquid separator having an inlet port, an upper portion, an air outlet port positioned in the upper portion, a lower portion and a liquid outlet port positioned in the lower portion; the air outlet port adapted to be connected to a vacuum source positioned upstream from the air outlet port for providing fluid suction to the inlet port; a 25 collecting tank having a liquid inlet port in flow communication with the liquid outlet port of the separator via a transfer pipe, a liquid outlet port and an air inlet port, the transfer pipe having an associated valve operable between an open and a closed position for alternately permitting liquid to flow through the transfer pipe into the collecting 30 tank and isolating said separator from the collecting tank; a vent pipe extending between the separator and the collecting tank to equalize the pressure in the separator and in the collecting tank, the vent pipe having an associated valve for isolating the separator from the collecting tank.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of separating an air/liquid feed 5 stream into a liquid stream and an air stream comprising the steps of introducing the feed stream into a separator having an inlet port, an upper portion, an air outlet port positioned in the upper portion and connected to a vacuum source positioned upstream from the air outlet port for providing fluid suction to the inlet port, a lower portion and a 10 liquid outlet port positioned in the lower portion, the liquid outlet port being in flow communication with a collecting tank via a transfer pipe, the collecting tank having a liquid outlet port and an air inlet port, the transfer pipe, the liquid outlet port and an air inlet port having associated valves operable between an open and a closed 15 position, the pressure in the separator and the collecting tank being equalized by a vent pipe extending between the separator and the collecting tank, the vent pipe having an associated valve for isolating the separator from the collecting tank; closing the valve associated with the transfer pipe when the collecting tank is full whereby the 20 flow of liquid through the transfer pipe is stopped and the liquid separated from the feed stream is collected in the lower portion of the separator; closing the valve associated with the vent pipe to isolate the collecting tank from the vacuum source and opening the air inlet port to permit air to enter the collecting tank; opening the valve associated 25 with the liquid outlet port of the collecting tank to permit the collecting tank to be drained; closing the valves associated with the liquid outlet port of the collecting tank and the air inlet port when the collecting tank has been drained, and opening the valve associated with the vent pipe and then opening the valve associated with the 30 transfer pipe to drain the liquid which has accumulated in the lower portion of the separator into the collecting tank.
In one embodiment, the collecting tank is operable so as to _ be in flow communication with the source of pressurized air. The pressurized air assists in the draining of the collecting tank and therefore decreases the required cycle time to drain the collecting tank.
In order to maintain a constant extraction, the lower portion of the separator is preferably sized to collect the liquid separated from the inlet stream when the transfer pipe is closed and the collecting tank is being drained. By using pressurized air to assist in the draining of the collecting tank, the size of the lower portion may be decreased or, alternately, higher liquid flow rates may be accommodated while the collecting tank is being drained.
The apparatus of the instant invention provides a simplified apparatus for separating a gas such as air from a liquid stream. A further advantage is that mixing of the air/liquid feed stream is minimized thereby reducing the emulsification of any non-miscible liquids which may be present in the feed stream. A further advantage of this system is that the amount of equipment which is required for the air/liquid separation, as well as the size of the equipment, is reduced.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
These and other advantages of the instant invention will be more fully and completely understood by reference to the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention in which:
Figure 1 is an elevational view of an air/liquid separator according to the instant invention;
Figure 2 is a cross section along the line 2-2 in Figure 1 and, Figure 3 is an enlargement of area A of Figure 1.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
According to a preferred embodiment, air/liquid separator 10 comprises separator 12 having inlet port 14, air outlet port 16 and liquid outlet port 18, collecting tank 20 having inlet port 22 and liquid outlet port 24 and transfer pipe 26 extending between liquid outlet port 18 of separator 12 and inlet port 22 of collecting tank 20.
