GB205935A - Improved method of and means for separating liquids of different specific gravity - Google Patents

Abstract

205,935. Alexander, H. M. Aug. 15, 1922. Separating by gravity.-In a method of separating a light and a heavy liquid from a mixture of the two, e.g. oil and water, wherein the mixture is introduced into a mass of the heavier liquid contained in a separating-chamber and is directed or deflected upwardly therein, the lighter liquid being discharged from the top of the chamber whilst the heavier is removed from its lower part, the point of introduction of the mixture and the manner of directing or deflecting it upwardly are so chosen as to cause no disturbance of the lighter liquid at its point of discharge, and to maintain a tranquil zone in the heavier liquid from which the latter is withdrawn substantially evenly over the area of withdrawal in such a way as to cause the least possible disturbance of its tranquility at any point or points. One form of apparatus for carrying out the invention is shown in Fig. 1. The mixture is delivered by gravity from a tank D<1> and a pipe D, which are vertically adjustable, into a conical chamber A<1>, preferably at or about its centre of gravity, and is deflected upwardly by a baffle plate D<2>. The lighter liquid rises to a tubular casing B, which is provided with heating or cooling-coils C, and is discharged over an adjustable weir into the chamber B<1>, whilst the heavier liquid is withdrawn through orifices Ex in a circular pipe E and is discharged through a crosspipe and pipes E<1>, E<2> to a tank F provided with a weir, the level of which is so adjusted that the liquid in the pipe E<2> balances the liquids in the chamber A<1>, B. If desired, the tank F may be replaced by a float chamber, the float of which controls a valve outlet at the base of the pipe E<2> b means of a rod actuating a ball valve controlling the outlet valve, the float chamber being connected directly to the lower part of the chamber A<1>, so that the float keeps the valve closed until, mixture is fed into the separating-chamber. In a modification, Fig. 4, the conical tank K and the casing L are located in a tank M, and the casing L is further provided with a steam jacket L<@>. In this form, when the mixture is admitted by the pipe K<1>, the lighter liquid rises through the casing L and discharges into the tank L<3>. whilst the heavier liquid passes under the base of the tank K into the tank M, between baffles N, O into the passage M<1> and over the weir M<2> to the outlet chamber P. Any traces of oil remaining in the water collect beneath the base L<5> of the tank L', into which they may be passed by opening the valve L<7>. The separation of the liquids may be assisted by injecting air into the mixture and the invention is applicable to the separation of a liquid from a liquifiable substance such as fat. If desired, the casing C may be heated electrically, and its temperature may be kept constant by thermostatic means. According to the Provisional Specification, the heavier liquid may be filtered on discharge, and a number of the separators, comprising the chambers A<1>, C may be superposed in a single tank.