CA2236354C - Apparatus for separating a light from a heavy fluid - Google Patents
Apparatus for separating a light from a heavy fluid Download PDFInfo
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- CA2236354C CA2236354C CA002236354A CA2236354A CA2236354C CA 2236354 C CA2236354 C CA 2236354C CA 002236354 A CA002236354 A CA 002236354A CA 2236354 A CA2236354 A CA 2236354A CA 2236354 C CA2236354 C CA 2236354C
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- fluid
- inlet
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- conduit
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D17/00—Separation of liquids, not provided for elsewhere, e.g. by thermal diffusion
- B01D17/02—Separation of non-miscible liquids
- B01D17/0208—Separation of non-miscible liquids by sedimentation
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03F—SEWERS; CESSPOOLS
- E03F5/00—Sewerage structures
- E03F5/14—Devices for separating liquid or solid substances from sewage, e.g. sand or sludge traps, rakes or grates
- E03F5/16—Devices for separating oil, water or grease from sewage in drains leading to the main sewer
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Removal Of Floating Material (AREA)
- Separation By Low-Temperature Treatments (AREA)
Abstract
The oil is separated from the rainwater that runs off a parking lot or off t he pavement of a filling station. An inlet tank (12) receives the runoff water. When the water is entering that tank at a very low rate, t he surface water and/or oil in the inlet tank drains to a main separation tank (21) where the oil floats on clean water. That clean water i s fed to an outlet conduit (l8) that feeds unpolluted water to the city sewer or to a river. When the inlet flow increases to an intermediate rate, a pipe of inverted L-shape (14) feeds clean water from the inlet tank (12) to the outlet conduit (18). When the inlet fluid has a very large flow rate, as might occur during a heavy downpour of rain, the fluid level in the inlet tank (12) rises to a level at which there is a direct overflow into the outlet conduit (18).
Description
APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING A
LIGHT FROM A HEAVY FLUID
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to separating a heavy fluid such as water from a lighter fluid such as oil.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Some local laws require the owners of filling stations, parking lots, etc. to remove the oil from the runoff water that drains from the premises. Oil enters said runoff water since automobiles often leak oil. Moreover, there may be spillage from a tanker truck. Such oil, if not removed from the runoff water, will pollute the river or other place which receives the runoff water.
Apparatus for removing oil from runoff water is available but the only commercial devices for removing oil from runoff water requires all of the parts to be shipped from the factory. See, for example, U.S. Patent 4,985,148 granted January 15, 1991 to Monteith. It is desirable to provide a system that can be fabricated and built by local contractors using locally available parts to the extent possible.
It is also desirable to provide apparatus for removing oil from runoff water that is more effective than the equipment now available. This improved effectiveness, in the present invention, involves improvements in systems that have two tanks.
The prior art includes a number of patents wherein two tanks are used in processing water that is laden with oil. Such U.S.
Patents include:
Kuntzer 1,778,326 Sorg 2,820,550 Fontaine 3,258,123 Russell et al. 5,122,280 Guthy 5,196,123 Schweizer et al. 5,246,592 Greene 5,433,845 Monteith 5,498,331, and British Patent document 2,127,319, Cochrane None of these patents, however, solve the problem of handling the various problems involved in removing oil from runoff water. One of these problems involves the large variations in the rate of flow of the water. The rate of flow may be very low in the case of a very light rain and may be a very high rate as would be involved during a heavy thunderstorm.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The runoff water enters an inlet tank where oil floats on fairly clean water. When water enters the inlet tank at a low rate, the surface of the liquid in the inlet tank is fed to a main separation tank where again the oil floats and is thereby separated from the water.
Clean (below surface) water from the main separation tank is fed to an outlet conduit which delivers the clean water to a city sewer, river or the like.
If the runoff stream has an intermediate rate of flow, clean (below surface) water is fed from inlet tank directly to the outlet conduit. This path for the water is in addition to flow along the path described in the immediately preceding paragraph.
When the runoff water enters the inlet tank at a very high rate, for example during a thunderstorm, there is a third path for the water that is in addition to the two paths previously described. The runoff water takes this third path when the flow rate causes the inlet tank to fill to a given high level. The outlet conduit is fed directly by the inlet tank when the fluid in the inlet tank reaches the aforesaid high level.
Most, if not all, of the oil on the pavement of the filling station or parking lot is generally removed from the pavement, and separated from the water in said main separation tank, before the inlet tank is filled to said high level at which the inlet tank directly feeds said outlet conduit.
The present invention is more effective than any other system for cleaning runoff water.
In the preferred form of the invention, a small enclosure, mounted in the outlet conduit, receives the surface fluid of the inlet tank under normal conditions of a low intake flow rate. The fluid in said enclosure drains to said main separation tank. Under intermediate rates of fluid flow into the inlet tank, a further flow path through a pipe of inverted L-shape delivers clean water from the inlet tank directly to the outlet conduit. During very high rates of flow of the intake fluid, the fluid in the intake tank overflows said enclosure and passes directly to the outlet conduit. Clean water from the main separation tank is fed to the outlet conduit.
In one modified form of the invention, said enclosure is omitted. During periods of a low intake flow rate, surface fluid in the intake tank flows directly through a side wall of that tank to the pipe that feeds the main separation tank. An inverted L-shaped pipe feeds clean water from the inlet tank to the outlet conduit when the intake fluid has an intermediate flow rate. At high rates of intake flow, the fluid in the intake tank builds up in height until it overflows into the outlet conduit.
A further improvement is achieved if a baffle is mounted in the inlet tank in front of the opening into the outlet conduit. This baffle prevents oil from entering the outlet conduit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view through the middle of a first embodiment of my invention.
Figure 2 is a sectional view along line 2-2 of Figure 1.
1.
1.
1.
Figure 3 is a sectional view along line 3-3 of Figure Figure 4 is a sectional view along line 4-4 of Figure Figure 5 is a sectional view along line 5-5 of Figure Figure 6 is a top view of the embodiment of Figure 2.
Figure 7 is a schematic view of a first modified form of the invention.
Figure 8 is a top view of the modified form of Figure '7.
LIGHT FROM A HEAVY FLUID
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to separating a heavy fluid such as water from a lighter fluid such as oil.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Some local laws require the owners of filling stations, parking lots, etc. to remove the oil from the runoff water that drains from the premises. Oil enters said runoff water since automobiles often leak oil. Moreover, there may be spillage from a tanker truck. Such oil, if not removed from the runoff water, will pollute the river or other place which receives the runoff water.
Apparatus for removing oil from runoff water is available but the only commercial devices for removing oil from runoff water requires all of the parts to be shipped from the factory. See, for example, U.S. Patent 4,985,148 granted January 15, 1991 to Monteith. It is desirable to provide a system that can be fabricated and built by local contractors using locally available parts to the extent possible.
It is also desirable to provide apparatus for removing oil from runoff water that is more effective than the equipment now available. This improved effectiveness, in the present invention, involves improvements in systems that have two tanks.
The prior art includes a number of patents wherein two tanks are used in processing water that is laden with oil. Such U.S.
Patents include:
Kuntzer 1,778,326 Sorg 2,820,550 Fontaine 3,258,123 Russell et al. 5,122,280 Guthy 5,196,123 Schweizer et al. 5,246,592 Greene 5,433,845 Monteith 5,498,331, and British Patent document 2,127,319, Cochrane None of these patents, however, solve the problem of handling the various problems involved in removing oil from runoff water. One of these problems involves the large variations in the rate of flow of the water. The rate of flow may be very low in the case of a very light rain and may be a very high rate as would be involved during a heavy thunderstorm.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The runoff water enters an inlet tank where oil floats on fairly clean water. When water enters the inlet tank at a low rate, the surface of the liquid in the inlet tank is fed to a main separation tank where again the oil floats and is thereby separated from the water.
Clean (below surface) water from the main separation tank is fed to an outlet conduit which delivers the clean water to a city sewer, river or the like.
If the runoff stream has an intermediate rate of flow, clean (below surface) water is fed from inlet tank directly to the outlet conduit. This path for the water is in addition to flow along the path described in the immediately preceding paragraph.
When the runoff water enters the inlet tank at a very high rate, for example during a thunderstorm, there is a third path for the water that is in addition to the two paths previously described. The runoff water takes this third path when the flow rate causes the inlet tank to fill to a given high level. The outlet conduit is fed directly by the inlet tank when the fluid in the inlet tank reaches the aforesaid high level.
Most, if not all, of the oil on the pavement of the filling station or parking lot is generally removed from the pavement, and separated from the water in said main separation tank, before the inlet tank is filled to said high level at which the inlet tank directly feeds said outlet conduit.
The present invention is more effective than any other system for cleaning runoff water.
In the preferred form of the invention, a small enclosure, mounted in the outlet conduit, receives the surface fluid of the inlet tank under normal conditions of a low intake flow rate. The fluid in said enclosure drains to said main separation tank. Under intermediate rates of fluid flow into the inlet tank, a further flow path through a pipe of inverted L-shape delivers clean water from the inlet tank directly to the outlet conduit. During very high rates of flow of the intake fluid, the fluid in the intake tank overflows said enclosure and passes directly to the outlet conduit. Clean water from the main separation tank is fed to the outlet conduit.
In one modified form of the invention, said enclosure is omitted. During periods of a low intake flow rate, surface fluid in the intake tank flows directly through a side wall of that tank to the pipe that feeds the main separation tank. An inverted L-shaped pipe feeds clean water from the inlet tank to the outlet conduit when the intake fluid has an intermediate flow rate. At high rates of intake flow, the fluid in the intake tank builds up in height until it overflows into the outlet conduit.
A further improvement is achieved if a baffle is mounted in the inlet tank in front of the opening into the outlet conduit. This baffle prevents oil from entering the outlet conduit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view through the middle of a first embodiment of my invention.
Figure 2 is a sectional view along line 2-2 of Figure 1.
1.
1.
1.
Figure 3 is a sectional view along line 3-3 of Figure Figure 4 is a sectional view along line 4-4 of Figure Figure 5 is a sectional view along line 5-5 of Figure Figure 6 is a top view of the embodiment of Figure 2.
Figure 7 is a schematic view of a first modified form of the invention.
Figure 8 is a top view of the modified form of Figure '7.
Figure 9 is a detailed view of certain parts of the modified form of Figure 7.
Figure 10 is a detailed view of a portion of the outlet conduit 58 of Figure 7.
Figure 11 is a schematic view of a second modified form of the invention.