The feed stream which is fed to separator 12 via inlet port 14 may be any stream comprising a gas and liquid which requires the 5 gas to be separated from the liquid. The feed stream may further include solid or semi-solid material such as sediment, sludge and/or biomass. The solid or semi-solid material will be separated with the liquid from the gaseous component of the ~yslem. The separated liquid/solid mixture may subsequently be treated to separate the solid 10 component from the liquid component by means known in the art.
The liquid component of the feed stream preferably includes at least two non-miscible liquids which require separation. The liquid component may comprise water and a liquid which is non-miscible therewith. The non-miscible liquid may comprise a hydrocarbon such 15 as petroleum or a petroleum bi-product (e.g. gasoline, fuel oil, waste oil and the like). The gaseous component typically comprises air which is entrained with the feed stream to inlet port 14 and may also include gaseous vapours evolved from the non-miscible liquid.
The feed stream may be obtained from free water, such as 20 a pond, a river or other source which is contaminated with a non-miscible liquid. Alternately, the feed stream may be obtained from access wells installed into the subsurface water table.
A vacuum source is connected upstream from outlet port 16 and is in flow communication therewith. The vacuum source may 25 be a vacuum pump or other means for providing a vacuum such as venturi type pumps. As will be appreciated, during operation of separator 12 when separator 12 is in flow communication with collecting tank 20, collecting tank 20 is maintained as a closed system so that the vacuum source may draw the feed stream through inlet 30 port 14 into separator 12. A hose or other attachment (not shown) may be attached to inlet port 14. A nozzle or other liquid pick-up means (not shown) may be affixed to the distal end of the hose and inserted into the subsurface groundwater or other location which requires removal of liquid.
Separator 12 may be any air/liquid separator which operates under vacuum and is preferably a cyclonic separator. As 5 shown in Figure 2, separator 12 is a cyclonic separator having an interior surface 28 which, in cross-section, is cylindrical. Inlet port 14 is positioned such that the feed stream enters cyclonic separator 12 tangentially thereto forcing the liquid component of the feed stream to travel around interior wall 28. Rotation of the liquid components 10 around interior wall 28 causes the liquid components to travel downwardly towards the lower portion of cyclonic separator 12 and, eventually, to outlet port 18 which is positioned therein. The cyclonic action in the separator substantially separates the air and vapour components of the feed stream from the liquid components. The air 15 and any vapour components are drawn upwardly through cyclonic separator 12 and through air outlet port 16 by the vacuum source.
It will be appreciated that any solid components present in the feed stream will be generally entrained with the liquid components and carried downwardly to outlet port 18. An access port 20 (not shown) may be provided in cyclonic separator 12 to permit cleaning of cyclonic separator 12 as may be required, such as to remove built up sediments which may adhere to interior wall 28.
Collecting tank 20 may be of any particular configuration and size to permit collecting tank 20 to collect liquid which is separated 25 from the feed stream in cyclonic separator 12. Collecting tank 20 may be supported on a base 30 having leg supports 32.
As the quantity of liquids which require treatment are generally large, it is preferable to have liquid/air separator 10 mounted so that it may be transported to a site and, also, from one position to 30 another within a particular site. Accordingly, air/liquid separator 10 may be mounted in a trailer, truck, skid or other mobile platform. Base 30 may be the bed of a trailer, truck, skid or other mobile platform or -may be secured to the bed of a trailer, truck, skid or other mobile platform by bolts or other means known in the art.
Transfer pipe 26 extends between outlet port 18 of cyclonic separator 12 and inlet port 22 of collecting tank 20. As shown in Figure 5 1, cyclonic separator 12 is positioned above collecting tank 20 and transfer pipe 26 comprises a relatively short vertical pipe. In operation, the liquid separated from the feed stream flows downwardly by gravity through transfer pipe 26 into collecting tank 20.
Cyclonic separator 12 may be positioned at any location 10 with respect to collecting tank 20 provided that the configuration of transfer pipe 26 does not unduly impede the flow of liquid from cyclonic separator 12 to collecting tank 20. Preferably, collecting tank 20 is positioned directly below cyclonic separator 12 as shown in Figure 1.
