GB1379027A - Method of and apparatus for the removal of layers of polluting liquids floating on water - Google Patents

Abstract

1379027 Separation of floating impurities SOC GENERALE DE CONSTRUCTIONS ELECTRIQUES ET MECANIQUES ALSTHOM 23 Sept 1971 [2 Oct 1970] 44472/71 Heading B2P In a method of removing a layer of a polluting liquid, e.g. oil, floating on the surface of water, water and overfloating polluting liquid are collected to a depth below the surface which can be varied, the collection being effected as a result of relative speed of movement between one or. more separating chambers of the cyclone type and the water and overfloating polluting liquid, the relative speed of movement causing the water and polluting liquid to enter the cyclone chamber or chambers, the or each chamber having a side. wall with a tangential inlet through which the water and polluting liquid enter the chamber, a closing wall or roof, the entry of the water and polluting liquid into the or each cyclone chamber as a result of the relative speed of movement being effective to fill the or each chamber with water and polluting liquid up to the closing wall or roof and to produce in the or each chamber a cyclonic rotation of the water and polluting liquid and hence a separation thereof by centrifugal force, whereby the polluting liquid is concentrated in a central axial zone from which it is evacuated through the said tube, while the separated water, freed from polluting liquid, is evacuated through the said outlet. In Fig. 1 and 2, vertical walls 1 articulated at 1' form a -convergent inlet in front of an apparatus which may be towed in the direction of arrow F along a sheet of water on which a layer of polluting liquid 2 floats. A blade 3 articulated about a horizontal axis 4 has a lip 5 acting as a scoop which collects the liquid 2 and part of the water 6 which are introduced tangentially into two cyclones 7, 8. The separated liquid is discharged through central tubes 10 into a storage chamber 14. The water is rejected towards the exterior through conduits 15, 16 at the bottom of the cyclones. Suction may be applied to the tubes 10 to increase the rate of flow. In an alternative arrangement, the apparatus may be placed at the rear of a boat which when reversed will effect removal of the polluting liquid. In another application, the apparatus may be stationarily placed in the flow of water in a river which is to be cleared of floating polluting liquid, the speed of flow ensuring introduction of the water and polluting liquid into the apparatus. In Fig. 3, a horizontal hydrocyclone 17, which may be incorporated in a hydroplane or hydrofoil craft, is equipped with a scoop 18 which is adjustable about an axis 19 and which directs water and polluting liquid tangentially into the hydrocyclone.