Figure 12 is a top view of said second modified form of Figure 11.
Figure 13 shows a modified form of the inlet pipe that may be used with the invention.
Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of another modified form of the invention.
Figure 15 is a cut-away view along line 15-15 of Figure 14.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
In the preferred form of Figure 1, the inlet tank 12 or inlet chamber 12 is a drop manhole underground and has an inlet pipe 11 or inlet chamber 11. The inlet pipe 11 is fed by the rainwater runoff from parking lots for example. This runoff may include oil that was left on the parking lot by automobiles. The runoff may vary from a small amount that has a very low rate of flow to a very high rate of flow. The low rate of flow may be the result of a person washing the lot with a hose or from a light rain. The very high rate of flow may be the result of a heavy downpour such as might occur during a thunderstorm. The inlet tank 12 and the main separation tank 21 or settling chamber 21 are preferably of round cross-section and are drop manholes with their upper-ends closed by manhole covers (not shown). The rainwater runoff enters the inlet tank 12 through inlet pipe 11 and fills the tank 12 until there is overflow at weir 13.
Surface water is skimmed by weir 13.
The outlet conduit 18 or outlet chamber 18 extends from the inlet tank 12 to a suitable place for disposing of clean water. There are at least two inputs to the outlet conduit 18, which may be referred to as the first and second inputs, respectively.
When water overflows the weir 13, it builds up in 5 enclosure 28, passes into pipe 20 or first passageway 20 and builds up in main separation tank 21. Any oil in the runoff water floats on the water in inlet tank 12 and also floats on the water in the main separation tank 21. When the fluid in tank 21 builds up to a level higher than the outlet (top) end of pipe 122 or second passageway 122 or return passageway 112 the clean water from the lower part of the main separation tank 21 flows via pipe 122 to outlet conduit 18. Pipe 122 may be referred to as the first input of the outlet conduit 18.
When the rate of flow of the runoff water passing through inlet 11 increases to an intermediate rate of flow, substantially clean water from inlet tank 12 passes upward through the vertical portions of the two pipes 14, then enters the horizontal portions of those pipes and discharges into outlet conduit 18 directly. Such discharge takes place downstream of the enclosure 28 since the horizontal portions of pipes 14 pass completely through the enclosure 28.
At a still higher rate of intake flow the so-called second input of the outlet conduit 18 is active as the level of the liquid in tank 12 increases until there is a direct flow path along the upper surface of the body of fluid in inlet tank 12 from inlet 11 to the outlet conduit 18. This flow path is through the space above the roof 25 of enclosure 28 and extends from the inlet tank 12 to that part of the outlet conduit 18 which is downstream of the enclosure 28. In that situation the enclosure 28 and roof 25 (see Figs. 1-4) act as a weir, allowing high volume flow to flow out the second input to the outlet conduit 18 only when tank 12 is filled above the level of roof 25. A separating wall 26 separates the enclosure 28 from the outlet conduit 18.
The operation of the system of Figure 1 during different rates of flow of the inlet stream will now be described. If rain falls at a very low rate, the inlet flow rate, in pipe 11, is slow. The inlet tank may have water and oil in it from a previous rain or it may begin to fill from the present rain. In either case the inlet tank fills until it begins to overflow the lowest part 24 of the U-shaped opening 22-24-22 of weir 13. The width of the U-shaped weir increases as the height of the weir increases. Weir 13 skims the surface fluid and allows it to partially fill enclosure 28 then drain via pipe 20 to the main separation tank 21. The tank 21 fills until the fluid level in pipe 122 rises to the invert of outlet conduit 18. Since the conditions in tank 21 are very calm the oil floats on the water in this tank. Thus, the fluid fed from tank 21 via pipe 122 to outlet conduit 18 is clear water.
The water level in enclosure 28 must be higher than the outlet end of pipe 122 in order to have flow from the main separation tank 21 to outlet conduit 18. This result is achieved in Figure 1 by the weir 13 which holds water in enclosure 28 when pipe 20 is full.
If now or at any later time the flow rate at the inlet pipe 11 increases to what may be called an intermediate flow rate, water in the two pipes 14 will pass clean (below surface) water from inlet tank 12 directly to outlet conduit 18, as previously explained.
If then, or later, the rate of flow in inlet pipe 11 increases to a very high rate, as during a heavy thunderstorm, the fluid in inlet tank 12 will rise rapidly and overflow the enclosure 28, passing above roof 25, and enter the outlet conduit 18.
It is noted that during the very high rate of flow, just described, fluid is still passing over weir 13 into enclosure 28 and via pipe 20 to the main separation tank 21, and from there via pipe 122 to outlet conduit 18. Moreover, during such very high rate of flow, water is still flowing through pipes 14 to the outlet conduit 18.
Similarly, during the intermediate rate of flow, water is flowing not only through pipes 14, but also over weir 13, through enclosure 28 to main separation tank 21, and via pipe 122 to the outlet 18.
While a very large flow of water through the outlet conduit 18 may cause a small Bernoulli effect upon the water in the main separation tank 12 and the pipe 122, the oil that is floating on the water in the main separation tank 12 will remain in place and substantially unaffected by the very large flow in outlet conduit 18. Even if the outlet conduit became partially or totally blocked, the oil that floats on the water in the main separation tank will remain in tank 12 and separated from the water therein irrespective of the amount of water received at inlet 11.
Figures 7 to 10 illustrate a first modified form of the invention. This modified form will now be described.
Water contaminated with oil enters the drop manhole 52, also sometimes hereinafter referred to as an inlet tank, through an orifice 51. In the drop manhole 52, the oil will float on the water. Solids will settle to the bottom of the drop manhole 52.
As the drop manhole 52 fills with liquid, the oil (surface liquid) will rise to the surface. The surface elevation is controlled by a device such as the top surface 57 of pipe 54.
The device must be such that it controls the surface elevation of the liquid such that it is higher than the ultimate outfall height to allow for the separation process to occur. As the liquid level rises it will first flow into a surface skimming outlet port 55 which is connected to a pipe 510 which allows the surface skimmed material (oil) to flow into the oil collection manhole 511. This manhole 511 is hereafter sometimes referred to as a main separation tank. In this manhole, the oil will float on the surface. As additional oil flows into the oil collection manhole 511 it will displace water because the oil will float to the surface and the outlet of the manhole to pipe 512 is at a below surface elevation. Keeping the invert elevation of the outlet pipe 512 below that of the inlet pipe 510 is ideal. The outlet pipe 512 will then carry treated water (oil removed) to an orifice in the bottom of the clean water outlet conduit 58. This will be cleaned flow with sediment settled to the bottom of both manholes 52 and 511 and the oil removed and trapped in the oil collection manhole 511.
During relatively high flow volumes, rainwater enters the drop manhole 52, and flows through the skimming outlet port 55. The height of the fluid continues to rise in elevation until it reaches the height of the elbow in the clean bypass pipe 54.
This pipe extends through dam 53. As the liquid level rises above the invert of the elbow of the clean bypass pipe 54, clean water will be forced through the pipe 54. Since the oil will be at or near the surface, and the entrance point of the liquid into the clean bypass pipe 54 is significantly below this, below surface (clean) water will enter the lower open end of the pipe 54 and the gravity, acting on the surface, will force the water up through the clean water bypass pipe 54 through the elbow in the clean bypass pipe 54 and through dam 53 to the clean water outlet 58 as "cleaned" bypass flow. Meanwhile the surface liquids will continuously be treated by the process described in the paragraph above.
During an extreme flow situation (such as a thunderstorm), the system must continue to flow, and the height of the liquid in the drop manhole 52 rises to the elevation higher than the top 57 of the clean bypass pipe 54 and dam 53.
The top 57 of the clean bypass pipe 54 will then act as a weir together with the elevation control dam 53 such that when the flow is so great that separation can no longer occur, the entire system goes into an untreated bypass mode so as not to cause any backup in the system during this severe storm event. At this point the surface flow will no longer be treated and will flow over the top 57 of the dam 53 and bypass pipe 54 directly to the clean water outlet 58. Flow will continue through the separation system but it will no longer be surface flow so the primary function of the system will cease. However, all previously separated liquid will remain contained in the collection manhole 511 until it is removed by pumping.
The elevation of the dam 53 determines the elevation of the liquid in the collection manhole 511 by the simple laws of gravity, since they are connected and vented. As the liquid in inlet tank 52 exceeds the elevation of the top 57 of dam 53 and the bypass elbow pipe 54, it will flow directly and untreated from the drop manhole 52 through to the clean water outlet 58.
The storage capacity of the collection manhole 511 can be increased by inserting a pipe into the collection manhole 511 with an invert higher than the incoming pipe 510 but such that the top of the calculated volume being no higher than the elevation of the crest height of dam 53. The pipe will have a bulkhead on the end with the length being determined by the volume of containment needed.
The system should be cleaned by pumping the collection manhole 511 and the invert of the drop manhole 52 as often as conditions require.
Should the likelihood exist for other deleterious floating particles to cause a blockage in the system, a screen can be inserted over the surface skimming outlet port 55 such that the deleterious material is kept in the drop manhole 52 and out of the oil collection/separation system.
Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a modified form of the invention. In those figures inlet pipe 61 feeds a runoff of ram water and oil to inlet tank (or drop manhole) 62. The inlet tank 62 has a weir 63 at the connection between outlet conduit 68 and inlet tank 62. An open baffle 64 protects the inlet of the output conduit 68 from a large input flow from pipe 61, and avoids disturbing the water that is about to enter the outlet conduit 68. The baffle 64 forms a semi-cylindrical sheet around the inlet of the outlet conduit 68. All side edges of the baffle 64 may be sealed to the inside wall of the inlet tank 62 to prevent leakage. The top and bottom ends of the baffle 64 are open, so that water can flow both over and under baffle 64 on its way to outlet conduit 68. The open end at the bottom of the baffle, is well below the level of any surface oil. Since the oil floats on the water, oil cannot move low enough in tank 62 so as to enter the open bottom of the baffle 64. Thus, in the absence of a high rate of flow of the incoming water, even if the outlet 65 becomes clogged, oil will not enter outlet conduit 68 but will build up in inlet tank 62 until that tank is cleaned.
Pipe 610 receives fluid from opening 65 and delivers it to a low 5 level of the main separation tank 611. Further, pipe 612 delivers water from a low level of tank 611 to outlet conduit 68.
The top of weir 63 and the lowermost part of opening 65 are at a higher level than the output end of pipe 612.