A pump or other metering equipment may be associated with transfer 15 pipe 26 to assist in transferring liquid from separator 12 to collecting tank 20.
Valve 34, which is operable between an open position and a closed position, is positioned in transfer pipe 26. When valve 34 is in the open position, liquid may flow through transfer pipe 26 into 20 collecting tank 20. When valve 34 is in the closed position, the flow of liquid through transfer pipe 26 is terminated and the separated liquid then accumulates in the bottom of cyclonic separator 12. Valve 34 may be any valve known in the art. As shown in Figure 1, valve 34 is a pneumatic wafer valve which is operated by air supply 70 (such as a 25 compressor) via air feed line 38.
Discharge line 40 is provided downstream of liquid outlet port 24. Valve 36 is provided in discharge line 40. Valve 36 is operable between an open position, in which liquid collected in collecting tank 20 may be drained from collecting tank 20, and a closed position in 30 which discharge line 40 is closed. While collecting tank 20 fills with liquid, it is operated under vacuum. Valve 36 may be a ball check valve which will remain in the closed position while collecting tank 20 is at sub-atmospheric pressure.
Collecting tank 20 is also provided with an air inlet port 42. When valve 34 is opened, and liquid is draining from cyclonic separator 12 into collecting tank 20, it is desirable to maintain a constant vacuum level in both collecting tank 12 and cyclonic separator 12. Any venting means to equalize the vacuum in collecting tank 12 and cyclonic separator 12 may be used. For example, a vent line may be incorporated as part of transfer pipe 26. Alternately, vent pipe 44, which extends between cyclonic separator 12 and inlet port 42 of collecting tank 20 may be provided. Valve 46, which is operable between a first position in which vent pipe 44 is open and a second position in which vent pipe 44 is closed, may be provided in vent pipe 44. When valve 46 is open, vent pipe 44 comprises an open conduit extending between collecting tank 20 and cyclonic separator 12 to maintain a similar vacuum level in both units. When valve 46 is closed, vent pipe 44 is closed and will not equalize the vacuum in cyclonic separator 12 and collecting tank 20.
In order to assist in draining tank 20, a fluid, preferably air, is provided to collecting tank 20 to neutralize the vacuum therein and to permit the collected liquid to drain therefrom. The air may be provided to collecting tank 20 through an inlet port from any available source. For example, a valve of an inlet port may be opened permitting air to flow into collecting tank 20.
As shown in the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, when valve 46 is moved from a first position in which vent pipe 44 is open, to the second position in which vent pipe 44 is closed, valve 46 may also vent collecting tank 20 to the atmosphere thus permitting air to enter collecting tank 20 so that collecting tank 20 may be drained.
Preferably, pressurized air is used to assist in draining collecting tank 20. Thus, as shown in Figure 1, valve 46 may be a three way valve connected to pressurized air line 48 and three way valve 46 may be operated by means of pneumatic actuator 50 which is connected to pressurized air line 52. Accordingly, after collecting tank 20 has been elevated to atmospheric pressure, three way valve 46 may be moved to its second position and pressurized air may be fed from air supply 70 pressurized via air line 48, through valve 46, through air inlet port 42 into collecting tank 20 to assist in the draining of collecting tank 20. In order to permit three way valve 46 to supply atmospheric air to collecting tank 20, three way valve 46 may be associated with a spring check valve 51 which is positioned in air feed line 48 between air supply 70 and three way valve 46. When three way valve is in the second position, atmospheric air may enter collecting tank 20 through valve 46. When pressurized air is fed to spring check valve 51 via feed line 48, spring check valve 51 is closed to the atmosphere and pressurized air is fed via feed line 48 to collecting tank 20 . It will be appreciated that, in stead of first venting collecting tank 20 to the atmosphere, pressurized air may be fed to collecting tank 20 to relieve the vacuum therein.