When the stream of water entering inlet pipe 61 10 increases to an intermediate rate of flow, the water will rise to the elevation of the top of weir 63. Then the baffle 64 will cause below surface water (without oil) to be forced by gravity under baffle 64 and over weir 63 to the outlet conduit 68.
Then if there is a heavy flow of liquid such as during a thunderstorm, the liquid will rise in manhole 62 so that it crests at a level higher than the baffle 64 and flows directly to conduit 68 as untreated bypass flow. Meanwhile, the two previously said flows continue and all oil collected in the storage or collection manhole 611 remains there until removed under maintenance by pumping.
When the runoff stream that enters pipe 61 has a very low rate of flow the fluid level in tank 62 rises until it overflows into opening 65 that is in the sidewall of tank 62.
This overflow passes to tank 611 and raises the fluid level in that tank until clean water from the lower half of tank 611 passes through pipe 612 to the output conduit 68.
When the stream of water entering inlet pipe 61 has a high rate of flow the events described in the immediately preceding paragraph also happen. In addition, water in tank 62 rises rapidly and overflows weir 63 and directly enters output conduit 68 without passing through tank 611, Another form of the invention is carried out if the inlet tank 12 (Fig. 1) is omitted and inlet pipe 11 connected directly to the inlet end of outlet conduit 18. The enclosure 28, the weir 13 and pipes 20 and 22 remain but pipes 24 are omitted. In this form of the invention runoff water entering at a relatively low rate builds up and flows over weir 13 and into enclosure 28. From there the water flows via pipe 20 to the main separation tank 21. When the fluid in tank 21 rises above the level of outlet conduit 18, water flows via pipe 22 from tank 21 to the outlet conduit 18. If the runoff water enters at a very high rate it soon overflows enclosure 28 and passes over roof 25 directly to outlet conduit 18.
Except for the enclosure 28 (Fig. 1) and the parts associated with that enclosure, all of the separate components of the invention can be constructed with widely available construction materials, using well known construction techniques.
Thus, the various parts, individually, of the invention can readily be fabricated by local contractors using locally available materials, except as noted above.
My invention is shown and described as a device for separating oil from rainwater. At least some forms of the invention may have other applications where it is desirable to separate fluids of different densities.
As previously explained, the oil remains in the main separation tank. In all forms of the invention the oil may be easily removed from that tank by removing the manhole cover over that tank and pumping the oil from the surface of the tank.
Moreover, all forms of my invention may be easily cleaned from time to time. To clean the system, the manhole covers are removed, and the fluid in the tanks pumped out. The cleaning personnel will then have access to the tanks.
Figure 13 shows a modified form for collecting the water and oil and delivering them to the main separation tank 21 when the input flow is at a very low rate. Here, the very slow input flow falls into stub 11a and drains into pipe 11b which in turn feeds the main separation tank 21. This form of feeding tank 21 may be in addition to, or in place of, the enclosure 28 and the pipe 20. A further modification involves feeding the inlet (runoff) water into the open top of the inlet tank.
Figure 14 shows a further modified form of the invention. The inlet tank 72 receives runoff water (that may contain oil) through inlet pipe 71. At very low rates of input flow, water drains through elliptical opening 75 to pipe 722 to main separation tank 711. Fluid in tank 72 passes through opening 75 in the sidewall of tank 72. The lower end of opening 75 is located at a lower level than the upper outlet opening in conduit 74, and the inlet opening into outlet conduit 78 is at a higher level than the outlet of conduit 74. Clean water from tank 711 passes upward through pipe 70 to outlet pipe 78. The upper end of pipe 70 must be lower than the lower end of opening 75. then there is an intermediate rate of flow entering pipe 71, the water builds up in conduit 74 until it overflows into outlet conduit 78. Unlike the pipes 14 in Figure 1, the conduit 74 completely blocks the lower part of the inlet opening to outlet conduit 78 (as shown in Figure 15) so that until the water builds up in tank 72 to a level of the top of conduit 74, no water can flow directly into outlet conduit 78 from the interior of tank 72.
Finally, when there is a very high rate of flow into tank 72 the main body of the water entering in tank 72 overflows the top of conduit 74 and passes directly into outlet conduit 78.
The outlet conduit 78 has the shape shown in Figure 14.
The word "manhole" is hereby defined as a hole in the ground for holding a liquid. The hole may be lined with a wall, or have a tank in it, so that it will hold the liquid without leakage.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The invention is applicable where it is desired to separate fluids of different densities, and more particularly to cases where runoff water is to be separated from any oil carried off by the runoff water.
Figure 10 is a detailed view of a portion of the outlet conduit 58 of Figure 7.
Figure 11 is a schematic view of a second modified form of the invention.
Figure 12 is a top view of said second modified form of Figure 11.
Figure 13 shows a modified form of the inlet pipe that may be used with the invention.
Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of another modified form of the invention.
Figure 15 is a cut-away view along line 15-15 of Figure 14.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
In the preferred form of Figure 1, the inlet tank 12 or inlet chamber 12 is a drop manhole underground and has an inlet pipe 11 or inlet chamber 11. The inlet pipe 11 is fed by the rainwater runoff from parking lots for example. This runoff may include oil that was left on the parking lot by automobiles. The runoff may vary from a small amount that has a very low rate of flow to a very high rate of flow. The low rate of flow may be the result of a person washing the lot with a hose or from a light rain. The very high rate of flow may be the result of a heavy downpour such as might occur during a thunderstorm. The inlet tank 12 and the main separation tank 21 or settling chamber 21 are preferably of round cross-section and are drop manholes with their upper-ends closed by manhole covers (not shown). The rainwater runoff enters the inlet tank 12 through inlet pipe 11 and fills the tank 12 until there is overflow at weir 13.
Surface water is skimmed by weir 13.
The outlet conduit 18 or outlet chamber 18 extends from the inlet tank 12 to a suitable place for disposing of clean water. There are at least two inputs to the outlet conduit 18, which may be referred to as the first and second inputs, respectively.
When water overflows the weir 13, it builds up in 5 enclosure 28, passes into pipe 20 or first passageway 20 and builds up in main separation tank 21. Any oil in the runoff water floats on the water in inlet tank 12 and also floats on the water in the main separation tank 21. When the fluid in tank 21 builds up to a level higher than the outlet (top) end of pipe 122 or second passageway 122 or return passageway 112 the clean water from the lower part of the main separation tank 21 flows via pipe 122 to outlet conduit 18. Pipe 122 may be referred to as the first input of the outlet conduit 18.
When the rate of flow of the runoff water passing through inlet 11 increases to an intermediate rate of flow, substantially clean water from inlet tank 12 passes upward through the vertical portions of the two pipes 14, then enters the horizontal portions of those pipes and discharges into outlet conduit 18 directly. Such discharge takes place downstream of the enclosure 28 since the horizontal portions of pipes 14 pass completely through the enclosure 28.
At a still higher rate of intake flow the so-called second input of the outlet conduit 18 is active as the level of the liquid in tank 12 increases until there is a direct flow path along the upper surface of the body of fluid in inlet tank 12 from inlet 11 to the outlet conduit 18. This flow path is through the space above the roof 25 of enclosure 28 and extends from the inlet tank 12 to that part of the outlet conduit 18 which is downstream of the enclosure 28. In that situation the enclosure 28 and roof 25 (see Figs. 1-4) act as a weir, allowing high volume flow to flow out the second input to the outlet conduit 18 only when tank 12 is filled above the level of roof 25. A separating wall 26 separates the enclosure 28 from the outlet conduit 18.
The operation of the system of Figure 1 during different rates of flow of the inlet stream will now be described. If rain falls at a very low rate, the inlet flow rate, in pipe 11, is slow. The inlet tank may have water and oil in it from a previous rain or it may begin to fill from the present rain. In either case the inlet tank fills until it begins to overflow the lowest part 24 of the U-shaped opening 22-24-22 of weir 13. The width of the U-shaped weir increases as the height of the weir increases. Weir 13 skims the surface fluid and allows it to partially fill enclosure 28 then drain via pipe 20 to the main separation tank 21. The tank 21 fills until the fluid level in pipe 122 rises to the invert of outlet conduit 18. Since the conditions in tank 21 are very calm the oil floats on the water in this tank. Thus, the fluid fed from tank 21 via pipe 122 to outlet conduit 18 is clear water.
The water level in enclosure 28 must be higher than the outlet end of pipe 122 in order to have flow from the main separation tank 21 to outlet conduit 18. This result is achieved in Figure 1 by the weir 13 which holds water in enclosure 28 when pipe 20 is full.
If now or at any later time the flow rate at the inlet pipe 11 increases to what may be called an intermediate flow rate, water in the two pipes 14 will pass clean (below surface) water from inlet tank 12 directly to outlet conduit 18, as previously explained.
If then, or later, the rate of flow in inlet pipe 11 increases to a very high rate, as during a heavy thunderstorm, the fluid in inlet tank 12 will rise rapidly and overflow the enclosure 28, passing above roof 25, and enter the outlet conduit 18.
It is noted that during the very high rate of flow, just described, fluid is still passing over weir 13 into enclosure 28 and via pipe 20 to the main separation tank 21, and from there via pipe 122 to outlet conduit 18. Moreover, during such very high rate of flow, water is still flowing through pipes 14 to the outlet conduit 18.
Similarly, during the intermediate rate of flow, water is flowing not only through pipes 14, but also over weir 13, through enclosure 28 to main separation tank 21, and via pipe 122 to the outlet 18.
While a very large flow of water through the outlet conduit 18 may cause a small Bernoulli effect upon the water in the main separation tank 12 and the pipe 122, the oil that is floating on the water in the main separation tank 12 will remain in place and substantially unaffected by the very large flow in outlet conduit 18. Even if the outlet conduit became partially or totally blocked, the oil that floats on the water in the main separation tank will remain in tank 12 and separated from the water therein irrespective of the amount of water received at inlet 11.
Figures 7 to 10 illustrate a first modified form of the invention. This modified form will now be described.
Water contaminated with oil enters the drop manhole 52, also sometimes hereinafter referred to as an inlet tank, through an orifice 51. In the drop manhole 52, the oil will float on the water. Solids will settle to the bottom of the drop manhole 52.
As the drop manhole 52 fills with liquid, the oil (surface liquid) will rise to the surface. The surface elevation is controlled by a device such as the top surface 57 of pipe 54.
The device must be such that it controls the surface elevation of the liquid such that it is higher than the ultimate outfall height to allow for the separation process to occur. As the liquid level rises it will first flow into a surface skimming outlet port 55 which is connected to a pipe 510 which allows the surface skimmed material (oil) to flow into the oil collection manhole 511. This manhole 511 is hereafter sometimes referred to as a main separation tank. In this manhole, the oil will float on the surface. As additional oil flows into the oil collection manhole 511 it will displace water because the oil will float to the surface and the outlet of the manhole to pipe 512 is at a below surface elevation. Keeping the invert elevation of the outlet pipe 512 below that of the inlet pipe 510 is ideal. The outlet pipe 512 will then carry treated water (oil removed) to an orifice in the bottom of the clean water outlet conduit 58. This will be cleaned flow with sediment settled to the bottom of both manholes 52 and 511 and the oil removed and trapped in the oil collection manhole 511.
During relatively high flow volumes, rainwater enters the drop manhole 52, and flows through the skimming outlet port 55. The height of the fluid continues to rise in elevation until it reaches the height of the elbow in the clean bypass pipe 54.
This pipe extends through dam 53. As the liquid level rises above the invert of the elbow of the clean bypass pipe 54, clean water will be forced through the pipe 54. Since the oil will be at or near the surface, and the entrance point of the liquid into the clean bypass pipe 54 is significantly below this, below surface (clean) water will enter the lower open end of the pipe 54 and the gravity, acting on the surface, will force the water up through the clean water bypass pipe 54 through the elbow in the clean bypass pipe 54 and through dam 53 to the clean water outlet 58 as "cleaned" bypass flow. Meanwhile the surface liquids will continuously be treated by the process described in the paragraph above.
During an extreme flow situation (such as a thunderstorm), the system must continue to flow, and the height of the liquid in the drop manhole 52 rises to the elevation higher than the top 57 of the clean bypass pipe 54 and dam 53.
The top 57 of the clean bypass pipe 54 will then act as a weir together with the elevation control dam 53 such that when the flow is so great that separation can no longer occur, the entire system goes into an untreated bypass mode so as not to cause any backup in the system during this severe storm event. At this point the surface flow will no longer be treated and will flow over the top 57 of the dam 53 and bypass pipe 54 directly to the clean water outlet 58. Flow will continue through the separation system but it will no longer be surface flow so the primary function of the system will cease. However, all previously separated liquid will remain contained in the collection manhole 511 until it is removed by pumping.
The elevation of the dam 53 determines the elevation of the liquid in the collection manhole 511 by the simple laws of gravity, since they are connected and vented. As the liquid in inlet tank 52 exceeds the elevation of the top 57 of dam 53 and the bypass elbow pipe 54, it will flow directly and untreated from the drop manhole 52 through to the clean water outlet 58.
The storage capacity of the collection manhole 511 can be increased by inserting a pipe into the collection manhole 511 with an invert higher than the incoming pipe 510 but such that the top of the calculated volume being no higher than the elevation of the crest height of dam 53. The pipe will have a bulkhead on the end with the length being determined by the volume of containment needed.
The system should be cleaned by pumping the collection manhole 511 and the invert of the drop manhole 52 as often as conditions require.
Should the likelihood exist for other deleterious floating particles to cause a blockage in the system, a screen can be inserted over the surface skimming outlet port 55 such that the deleterious material is kept in the drop manhole 52 and out of the oil collection/separation system.
Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a modified form of the invention. In those figures inlet pipe 61 feeds a runoff of ram water and oil to inlet tank (or drop manhole) 62. The inlet tank 62 has a weir 63 at the connection between outlet conduit 68 and inlet tank 62. An open baffle 64 protects the inlet of the output conduit 68 from a large input flow from pipe 61, and avoids disturbing the water that is about to enter the outlet conduit 68. The baffle 64 forms a semi-cylindrical sheet around the inlet of the outlet conduit 68. All side edges of the baffle 64 may be sealed to the inside wall of the inlet tank 62 to prevent leakage. The top and bottom ends of the baffle 64 are open, so that water can flow both over and under baffle 64 on its way to outlet conduit 68. The open end at the bottom of the baffle, is well below the level of any surface oil. Since the oil floats on the water, oil cannot move low enough in tank 62 so as to enter the open bottom of the baffle 64. Thus, in the absence of a high rate of flow of the incoming water, even if the outlet 65 becomes clogged, oil will not enter outlet conduit 68 but will build up in inlet tank 62 until that tank is cleaned.
Pipe 610 receives fluid from opening 65 and delivers it to a low 5 level of the main separation tank 611. Further, pipe 612 delivers water from a low level of tank 611 to outlet conduit 68.
The top of weir 63 and the lowermost part of opening 65 are at a higher level than the output end of pipe 612.
When the stream of water entering inlet pipe 61 10 increases to an intermediate rate of flow, the water will rise to the elevation of the top of weir 63. Then the baffle 64 will cause below surface water (without oil) to be forced by gravity under baffle 64 and over weir 63 to the outlet conduit 68.
Then if there is a heavy flow of liquid such as during a thunderstorm, the liquid will rise in manhole 62 so that it crests at a level higher than the baffle 64 and flows directly to conduit 68 as untreated bypass flow. Meanwhile, the two previously said flows continue and all oil collected in the storage or collection manhole 611 remains there until removed under maintenance by pumping.
When the runoff stream that enters pipe 61 has a very low rate of flow the fluid level in tank 62 rises until it overflows into opening 65 that is in the sidewall of tank 62.
This overflow passes to tank 611 and raises the fluid level in that tank until clean water from the lower half of tank 611 passes through pipe 612 to the output conduit 68.
When the stream of water entering inlet pipe 61 has a high rate of flow the events described in the immediately preceding paragraph also happen. In addition, water in tank 62 rises rapidly and overflows weir 63 and directly enters output conduit 68 without passing through tank 611, Another form of the invention is carried out if the inlet tank 12 (Fig. 1) is omitted and inlet pipe 11 connected directly to the inlet end of outlet conduit 18. The enclosure 28, the weir 13 and pipes 20 and 22 remain but pipes 24 are omitted. In this form of the invention runoff water entering at a relatively low rate builds up and flows over weir 13 and into enclosure 28. From there the water flows via pipe 20 to the main separation tank 21. When the fluid in tank 21 rises above the level of outlet conduit 18, water flows via pipe 22 from tank 21 to the outlet conduit 18. If the runoff water enters at a very high rate it soon overflows enclosure 28 and passes over roof 25 directly to outlet conduit 18.
Except for the enclosure 28 (Fig. 1) and the parts associated with that enclosure, all of the separate components of the invention can be constructed with widely available construction materials, using well known construction techniques.
Thus, the various parts, individually, of the invention can readily be fabricated by local contractors using locally available materials, except as noted above.
My invention is shown and described as a device for separating oil from rainwater. At least some forms of the invention may have other applications where it is desirable to separate fluids of different densities.
As previously explained, the oil remains in the main separation tank. In all forms of the invention the oil may be easily removed from that tank by removing the manhole cover over that tank and pumping the oil from the surface of the tank.
Moreover, all forms of my invention may be easily cleaned from time to time. To clean the system, the manhole covers are removed, and the fluid in the tanks pumped out. The cleaning personnel will then have access to the tanks.
Figure 13 shows a modified form for collecting the water and oil and delivering them to the main separation tank 21 when the input flow is at a very low rate. Here, the very slow input flow falls into stub 11a and drains into pipe 11b which in turn feeds the main separation tank 21. This form of feeding tank 21 may be in addition to, or in place of, the enclosure 28 and the pipe 20. A further modification involves feeding the inlet (runoff) water into the open top of the inlet tank.
Figure 14 shows a further modified form of the invention. The inlet tank 72 receives runoff water (that may contain oil) through inlet pipe 71. At very low rates of input flow, water drains through elliptical opening 75 to pipe 722 to main separation tank 711. Fluid in tank 72 passes through opening 75 in the sidewall of tank 72. The lower end of opening 75 is located at a lower level than the upper outlet opening in conduit 74, and the inlet opening into outlet conduit 78 is at a higher level than the outlet of conduit 74. Clean water from tank 711 passes upward through pipe 70 to outlet pipe 78. The upper end of pipe 70 must be lower than the lower end of opening 75. then there is an intermediate rate of flow entering pipe 71, the water builds up in conduit 74 until it overflows into outlet conduit 78. Unlike the pipes 14 in Figure 1, the conduit 74 completely blocks the lower part of the inlet opening to outlet conduit 78 (as shown in Figure 15) so that until the water builds up in tank 72 to a level of the top of conduit 74, no water can flow directly into outlet conduit 78 from the interior of tank 72.
Finally, when there is a very high rate of flow into tank 72 the main body of the water entering in tank 72 overflows the top of conduit 74 and passes directly into outlet conduit 78.
The outlet conduit 78 has the shape shown in Figure 14.
The word "manhole" is hereby defined as a hole in the ground for holding a liquid. The hole may be lined with a wall, or have a tank in it, so that it will hold the liquid without leakage.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The invention is applicable where it is desired to separate fluids of different densities, and more particularly to cases where runoff water is to be separated from any oil carried off by the runoff water.
Claims (40)
1. An apparatus for separating a relatively low density fluid from a relatively high density fluid in a stream of fluid that may vary from a very low rate of flow to a very large rate of flow, comprising:
(a) an inlet tank (12) for receiving into a body of fluid therein said stream of fluid;
(b) a separation tank (21) for separating at least some of said relatively low density fluid from said relatively high density fluid by allowing said relatively low density fluid to float on said relatively high density fluid;
(c) a first conduit (20), said first conduit receiving fluid from a surface of said body of fluid in said inlet tank and discharging said received fluid into said separation tank;
(d) an outlet conduit (18) in fluid communication with said inlet tank, said outlet conduit (18) operative to discharge fluid from said body of fluid;
(e) a bypass conduit (14) for receiving said relatively high density fluid from below said surface of said body of fluid in said inlet tank and feeding said relatively high density fluid to said outlet conduit, said bypass conduit having an inlet below said surface of said body of fluid in said inlet tank and an outlet in said outlet conduit; and (f) a second conduit connected to said separation tank for feeding said high density fluid to said outlet conduit;
(g) said apparatus providing at least three paths for fluid entering said inlet tank (12) as follows:
(i) a first path from said inlet tank (12) via said first conduit (20) to said separation tank (21) and then via said second conduit (122) to said outlet conduit (18);
(ii) a second path from said inlet tank via said bypass conduit (14) to said outlet conduit; and (iii) a third path from said inlet tank (12) to said outlet conduit.