As shown in Figure 3, each of lines 38, 48 and 52 may be supplied by a common source of pressurized air. Accordingly, each line 38, 48 and 52 may have an associated valve 53 so that each line may be independently opened and closed.
In order to assist in monitoring the liquid levels i n cyclonic separator 12 and collecting tank 20, sight glasses 60 and 62 may be provided in the walls thereof. In order to assist in the operation of the ~y~lem, switch 64 may be provided in cyclonic separator 12 and switch 66 may be provided in collecting tank 20. Switches 64 and 66 may be connected to a controller 68. Controller 68 may also be connected to air supply 70 which feeds air lines 38, 48 and 52. Switches 64 and 66 may be set at any desired position in cyclonic separator 12 and collecting tank 20 and, via controller 68 and air supply 70, may actuate valves 34 and 46 depending upon the liquid level in cyclonic separator 12 and collecting tank 20.
The operation of air/liquid separator 10 will now be -described. When air/liquid separator 10 commences operation, cyclonic separator 12 and collecting tank 20 are empty. The vacuum source is then actuated, valve 46 is opened to open vent pipe 44 and valve 36 is closed causing the pressure in cyclonic separator 12 and 5 collecting tank 20 to become sub-atmospheric. Valve 36 may be manually moved to this position or, if a check valve is utilized, the sub-atmospheric pressure in collecting tank 20 will cause the check valve to close thus closing collecting tank 20. This permits a feed stream to be drawn through inlet port 14 at a sufficient speed to cause 10 the liquid to rotate around inner wall 28 of cyclonic separator 12 thus separating gaseous elements in the feed stream from the liquid elements in the feed stream. The liquid elements will flow downwardly through cyclonic separator 12, through outlet port 18, through transfer pipe 26, through inlet port 22 into collecting tank 20.
As collecting tank 20 fills with liquid to a predetermined level where switch 66 is positioned, switch 66, which may be a float switch, is actuated. This sends a signal to controller 68 which causes air to be fed via air feed line 38 to valve 34 to move valve 34 to the closed position thereby preventing additional liquid from passing through 20 transfer pipe 26. It will be appreciated that the vacuum source is still operating and accordingly the separated liquid will commence accumulating in the bottom of cyclonic separator 12.
The actuation of switch 66 also causes controller 68 to send a signal causing air to be fed through air feed line 52 to actuator 50 for three way valve 46. When valve 46 is so actuated, vent pipe 44 is closed thus completing the isolation of collecting tank 20 from cyclonic separator 12. At this point, collecting tank 20 is still at sub-atmospheric pressure. At this time, air is drawn through spring check valve 51, through three way valve 46 into collecting tank 20 via air inlet port 42.
30 When collecting tank 20 reaches atmospheric pressure, valve 36 in discharge line 40 opens permitting the accumulated liquid in collecting tank 20 to be discharged. If valve 36 is a ball check valve, it will ._ automatically open once atmospheric pressure is achieved in collecting tank 20. Generally, the accumulated liquid will be sent to further treatment, such as liquid/liquid separation techniques generally known in the art.
After atmospheric pressure is reached in collecting tank 20, pressurized air may be fed via pressurized air line 48 closing spring check valve 51. The pressurized air then travels via pressurized air line 48, through three way valve 46 into collecting tank 20. The pressurized air assists in expediting the drainage of collecting tank 20.
Switch 66 may include a programable delay timer. The timer may be set for a predetermined time which is equivalent to the amount of time required for the liquid to be drained or substantially drained from collecting tank 20. After the predetermined time has expired, switch 66 will therefore send a signal to controller 68.
Alternately, a second level indicator may be incorporated into collecting tank 20 so as to actuate controller 68 when the tank has drained or has substantially drained. Upon such a signal, controller 68 sends a signal to air supply 70 isolating collecting tank 20 from pressurized air line 48, adjusting the position of three way valve 46 so that collecting tank 20 may return to sub-atmospheric pressure and opening valve 34 so that the liquid accumulated in the lower portion of cyclonic separator 12 may drain into collecting tank 20.