(a) an inlet tank (12) for receiving into a body of fluid therein said stream of fluid;
(b) a separation tank (21) for separating at least some of said relatively low density fluid from said relatively high density fluid by allowing said relatively low density fluid to float on said relatively high density fluid;
(c) a first conduit (20), said first conduit receiving fluid from a surface of said body of fluid in said inlet tank and discharging said received fluid into said separation tank;
(d) an outlet conduit (18) in fluid communication with said inlet tank, said outlet conduit (18) operative to discharge fluid from said body of fluid;
(e) a bypass conduit (14) for receiving said relatively high density fluid from below said surface of said body of fluid in said inlet tank and feeding said relatively high density fluid to said outlet conduit, said bypass conduit having an inlet below said surface of said body of fluid in said inlet tank and an outlet in said outlet conduit; and (f) a second conduit connected to said separation tank for feeding said high density fluid to said outlet conduit;
(g) said apparatus providing at least three paths for fluid entering said inlet tank (12) as follows:
(i) a first path from said inlet tank (12) via said first conduit (20) to said separation tank (21) and then via said second conduit (122) to said outlet conduit (18);
(ii) a second path from said inlet tank via said bypass conduit (14) to said outlet conduit; and (iii) a third path from said inlet tank (12) to said outlet conduit.
2. ~An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said first conduit (20) includes an opening (27), said opening having a height and a width that communicates with said inlet tank (12) and permits fluid from said body of fluid in said inlet tank (12) to flow into said first conduit and to said separation tank (21), when said body of fluid in said inlet tank rises to a level of said opening.
3. ~An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said width of said opening (27) increases as said height of said opening increases (27).
4. ~An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said outlet of said bypass conduit (14) is at an elevation above said first conduit (20) so that said first path passes fluid when there has been prolonged fluid flow into said inlet tank (12) at said very low rate and that said second path passes fluid flow when there has been fluid flow into said inlet tank (12) at a rate higher than said very low rate.
5. ~An apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising an enclosure (28) mounted in said outlet conduit, said enclosure having an opening (27) in communication with said inlet tank, and an outlet in communication with said first conduit.
6. ~An apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said enclosure (28) is located in a lower portion of said outlet conduit (18), and said opening is operative to permit fluid from said body of fluid in said inlet tank (12) to flow into said first conduit and to said separation tank (21), when said body of fluid in said inlet tank rises to a level of said opening, and a upper portion of said outlet conduit (18) is operative for passing fluid from said body of fluid to downstream of said enclosure when said very large rate of flow occurs.
7. ~An apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said width of said opening (27) increases as said height of said opening increases (27).
8. ~An apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said width of said opening (27) increases as said height of said opening increases (27).
9. ~An apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said bypass conduit (14), comprises at least one pipe (14) in said inlet tank, said at least one pipe being generally upright, and having a generally horizontal portion that passes through said enclosure (28) and having a portion thereof higher than the lowest portion of said opening thereby limiting the flow through said at least one pipe (14) to a condition where a level of said body of fluid in said inlet tank (12) is substantially above the lowest part of said opening.
10. ~An apparatus as defined in claim 1,wherein said relatively high density fluid is water and said relatively low density fluid is oil.
11. ~An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said outlet conduit (18) includes:
(a) an enclosure (28) located in said outlet conduit, said enclosure comprising a roof (25), an opening (27), a separating wall (26), and an inlet to said first conduit, said enclosure (18) being closed on all sides except that it is open at said opening and at said inlet, said opening feeding fluid from said body of fluid to said enclosure, and said inlet feeding said separation tank (21); and (b) said bypass conduit (14), passing through said 15~
enclosure (28) and discharging said relatively high density fluid passing through said bypass conduit downstream of said enclosure.
(a) an enclosure (28) located in said outlet conduit, said enclosure comprising a roof (25), an opening (27), a separating wall (26), and an inlet to said first conduit, said enclosure (18) being closed on all sides except that it is open at said opening and at said inlet, said opening feeding fluid from said body of fluid to said enclosure, and said inlet feeding said separation tank (21); and (b) said bypass conduit (14), passing through said 15~
enclosure (28) and discharging said relatively high density fluid passing through said bypass conduit downstream of said enclosure.
12. ~An apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein said opening (27) of said enclosure gets wider as its elevation increases.
13. ~A system for separating a relatively low density fluid from a relatively high density fluid in a stream of fluid that may vary from a very low rate of flow to a very large rate of flow, comprising:
(a) an inlet tank (12) that may receive said stream of fluid from an inlet conduit (11) into a body of fluid therein, said inlet tank (12) comprising an outlet conduit (18) for receiving fluid from said body of fluid when said very large rate of flow occurs;
(b) a separation tank (21), which when fed with fluid from said body of fluid, will allow said relatively low density fluid to float on said relatively high density fluid, said separation tank having an inlet and an outlet;
(c) a first conduit (20) for receiving fluid from said body of fluid and feeding said fluid to said inlet of said separation tank;
(d) a second conduit (122) for receiving said relatively high density fluid from said outlet of said separation tank and delivering said relatively high density fluid to said outlet conduit;
(e) said inlet to said separation tank feeding fluid to said separation tank and said outlet of said separation tank receiving fluid from said separation tank;
(f) said first and second conduits (20, 122) being connected to said outlet conduit wherein said second conduit (122) is connected to said outlet conduit (18) downstream of an adjacent location at which said first conduit (20) is connected to said outlet conduit; and (g) a separating means (26) in said outlet conduit (18) between said adjacent location for separating said first and second conduits and thereby raising the level of fluid from said body of fluid entering said first conduit.
(a) an inlet tank (12) that may receive said stream of fluid from an inlet conduit (11) into a body of fluid therein, said inlet tank (12) comprising an outlet conduit (18) for receiving fluid from said body of fluid when said very large rate of flow occurs;
(b) a separation tank (21), which when fed with fluid from said body of fluid, will allow said relatively low density fluid to float on said relatively high density fluid, said separation tank having an inlet and an outlet;
(c) a first conduit (20) for receiving fluid from said body of fluid and feeding said fluid to said inlet of said separation tank;
(d) a second conduit (122) for receiving said relatively high density fluid from said outlet of said separation tank and delivering said relatively high density fluid to said outlet conduit;
(e) said inlet to said separation tank feeding fluid to said separation tank and said outlet of said separation tank receiving fluid from said separation tank;
(f) said first and second conduits (20, 122) being connected to said outlet conduit wherein said second conduit (122) is connected to said outlet conduit (18) downstream of an adjacent location at which said first conduit (20) is connected to said outlet conduit; and (g) a separating means (26) in said outlet conduit (18) between said adjacent location for separating said first and second conduits and thereby raising the level of fluid from said body of fluid entering said first conduit.
14. ~A system as defined in claim 13, wherein said inlet to said separation tank (21) is at a higher elevation than said outlet of said separation tank.
15. ~A system as defined in claim 13, wherein said relatively high density fluid is water and said relatively low density fluid is oil.
16. ~A system according to claim 14 wherein said inlet conduit is located at least partly in the line of sight of said outlet conduit.
17. ~A system according to claim 16 wherein said inlet conduit directs said stream at said very large rate of flow into said inlet tank in a horizontal direction.
18. ~A system for separating a relatively low density fluid from a relatively high density fluid in a stream of fluid that may vary from a low rate of flow to a high rate of flow, comprising:
(a) an inlet chamber (12) for receiving a body of fluid therein;
(b) an inlet pipe (11) that feeds said stream of fluid to said body of fluid in said inlet chamber, said inlet pipe having an outlet mouth;
(c) a settling chamber (21) for separating said relatively low density fluid from said relatively high density fluid by allowing said relatively low density fluid to float on said relatively high density fluid;
(d) a first passageway (20) for receiving fluid from said body of fluid and delivering some of said fluid to said settling chamber, when the rate of flow of said stream of fluid to said inlet chamber (12) is said low rate of flow;
(e) an outlet chamber (18) having an inlet mouth operative to receive fluid directly from an upper surface of said body of fluid when the rate of flow of said stream of fluid to said inlet tank is said high rate of flow, said outlet chamber also having an outlet pipe; and (f) a second passageway (122) for receiving from said settling chamber at least some of said relatively high density fluid and delivering said relatively high density fluid to said outlet chamber (18) when the rate of flow of said stream of fluid to said inlet tank is one of said low rate of flow and said very high rate of flow;
(g) wherein a portion of said settling chamber extends at least as high as the fluid in said outlet chamber;
(h) said inlet mouth and said outlet mouth being at substantially the same level, and said inlet pipe and the outlet mouth are so positioned to provide a direct flow path, along the upper surface of the fluid in said inlet chamber, from said inlet pipe to said outlet mouth.
(a) an inlet chamber (12) for receiving a body of fluid therein;
(b) an inlet pipe (11) that feeds said stream of fluid to said body of fluid in said inlet chamber, said inlet pipe having an outlet mouth;
(c) a settling chamber (21) for separating said relatively low density fluid from said relatively high density fluid by allowing said relatively low density fluid to float on said relatively high density fluid;
(d) a first passageway (20) for receiving fluid from said body of fluid and delivering some of said fluid to said settling chamber, when the rate of flow of said stream of fluid to said inlet chamber (12) is said low rate of flow;
(e) an outlet chamber (18) having an inlet mouth operative to receive fluid directly from an upper surface of said body of fluid when the rate of flow of said stream of fluid to said inlet tank is said high rate of flow, said outlet chamber also having an outlet pipe; and (f) a second passageway (122) for receiving from said settling chamber at least some of said relatively high density fluid and delivering said relatively high density fluid to said outlet chamber (18) when the rate of flow of said stream of fluid to said inlet tank is one of said low rate of flow and said very high rate of flow;
(g) wherein a portion of said settling chamber extends at least as high as the fluid in said outlet chamber;
(h) said inlet mouth and said outlet mouth being at substantially the same level, and said inlet pipe and the outlet mouth are so positioned to provide a direct flow path, along the upper surface of the fluid in said inlet chamber, from said inlet pipe to said outlet mouth.
19. ~A system according to claim 18, wherein said outlet mouth of said inlet conduit (11) is at a level higher than said first passageway.
20. ~A system according to claim 18 in which said outlet mouth is at a higher elevation than said second passageway.
21. ~A system according to claim 18, in which said outlet mouth discharges its fluid in a substantially horizontal direction.
22. ~A device for separating a relatively low density fluid from a relatively high density fluid in a stream of fluid that may vary from a very low rate of flow to a very high rate of flow, comprising:
(a) an outlet conduit (18) having an inlet end and which defines a passageway for said relatively high density fluid, said passageway having a lower part;
(b) an enclosure (28) mounted in said lower part of said passageway;
(c) said enclosure (28) having an opening proximate said inlet end of said outlet conduit, a roof (25), a drain opening, and a separating wall (26);
(d) said enclosure (28) being closed on all sides, except at said opening proximate said inlet end of said outlet conduit and at said drain opening;
(e) means for feeding said relatively high density fluid that may contain said relatively low density fluid to said inlet end of said outlet conduit;
(f) said enclosure (28) having a size substantially less than the size of said passageway to thereby provide a space in said outlet conduit (18) around said enclosure thus permitting said stream of fluid entering said inlet end at said very high rate of flow to pass around said enclosure;
(g) said inlet end of said outlet conduit (18) comprising, (i) means to allow said relatively high density fluid entering said inlet end at said very low rate of flow to enter said enclosure and to exit said enclosure via said drain opening; and (ii) means to allow said stream of fluid entering said inlet end at said very high rate of flow to flow around said enclosure (28) and to enter said outlet conduit downstream of said enclosure;
(h) at least one bypass conduit (14) extending at least part way through said enclosure and having an open end inside said outlet conduit; and (i) said at least one bypass conduit (14) having an inlet end upstream of said enclosure for receiving said relatively high density fluid that is relatively free of said relatively low density fluid when the rate of flow of said stream of fluid through the device exceeds said very low rate of flow.
(a) an outlet conduit (18) having an inlet end and which defines a passageway for said relatively high density fluid, said passageway having a lower part;
(b) an enclosure (28) mounted in said lower part of said passageway;
(c) said enclosure (28) having an opening proximate said inlet end of said outlet conduit, a roof (25), a drain opening, and a separating wall (26);
(d) said enclosure (28) being closed on all sides, except at said opening proximate said inlet end of said outlet conduit and at said drain opening;
(e) means for feeding said relatively high density fluid that may contain said relatively low density fluid to said inlet end of said outlet conduit;
(f) said enclosure (28) having a size substantially less than the size of said passageway to thereby provide a space in said outlet conduit (18) around said enclosure thus permitting said stream of fluid entering said inlet end at said very high rate of flow to pass around said enclosure;
(g) said inlet end of said outlet conduit (18) comprising, (i) means to allow said relatively high density fluid entering said inlet end at said very low rate of flow to enter said enclosure and to exit said enclosure via said drain opening; and (ii) means to allow said stream of fluid entering said inlet end at said very high rate of flow to flow around said enclosure (28) and to enter said outlet conduit downstream of said enclosure;
(h) at least one bypass conduit (14) extending at least part way through said enclosure and having an open end inside said outlet conduit; and (i) said at least one bypass conduit (14) having an inlet end upstream of said enclosure for receiving said relatively high density fluid that is relatively free of said relatively low density fluid when the rate of flow of said stream of fluid through the device exceeds said very low rate of flow.
23. ~A device as defined in claim 22, further comprising:
(a) a separation tank (21);
(b) a first conduit (20) for feeding fluid at said drain opening to said separation tank (21); and (c) a second conduit (122) connecting said separation tank to said outlet conduit, downstream of and adjacent to said enclosure, for discharging said relatively high density fluid from said separation tank.
(a) a separation tank (21);
(b) a first conduit (20) for feeding fluid at said drain opening to said separation tank (21); and (c) a second conduit (122) connecting said separation tank to said outlet conduit, downstream of and adjacent to said enclosure, for discharging said relatively high density fluid from said separation tank.
24. A device as defined in claim 22, wherein said enclosure (28) includes a weir (13) at said opening.
25. ~A device as defined in claim 22, wherein said relatively high density fluid is rainwater and said relatively low density fluid is oil.
26. ~A system for separating a relatively low density fluid from a relatively high density fluid in a stream of fluid that may vary from a very low rate of flow to a large rate of flow, comprising:
(a) an inlet pipe (11) having an outlet mouth;
(b) an inlet chamber (12), fed by said outlet mouth, for receiving said stream of fluid and having a body of fluid therein;
(c) an outlet chamber (18);
(d) a settling chamber (21) for separating at least some of the relatively low density fluid from the relatively high density fluid by allowing said relatively low density fluid to float on said relatively high density fluid;
(e) a first passageway (20) extending between said inlet chamber and said settling chamber, which, when said stream of fluid has said low rate of flow, feeds fluid from said body of fluid in said inlet chamber to said settling chamber;
(f) a second passageway (122) for discharging from said settling chamber to said outlet chamber (18) at least some of said relatively high density fluid when said stream of fluid has said very low rate of flow;~
(g) said relatively high density fluid in said settling chamber being substantially free of said relatively low density fluid, while allowing said relatively low density fluid to collect in said settling chamber; said second passageway having an outlet;
(h) wherein said inlet chamber (12) and said outlet chamber are positioned such that when said stream of fluid has said low rate of flow said fluid enters said outlet chamber via said first passageway, said settling chamber and said second passageway;
(i) that when said stream of fluid has said high rate of flow said fluid enters said outlet chamber (18) directly from said inlet chamber (12);
(j) a third passageway for passing said stream from said inlet chamber to said outlet chamber;
(k) said inlet chamber and said passageways preventing fluid flow through said third passageway into said outlet chamber (18) when said inlet stream has a low rate of flow and allows flow through said third passageway into the outlet chamber during periods of said high rate of flow, said outlet mouth feeding said high rate of flow to the fluid into said inlet chamber and into or near the surface of any fluid in said inlet chamber;
(l) said settling chamber (21) extending to a higher level than the fluid level in said outlet chamber during said low rate of flow;
(m) said outlet mouth being at a substantially higher elevation than said first passageway.
(a) an inlet pipe (11) having an outlet mouth;
(b) an inlet chamber (12), fed by said outlet mouth, for receiving said stream of fluid and having a body of fluid therein;
(c) an outlet chamber (18);
(d) a settling chamber (21) for separating at least some of the relatively low density fluid from the relatively high density fluid by allowing said relatively low density fluid to float on said relatively high density fluid;
(e) a first passageway (20) extending between said inlet chamber and said settling chamber, which, when said stream of fluid has said low rate of flow, feeds fluid from said body of fluid in said inlet chamber to said settling chamber;
(f) a second passageway (122) for discharging from said settling chamber to said outlet chamber (18) at least some of said relatively high density fluid when said stream of fluid has said very low rate of flow;~
(g) said relatively high density fluid in said settling chamber being substantially free of said relatively low density fluid, while allowing said relatively low density fluid to collect in said settling chamber; said second passageway having an outlet;
(h) wherein said inlet chamber (12) and said outlet chamber are positioned such that when said stream of fluid has said low rate of flow said fluid enters said outlet chamber via said first passageway, said settling chamber and said second passageway;
(i) that when said stream of fluid has said high rate of flow said fluid enters said outlet chamber (18) directly from said inlet chamber (12);
(j) a third passageway for passing said stream from said inlet chamber to said outlet chamber;
(k) said inlet chamber and said passageways preventing fluid flow through said third passageway into said outlet chamber (18) when said inlet stream has a low rate of flow and allows flow through said third passageway into the outlet chamber during periods of said high rate of flow, said outlet mouth feeding said high rate of flow to the fluid into said inlet chamber and into or near the surface of any fluid in said inlet chamber;
(l) said settling chamber (21) extending to a higher level than the fluid level in said outlet chamber during said low rate of flow;
(m) said outlet mouth being at a substantially higher elevation than said first passageway.
27. ~A system according to claim 26, wherein a baffle is located in said inlet tank between said inlet conduit and said outlet conduit.
28. ~A system for separating a relatively low density fluid from a relatively high density fluid in a stream of fluid that may vary from a low rate of flow to a high rate of flow, comprising:
(a) an inlet pipe (11) operative to guide said stream of fluid containing said high and low density fluid into an inlet chamber (12), said inlet pipe having an outlet mouth;
(b) a first passageway (20) coupled between said inlet chamber and a settling chamber (21) operative to conduct fluid at or near a surface of fluid in said inlet chamber to flow to said settling chamber when said inlet flow rate is said low rate of flow;
(c) an outlet chamber (18), having an inlet mouth and also having an outlet pipe;
(d) a return passageway (122) from said settling chamber to said outlet chamber positioned to conduct fluid from below a surface of fluid in said settling chamber and from a region occupied by said high density fluid to said outlet chamber during said low rate of flow, and (e) said settling chamber (21) extending to a vertical height greater than said outlet pipe;~
(f) said outlet mouth feeding said high rate of flow into or near the surface of the fluid in said inlet chamber.
(a) an inlet pipe (11) operative to guide said stream of fluid containing said high and low density fluid into an inlet chamber (12), said inlet pipe having an outlet mouth;
(b) a first passageway (20) coupled between said inlet chamber and a settling chamber (21) operative to conduct fluid at or near a surface of fluid in said inlet chamber to flow to said settling chamber when said inlet flow rate is said low rate of flow;
(c) an outlet chamber (18), having an inlet mouth and also having an outlet pipe;
(d) a return passageway (122) from said settling chamber to said outlet chamber positioned to conduct fluid from below a surface of fluid in said settling chamber and from a region occupied by said high density fluid to said outlet chamber during said low rate of flow, and (e) said settling chamber (21) extending to a vertical height greater than said outlet pipe;~
(f) said outlet mouth feeding said high rate of flow into or near the surface of the fluid in said inlet chamber.
29. ~Apparatus for separating a relatively light fluid from a relatively heavy fluid in a stream of fluid that may vary in its rate of flow from a very low to a very high rate, comprising:
(a) first means in the form of input means (11, 12; 51, 52;61,62;71,72) for receiving said stream, said input means including an inlet conduit (11; 51;61;
71) and also including an inlet tank (12;52;62;72) downstream of said inlet conduit (11;etc) for receiving said stream both when said stream has said very low rate of flow and when said stream has a rate of flow above said very low rate, (b) said inlet conduit (11;etc) having an outlet mouth where said inlet conduit (11; etc) feeds said stream to said inlet tank (12;etc);
(c) a main separation tank (21;511;611;711) for separating at least some of said relatively light fluid from said relatively heavy fluid by allowing said relatively light fluid to float on said relatively heavy fluid;
(d) second means (20;510;610;722) which, when said stream has a relatively very low rate of flow, feeds fluid from said inlet tank (12;etc) to said main separation tank (21;etc) in which at least some of said relatively fight fluid floats on said relatively heavy fluid;
(e) an outlet conduit (18;58;68;78), at least a portion of said main separation tank (21;etc) extending at least as high as the level of at least a portion of said outlet conduit (18; etc);
(f) third means (25';57';64';74') which when said stream has a relatively very high rate of flow allows most of said relatively heavy fluid of said stream to flow directly from said inlet tank (12;etc) to said outlet conduit (18;etc) without passing through said main separation tank (21;etc), said third means (25';57';64';74') comprising an inlet mouth (25';57';64';74') of said outlet conduit (18;etc) at said inlet tank (12;etc);
and (g) fourth means (122;512;612;70) for feeding said relatively heavy fluid in said main separation tank (21;etc) to said outlet conduit (18;etc), characterized in that said inlet mouth (25';etc) of said outlet conduit (18;etc) is at substantially the same level as said outlet mouth of said inlet conduit (11;etc).