Switch 64, which monitors the liquid level in cyclonic separator 12, is also connected to controller 68. If cyclonic separator 62 is filling faster than collecting tank 20 can complete its draining cycle, then switch 64 which may be a float switch, is actuated sending a signal to controller 68 which will send a signal to prevent further liquid from entering cyclonic separator 12. For example, controller 68 may send a signal causing the vacuum source to shut down or may actuate a signal (eg. a siren) to the workers to remove the nozzle from the work surface. Alternately, cyclonic separator 12 may be connected to a second collecting tank 20 (not shown) and on a signal from controller 68, the '_ liquid in cyclonic separator 12 may be drained into such an additional tank.
It will be appreciated that in a normal operation, the system will operate on a continuous basis with a continuous source of 5 vacuum being exerted via inlet port 14. Further, by appropriately sizing cyclonic separator 12 and collecting tank 20, the lower portion of collecting tank 20 may be used as a holding tank to accumulate liquid while collecting tank 20 is drained. The use of the pressurized air line also assists in minimizing the required size of collecting tank 20 and, 10 therefore, the liquid hold up portion of cyclonic separator 12. It will be appreciated that, as this equipment is generally used on a mobile platform, the simplification of the apparatus, and the reduction in its size, is highly advantageous.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that 15 various changes and modifications may be made to the apparatus and they are all within the scope of this invention. In particular, instead of utilizing a three way valve for valve 46, three separate valves, each operable between and open and a closed position, may be utilized, one in vent pipe 44, one in pressurized air line 48 and one connected to 20 inlet port 42 to vent collecting tank 20 to the atmosphere.
Claims (15)
1. A air/liquid separation apparatus comprising:
(a) a cyclonic separator having (i) an inlet port for introducing an air/liquid inlet stream tangentially into said cyclonic separator, (ii) an upper portion, (iii) an air outlet port positioned in said upper portion and adapted to be connected to a vacuum source positioned upstream from said air outlet port for providing fluid suction to said inlet port, (iv) a lower portion, and (v) a liquid outlet port positioned in said lower portion (b) a collecting tank positioned below said cyclonic separator having a liquid inlet port in flow communication with said liquid outlet port of said cyclonic separator via a transfer pipe, a liquid outlet port having an associated valve operable between an open position and a closed position for draining said collecting tank and an air inlet port having an associated valve operable between an open position and a closed position for air entry into said collecting tank as said collecting tank is drained, said transfer pipe having an associated valve operable between an open and a closed position for alternately permitting liquid to flow through said transfer pipe into said collecting tank and isolating said cyclonic separator from said collecting tank; and, (c) a vent pipe extending between said cyclonic separator and said collecting tank to maintain said cyclonic separator and said collecting tank at the same pressure, said vent pipe having an associated valve operable between an open position and a closed position.
(a) a cyclonic separator having (i) an inlet port for introducing an air/liquid inlet stream tangentially into said cyclonic separator, (ii) an upper portion, (iii) an air outlet port positioned in said upper portion and adapted to be connected to a vacuum source positioned upstream from said air outlet port for providing fluid suction to said inlet port, (iv) a lower portion, and (v) a liquid outlet port positioned in said lower portion (b) a collecting tank positioned below said cyclonic separator having a liquid inlet port in flow communication with said liquid outlet port of said cyclonic separator via a transfer pipe, a liquid outlet port having an associated valve operable between an open position and a closed position for draining said collecting tank and an air inlet port having an associated valve operable between an open position and a closed position for air entry into said collecting tank as said collecting tank is drained, said transfer pipe having an associated valve operable between an open and a closed position for alternately permitting liquid to flow through said transfer pipe into said collecting tank and isolating said cyclonic separator from said collecting tank; and, (c) a vent pipe extending between said cyclonic separator and said collecting tank to maintain said cyclonic separator and said collecting tank at the same pressure, said vent pipe having an associated valve operable between an open position and a closed position.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said air inlet port of said collecting tank is operable to be in flow communication with a source of pressurized air.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said lower portion of said cyclone separator is sized to collect liquid separated from the inlet stream when said associated valve of said transfer pipe is closed and said collecting tank is drained.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a controller operably connected to said valves associated with said transfer pipe, said vent pipe and said air inlet port of said collecting tank for closing said valve associated with said transfer pipe to stop the liquid flowing into said collecting tank and for closing said valve associated with said vent pipe to isolate said collecting tank from said vacuum source and for opening said air inlet port to vent said collecting tank to atmospheric pressure and for alternately effecting the reverse operations.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said valve associated with said liquid outlet port of said collecting tank is in said closed position when said collecting tank is in communication with said source of vacuum and automatically moves to the open position to drain said collecting tank when the pressure in said collecting tank is raised to atmospheric pressure.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said vent pipe is in flow communication with said collecting tank via said air inlet port and said valves associated with said vent pipe and said air inlet port comprise a three way valve.
7. An air/liquid separation apparatus comprising:
(a) an air/liquid separator having an inlet port, an upper portion, an air outlet port positioned in said upper portion, a lower portion and a liquid outlet port positioned in said lower portion;
(b) said air outlet port adapted to be connected to a vacuum source positioned upstream from said air outlet port for providing fluid suction to said inlet port;
(c) a collecting tank having a liquid inlet port in flow communication with said liquid outlet port of said separator via a transfer pipe, a liquid outlet port and an air inlet port, said transfer pipe having an associated valve operable between an open and a closed position for alternately permitting liquid to flow through said transfer pipe into said collecting tank and isolating said separator from said collecting tank;
(d) a vent pipe extending between said separator and said collecting tank to equalize the pressure in said separator and in said collecting tank, said vent pipe having an associated valve for isolating said separator from said collecting tank.
(a) an air/liquid separator having an inlet port, an upper portion, an air outlet port positioned in said upper portion, a lower portion and a liquid outlet port positioned in said lower portion;
(b) said air outlet port adapted to be connected to a vacuum source positioned upstream from said air outlet port for providing fluid suction to said inlet port;
(c) a collecting tank having a liquid inlet port in flow communication with said liquid outlet port of said separator via a transfer pipe, a liquid outlet port and an air inlet port, said transfer pipe having an associated valve operable between an open and a closed position for alternately permitting liquid to flow through said transfer pipe into said collecting tank and isolating said separator from said collecting tank;
(d) a vent pipe extending between said separator and said collecting tank to equalize the pressure in said separator and in said collecting tank, said vent pipe having an associated valve for isolating said separator from said collecting tank.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said air inlet port of said collecting tank is operable to be in flow communication with a source of pressurized air.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said lower portion of said cyclone separator is sized to collect liquid separated from the inlet stream when said associated valve of said transfer pipe is closed and said collecting tank is drained.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9 further comprising a controller operably connected to said valves associated with said transfer pipe, said vent pipe and said air inlet port of said collecting tank for closing said valve associated with said transfer pipe to stop the liquid flowing into said collecting tank, for closing said valve associated with said vent pipe to isolate said collecting tank from said vacuum source and for opening said air inlet port to vent said collecting tank to atmospheric pressure, and for alternately effecting the reverse operations.
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said valve associated with said liquid outlet port of said collecting tank is in said closed position when said collecting tank is in communication with said source of vacuum and automatically moves to the open position to drain said collecting tank when the pressure in said collecting tank is raised to at least atmospheric pressure.
12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein said vent pipe is in flow communication with said collecting tank via said air inlet port and said valves associated with said vent pipe and said air inlet port comprise a three way valve.