(a) first means in the form of input means (11, 12; 51, 52;61,62;71,72) for receiving said stream, said input means including an inlet conduit (11; 51;61;
71) and also including an inlet tank (12;52;62;72) downstream of said inlet conduit (11;etc) for receiving said stream both when said stream has said very low rate of flow and when said stream has a rate of flow above said very low rate, (b) said inlet conduit (11;etc) having an outlet mouth where said inlet conduit (11; etc) feeds said stream to said inlet tank (12;etc);
(c) a main separation tank (21;511;611;711) for separating at least some of said relatively light fluid from said relatively heavy fluid by allowing said relatively light fluid to float on said relatively heavy fluid;
(d) second means (20;510;610;722) which, when said stream has a relatively very low rate of flow, feeds fluid from said inlet tank (12;etc) to said main separation tank (21;etc) in which at least some of said relatively fight fluid floats on said relatively heavy fluid;
(e) an outlet conduit (18;58;68;78), at least a portion of said main separation tank (21;etc) extending at least as high as the level of at least a portion of said outlet conduit (18; etc);
(f) third means (25';57';64';74') which when said stream has a relatively very high rate of flow allows most of said relatively heavy fluid of said stream to flow directly from said inlet tank (12;etc) to said outlet conduit (18;etc) without passing through said main separation tank (21;etc), said third means (25';57';64';74') comprising an inlet mouth (25';57';64';74') of said outlet conduit (18;etc) at said inlet tank (12;etc);
and (g) fourth means (122;512;612;70) for feeding said relatively heavy fluid in said main separation tank (21;etc) to said outlet conduit (18;etc), characterized in that said inlet mouth (25';etc) of said outlet conduit (18;etc) is at substantially the same level as said outlet mouth of said inlet conduit (11;etc).
30. Apparatus for separating a relatively light fluid from a relatively heavy fluid in a stream of fluid that may vary in its rate of flow from a very low to a very high rate, comprising;
(a) first means in the form of input means (11, 12;51,52;61,62;71,72) for receiving said stream, said input means (11,12,etc) including an inlet tank (12;52;62;72) for receiving at least a portion of said stream when said stream has a rate of flow above said very low rate;
(b) a main separation tank (21;511;6111;7111) for separating at least some of said relatively light fluid form said relatively heavy fluid by allowing said relatively light fluid to float on said relatively heavy fluid;
(c) second means (20;510;610;722) which, when said stream has a relatively very low rate of low, feeds fluid from said input means (11,12;etc) to said main separation tank (21;etc) in which any said relatively light fluid floats on said relatively heavy fluid;
(d) an outlet conduit (18;58,68;78);
(e) third means (25';57';64';74') which when said stream has a relatively very high rate of flow allows most of said relatively very heavy fluid of said stream to flow directly from said inlet tank (12;etc) to said outlet conduit (18;etc) without passing through said main separation tank (21;etc); and (f) fourth means (122;512;612;70) for feeding said relatively heavy fluid in said main separation tank (21;etc) to said outlet conduit (18;etc), (g) fifth means (14;54;64;74) associated with said inlet tank (12;etc) and extending upwardly from a level below an upper end of said second means (20;etc) to a level no lower than said upper end and serving, when said stream has an intermediate rate of flow, to enable said relatively heavy fluid in said inlet tank (12;etc) to flow to said outlet conduit (18;etc) without contacting fluid in said separation tank (21;etc).
(a) first means in the form of input means (11, 12;51,52;61,62;71,72) for receiving said stream, said input means (11,12,etc) including an inlet tank (12;52;62;72) for receiving at least a portion of said stream when said stream has a rate of flow above said very low rate;
(b) a main separation tank (21;511;6111;7111) for separating at least some of said relatively light fluid form said relatively heavy fluid by allowing said relatively light fluid to float on said relatively heavy fluid;
(c) second means (20;510;610;722) which, when said stream has a relatively very low rate of low, feeds fluid from said input means (11,12;etc) to said main separation tank (21;etc) in which any said relatively light fluid floats on said relatively heavy fluid;
(d) an outlet conduit (18;58,68;78);
(e) third means (25';57';64';74') which when said stream has a relatively very high rate of flow allows most of said relatively very heavy fluid of said stream to flow directly from said inlet tank (12;etc) to said outlet conduit (18;etc) without passing through said main separation tank (21;etc); and (f) fourth means (122;512;612;70) for feeding said relatively heavy fluid in said main separation tank (21;etc) to said outlet conduit (18;etc), (g) fifth means (14;54;64;74) associated with said inlet tank (12;etc) and extending upwardly from a level below an upper end of said second means (20;etc) to a level no lower than said upper end and serving, when said stream has an intermediate rate of flow, to enable said relatively heavy fluid in said inlet tank (12;etc) to flow to said outlet conduit (18;etc) without contacting fluid in said separation tank (21;etc).
31. A method of separating a relatively light fluid from a relatively heavy fluid in a stream of fluid, comprising;
(a) receiving at least a portion of said stream in an inlet tank (12;52;62;72) when said stream has a relatively very low flow rate, and/or an intermediate flow rate and, and/or, a relatively very high flow rate;
(b) when said stream has said relatively very low flow rate, feeding fluid from said inlet tank (12;etc) to a main separation tank (21;511;611;711) so that said relatively light fluid in said separation tank (21;etc) floats on said relatively heavy fluid in said separation tank (21;etc);
(c) when said stream has said relatively very high flow rate, most of said relatively heavy fluid of said stream flowing directly from said inlet tank (12;etc) to an outlet conduit (18;58;68;78) without passing through said separation tank (21;etc);
(d) feeding said relatively heavy fluid in said separation tank (21;etc) to said outlet conduit (18;etc); and (e) characterized by, when said stream has said intermediate flow rate, feeding said relatively heavy fluid in said inlet tank (12;etc) from below a layer of said relatively light fluid in said inlet tank (12; etc) to said outlet conduit (18;etc) without it contracting fluid in said separation tank (21;etc).
(a) receiving at least a portion of said stream in an inlet tank (12;52;62;72) when said stream has a relatively very low flow rate, and/or an intermediate flow rate and, and/or, a relatively very high flow rate;
(b) when said stream has said relatively very low flow rate, feeding fluid from said inlet tank (12;etc) to a main separation tank (21;511;611;711) so that said relatively light fluid in said separation tank (21;etc) floats on said relatively heavy fluid in said separation tank (21;etc);
(c) when said stream has said relatively very high flow rate, most of said relatively heavy fluid of said stream flowing directly from said inlet tank (12;etc) to an outlet conduit (18;58;68;78) without passing through said separation tank (21;etc);
(d) feeding said relatively heavy fluid in said separation tank (21;etc) to said outlet conduit (18;etc); and (e) characterized by, when said stream has said intermediate flow rate, feeding said relatively heavy fluid in said inlet tank (12;etc) from below a layer of said relatively light fluid in said inlet tank (12; etc) to said outlet conduit (18;etc) without it contracting fluid in said separation tank (21;etc).
32. A system for separating a relatively low density fluid from a relatively high density fluid in a stream of fluid that may vary from a very low rate of flow to a very high rate of flow, comprising:
a) an inlet tank (12) having a body of fluid therein;
b) an outlet conduit for passing fluid out of said system, said outlet conduit having a first input and a second input;
c) a separation tank (21) comprising means for separating said relatively low density fluid from said relatively high density fluid by allowing said relatively low density fluid to float on said relatively high density fluid, wherein at least a portion of said separation tank (21) extends at least as high as the level of at least a portion of said outlet conduit (18);
d) a first conduit (20) for receiving fluid from said body of fluid and delivering said fluid to said separation tank, when the rate of flow of said stream of fluid is said very low rate of flow;
e) a second conduit (122) for discharging from said separation tank at least some of said relatively high density fluid to said first input, said relatively high density fluid being substantially free of said relatively low density fluid while allowing said relatively low density fluid to collect in said separation tank; and f) an inlet conduit (11) that feeds said stream of fluid to said body of fluid, said inlet conduit being positioned to direct said stream of fluid along an upper surface of said body of fluid to said second input when the rate of flow of said stream of fluid is said very high rate of flow.
a) an inlet tank (12) having a body of fluid therein;
b) an outlet conduit for passing fluid out of said system, said outlet conduit having a first input and a second input;
c) a separation tank (21) comprising means for separating said relatively low density fluid from said relatively high density fluid by allowing said relatively low density fluid to float on said relatively high density fluid, wherein at least a portion of said separation tank (21) extends at least as high as the level of at least a portion of said outlet conduit (18);
d) a first conduit (20) for receiving fluid from said body of fluid and delivering said fluid to said separation tank, when the rate of flow of said stream of fluid is said very low rate of flow;
e) a second conduit (122) for discharging from said separation tank at least some of said relatively high density fluid to said first input, said relatively high density fluid being substantially free of said relatively low density fluid while allowing said relatively low density fluid to collect in said separation tank; and f) an inlet conduit (11) that feeds said stream of fluid to said body of fluid, said inlet conduit being positioned to direct said stream of fluid along an upper surface of said body of fluid to said second input when the rate of flow of said stream of fluid is said very high rate of flow.
33. A system for separating a relatively low density fluid from a relatively high density fluid in a stream of fluid that may vary from a very low rate of flow to a very high rate of flow comprising:
a) an inlet tank for receiving into a body of fluid therein said stream of fluid from an inlet conduit;
b) a separation tank (21) for separating at least some of the relatively low density fluid from the relatively high density fluid by allowing said relatively low density fluid to float on said relatively high density fluid;
c) a first conduit (20) extending between said inlet tank and said separation tank, which feeds fluid from said body of fluid to said separation tank so that any of said relatively low density fluid in said separation tank may float on said relatively high density fluid in said separation tank;
d) a second conduit (122) for discharging from said separation tank at least some of said relatively high density fluid, said relatively high density fluid being substantially free of said relatively low density fluid, while allowing said relatively low density fluid to collect in said separation tank;
e) an output conduit having a first input and a second input, said first input operative to receive fluid from said second conduit (122), said second input comprising a weir over which fluid passes from said inlet tank during said very high rate of flow; and wherein said separation tank (21) extends to a vertical elevation at least as high as the lowest part of said outlet conduit (18), and wherein during said very high rate of flow said inlet conduit feeds fluid into said inlet tank at a level near a surface of the body of fluid thus allowing the fluid to pass directly from said inlet conduit to said weir of said output conduit.
a) an inlet tank for receiving into a body of fluid therein said stream of fluid from an inlet conduit;
b) a separation tank (21) for separating at least some of the relatively low density fluid from the relatively high density fluid by allowing said relatively low density fluid to float on said relatively high density fluid;
c) a first conduit (20) extending between said inlet tank and said separation tank, which feeds fluid from said body of fluid to said separation tank so that any of said relatively low density fluid in said separation tank may float on said relatively high density fluid in said separation tank;
d) a second conduit (122) for discharging from said separation tank at least some of said relatively high density fluid, said relatively high density fluid being substantially free of said relatively low density fluid, while allowing said relatively low density fluid to collect in said separation tank;
e) an output conduit having a first input and a second input, said first input operative to receive fluid from said second conduit (122), said second input comprising a weir over which fluid passes from said inlet tank during said very high rate of flow; and wherein said separation tank (21) extends to a vertical elevation at least as high as the lowest part of said outlet conduit (18), and wherein during said very high rate of flow said inlet conduit feeds fluid into said inlet tank at a level near a surface of the body of fluid thus allowing the fluid to pass directly from said inlet conduit to said weir of said output conduit.
34. A system as defined in claim 26 in which said outlet mouth is at a substantially higher elevation than both of said passageways.
35. A system according to claim 28, wherein:
said inlet mouth and said outlet mouth being at substantially the same level, and said inlet mouth and said outlet mouth are so positioned so as to provide a direct flow path along the upper surface of the fluid in said inlet chamber from said inlet mouth to said outlet mouth.
said inlet mouth and said outlet mouth being at substantially the same level, and said inlet mouth and said outlet mouth are so positioned so as to provide a direct flow path along the upper surface of the fluid in said inlet chamber from said inlet mouth to said outlet mouth.
36. A system according to claim 26 in which said outlet mouth is positioned to discharge said stream into said input chamber horizontally and at substantially the same elevation as said flow over said wall.
37. A system according to claim 28 in which said outlet mouth is positioned to discharge said stream into said input chamber horizontally and at substantially the same elevation as said inlet mouth.
38. A system according to claim 26, wherein:
said inlet mouth and said outlet mouth being at substantially the same level, and said inlet mouth and the outlet mouth are so positioned as to provide a direct flow along the upper surface of the fluid in said inlet chamber from said inlet mouth to said outlet mouth.
said inlet mouth and said outlet mouth being at substantially the same level, and said inlet mouth and the outlet mouth are so positioned as to provide a direct flow along the upper surface of the fluid in said inlet chamber from said inlet mouth to said outlet mouth.
39. In a system that when fed by a stream of fluid, whose rate of flow varies from a low to a high rate and is composed of a first fluid and a second heavier fluid, will separate the first fluid from the second heavier fluid, comprising:
(a) an inlet chamber, (b) a settling chamber, (c) an outlet chamber, (d) said inlet chamber having a sidewall, (e) a first passageway through said sidewall, which if and when the fluid level in said inlet chamber rises to the elevation of said first passageway, feeds fluid from said inlet chamber to said settling chamber, (f) said first passageway comprising means which will allow said low rate, but not said high rate of flow therethrough, (g) a second passageway for passing at least some of said second fluid from said settling chamber to said outlet chamber, (h) said inlet chamber and said outlet chamber having a common wall which has an opening between those two chambers, so that if and when said stream is fed to said inlet chamber, the surface fluid in said inlet chamber will flow through said first passageway when there is said low rate of flow and will pass through both of said first passageway and said opening when said stream has said high rate of flow, (i) said settling chamber extending to an elevation at least as high as said outlet chamber, and (j) said stream when fed to said system is fed into or near the surface of any fluid in said inlet chamber.
(a) an inlet chamber, (b) a settling chamber, (c) an outlet chamber, (d) said inlet chamber having a sidewall, (e) a first passageway through said sidewall, which if and when the fluid level in said inlet chamber rises to the elevation of said first passageway, feeds fluid from said inlet chamber to said settling chamber, (f) said first passageway comprising means which will allow said low rate, but not said high rate of flow therethrough, (g) a second passageway for passing at least some of said second fluid from said settling chamber to said outlet chamber, (h) said inlet chamber and said outlet chamber having a common wall which has an opening between those two chambers, so that if and when said stream is fed to said inlet chamber, the surface fluid in said inlet chamber will flow through said first passageway when there is said low rate of flow and will pass through both of said first passageway and said opening when said stream has said high rate of flow, (i) said settling chamber extending to an elevation at least as high as said outlet chamber, and (j) said stream when fed to said system is fed into or near the surface of any fluid in said inlet chamber.
40. In a system that when fed by a stream of fluid, whose rate of flow varies from a low to a high rate and is composed of a first fluid and a second heavier fluid, will separate the first fluid from the second heavier fluid, comprising:
(a) an inlet chamber, (b) a settling chamber, (c) an outlet chamber, (d) said inlet chamber having a sidewall, (e) a first passageway through said sidewall, which if and when the fluid level in said inlet chamber rises to the elevation of said first passageway, feeds fluid from said inlet chamber to said settling chamber, (f) said first passageway comprising means which will allow said low rate, but not said high rate of flow therethrough, (g) a second passageway for passing at least some of said second fluid from said settling chamber to said outlet chamber, (h) said inlet chamber and said outlet chamber having a common wall which has an opening between those two chambers, so that if and when said stream is fed to said inlet chamber, the surface fluid in said inlet chamber will flow through said first passageway when there is said low rate of flow and will pass through both of said first passageway and said opening when said stream has said high rate of flow, (i) said settling chamber extending to an elevation at least as high as said outlet chamber, and (j) said sidewall having an inlet opening through which said stream may be fed into said inlet chamber to or near the surface of the fluid in said inlet chamber.
(a) an inlet chamber, (b) a settling chamber, (c) an outlet chamber, (d) said inlet chamber having a sidewall, (e) a first passageway through said sidewall, which if and when the fluid level in said inlet chamber rises to the elevation of said first passageway, feeds fluid from said inlet chamber to said settling chamber, (f) said first passageway comprising means which will allow said low rate, but not said high rate of flow therethrough, (g) a second passageway for passing at least some of said second fluid from said settling chamber to said outlet chamber, (h) said inlet chamber and said outlet chamber having a common wall which has an opening between those two chambers, so that if and when said stream is fed to said inlet chamber, the surface fluid in said inlet chamber will flow through said first passageway when there is said low rate of flow and will pass through both of said first passageway and said opening when said stream has said high rate of flow, (i) said settling chamber extending to an elevation at least as high as said outlet chamber, and (j) said sidewall having an inlet opening through which said stream may be fed into said inlet chamber to or near the surface of the fluid in said inlet chamber.
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US1038096P | 1996-01-23 | 1996-01-23 | |
| US60/010,380 | 1996-01-23 | ||
| US1079196P | 1996-01-29 | 1996-01-29 | |
| US60/010,791 | 1996-01-29 | ||
| US08/782,373 | 1997-01-13 | ||
| US08/782,373 US5746911A (en) | 1997-01-13 | 1997-01-13 | Apparatus for separating a light from a heavy fluid |
| PCT/US1997/001425 WO1997027145A1 (en) | 1996-01-23 | 1997-01-17 | Apparatus for separating a light from a heavy fluid |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2236354A1 CA2236354A1 (en) | 1997-07-31 |
| CA2236354C true CA2236354C (en) | 2004-07-27 |
Family
ID=27359215
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002236354A Expired - Lifetime CA2236354C (en) | 1996-01-23 | 1997-01-17 | Apparatus for separating a light from a heavy fluid |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0883572A4 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU708787B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9707170A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2236354C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997027145A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20200009474A1 (en) * | 2018-07-05 | 2020-01-09 | Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. | Systems and methods useful for efficient fluid run-off separation of liquid and solid contaminants |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3862040A (en) * | 1973-04-17 | 1975-01-21 | Paul Preus | Separator for liquids of different densities |
| GB2127319A (en) * | 1982-09-17 | 1984-04-11 | Swain Plastics Limited J W | Settling tank with by-pass |
| US4578188A (en) * | 1985-07-26 | 1986-03-25 | Cousino Kenneth P | Sewerage flow diverter |
| ATE158631T1 (en) * | 1993-07-28 | 1997-10-15 | Vsb Vogelsberger Umwelttechnis | ARRANGEMENT FOR THE EXCEPTION OF CONTAMINANTS, PARTICULARLY COARSE MATERIALS, IN SEPARATION STRUCTURES FOR WATER PROTECTION, SUCH AS RAINWATER RELIEF STRUCTURES |
| US5433845A (en) * | 1994-06-03 | 1995-07-18 | Newberry Tanks & Equipment, Inc. | Flow control bypass basin apparatus |
| US5498331A (en) * | 1994-11-08 | 1996-03-12 | 1137361 Ontario Limited | Tank interceptor |
-
1997
- 1997-01-17 EP EP97904058A patent/EP0883572A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1997-01-17 BR BR9707170-6A patent/BR9707170A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1997-01-17 AU AU18458/97A patent/AU708787B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1997-01-17 WO PCT/US1997/001425 patent/WO1997027145A1/en active Application Filing
- 1997-01-17 CA CA002236354A patent/CA2236354C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1997027145A1 (en) | 1997-07-31 |
| AU708787B2 (en) | 1999-08-12 |
| AU1845897A (en) | 1997-08-20 |
| CA2236354A1 (en) | 1997-07-31 |
| EP0883572A4 (en) | 1999-12-08 |
| BR9707170A (en) | 2002-04-30 |
| EP0883572A1 (en) | 1998-12-16 |
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