13. A method of separating an air/liquid feed stream into a liquid stream and an air stream comprising the steps of:
(a) introducing said feed stream into a separator having an inlet port, an upper portion, an air outlet port positioned in said upper portion and connected to a vacuum source positioned upstream from said air outlet port for providing fluid suction to said inlet port, a lower portion and a liquid outlet port positioned in said lower portion, said liquid outlet port being in flow communication with a collecting tank via a transfer pipe, said collecting tank having a liquid outlet port and an air inlet port, said transfer pipe, said liquid outlet port and an air inlet port having associated valves operable between an open and a closed position, the pressure in said separator and said collecting tank being equalized by a vent pipe extending between said separator and said collecting tank, said vent pipe having an associated valve for isolating said separator from said collecting tank;
(b) closing said valve associated with said transfer pipe when said collecting tank is full whereby the flow of liquid through said transfer pipe is stopped and the liquid separated from the feed stream is collected in said lower portion of said separator;
(c) closing said valve associated with said vent pipe to isolate said collecting tank from said vacuum source and opening said air inlet port to permit air to enter said collecting tank;
(d) opening said valve associated with said liquid outlet port of said collecting tank to permit said collecting tank to be drained;
(e) closing said valves associated with said liquid outlet port of said collecting tank and said air inlet port when said collecting tank has been drained, and opening said valve associated with said vent pipe and then opening said valve associated with said transfer pipe to drain the liquid which has accumulated in said lower portion of said separator to flow into said collecting tank.
(a) introducing said feed stream into a separator having an inlet port, an upper portion, an air outlet port positioned in said upper portion and connected to a vacuum source positioned upstream from said air outlet port for providing fluid suction to said inlet port, a lower portion and a liquid outlet port positioned in said lower portion, said liquid outlet port being in flow communication with a collecting tank via a transfer pipe, said collecting tank having a liquid outlet port and an air inlet port, said transfer pipe, said liquid outlet port and an air inlet port having associated valves operable between an open and a closed position, the pressure in said separator and said collecting tank being equalized by a vent pipe extending between said separator and said collecting tank, said vent pipe having an associated valve for isolating said separator from said collecting tank;
(b) closing said valve associated with said transfer pipe when said collecting tank is full whereby the flow of liquid through said transfer pipe is stopped and the liquid separated from the feed stream is collected in said lower portion of said separator;
(c) closing said valve associated with said vent pipe to isolate said collecting tank from said vacuum source and opening said air inlet port to permit air to enter said collecting tank;
(d) opening said valve associated with said liquid outlet port of said collecting tank to permit said collecting tank to be drained;
(e) closing said valves associated with said liquid outlet port of said collecting tank and said air inlet port when said collecting tank has been drained, and opening said valve associated with said vent pipe and then opening said valve associated with said transfer pipe to drain the liquid which has accumulated in said lower portion of said separator to flow into said collecting tank.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13 wherein said air inlet port of said collecting tank is operable to be in flow communication with a source of pressurized air and said method further comprises the steps of connecting said air inlet port to said source of pressurized air subsequent to step (d) of claim 13 and, once said collecting tank has drained, isolating said air inlet port from said source of pressurized air.
15. The method as claimed in claim 13 wherein said lower portion is sized to collect liquid separated from the inlet stream when said associated valve of said transfer pipe is closed and said collecting tank is drained and steps (b) - (e) are repeated as said collecting tank fills so that said apparatus operates continuously.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002192138A CA2192138A1 (en) | 1996-12-05 | 1996-12-05 | Pre-treatment air/liquid separation apparatus for fluid streams and method of using same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002192138A CA2192138A1 (en) | 1996-12-05 | 1996-12-05 | Pre-treatment air/liquid separation apparatus for fluid streams and method of using same |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2192138A1 true CA2192138A1 (en) | 1998-06-05 |
Family
ID=4159386
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002192138A Abandoned CA2192138A1 (en) | 1996-12-05 | 1996-12-05 | Pre-treatment air/liquid separation apparatus for fluid streams and method of using same |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2192138A1 (en) |
-
1996
- 1996-12-05 CA CA002192138A patent/CA2192138A1/en not_active Abandoned
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