CA2105714A1 - Separation unit for separating oil, water and solids from sludge - Google Patents
Separation unit for separating oil, water and solids from sludgeInfo
- Publication number
- CA2105714A1 CA2105714A1 CA002105714A CA2105714A CA2105714A1 CA 2105714 A1 CA2105714 A1 CA 2105714A1 CA 002105714 A CA002105714 A CA 002105714A CA 2105714 A CA2105714 A CA 2105714A CA 2105714 A1 CA2105714 A1 CA 2105714A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- compartment
- water
- solids
- oil
- sludge
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 85
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 64
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 57
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 39
- 239000010802 sludge Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 38
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000005574 cross-species transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
-
- 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
- B01D17/0214—Separation of non-miscible liquids by sedimentation with removal of one of the phases
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
- B01D21/0003—Making of sedimentation devices, structural details thereof, e.g. prefabricated parts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
- B01D21/0015—Controlling the inclination of settling devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
- B01D21/0024—Inlets or outlets provided with regulating devices, e.g. valves, flaps
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
- B01D21/003—Sedimentation tanks provided with a plurality of compartments separated by a partition wall
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
- B01D21/18—Construction of the scrapers or the driving mechanisms for settling tanks
- B01D21/183—Construction of the scrapers or the driving mechanisms for settling tanks with multiple scraping mechanisms
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
- B01D21/24—Feed or discharge mechanisms for settling tanks
- B01D21/2405—Feed mechanisms for settling tanks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
- B01D21/24—Feed or discharge mechanisms for settling tanks
- B01D21/2433—Discharge mechanisms for floating particles
- B01D21/2438—Discharge mechanisms for floating particles provided with scrapers on the liquid surface for removing floating particles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
- B01D21/24—Feed or discharge mechanisms for settling tanks
- B01D21/2444—Discharge mechanisms for the classified liquid
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
- B01D21/24—Feed or discharge mechanisms for settling tanks
- B01D21/245—Discharge mechanisms for the sediments
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
- B01D21/30—Control equipment
- B01D21/34—Controlling the feed distribution; Controlling the liquid level ; Control of process parameters
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2221/00—Applications of separation devices
- B01D2221/04—Separation devices for treating liquids from earth drilling, mining
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Removal Of Floating Material (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A separation unit for separating oil, water and solids from sludge is described which includes a separation tank whereby gravity separation of sludge is effected by virtue of differing densities of oil, water and solids. The separation tank is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment. The second compartment is positioned adjacent the first compartment. The first compartment has a sludge inlet, a water/solids outlet, and a bottom sloping at between 28 and 34 degrees from the sludge inlet toward the water/solids outlet, such that solids slide down the sloping bottom toward the water/solids outlet. The second compartment has an oil removal outlet. A skimmer is disposed in the separation tank whereby oil is skimmed from the first compartment into the second compartment.
A separation unit for separating oil, water and solids from sludge is described which includes a separation tank whereby gravity separation of sludge is effected by virtue of differing densities of oil, water and solids. The separation tank is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment. The second compartment is positioned adjacent the first compartment. The first compartment has a sludge inlet, a water/solids outlet, and a bottom sloping at between 28 and 34 degrees from the sludge inlet toward the water/solids outlet, such that solids slide down the sloping bottom toward the water/solids outlet. The second compartment has an oil removal outlet. A skimmer is disposed in the separation tank whereby oil is skimmed from the first compartment into the second compartment.
Description
``~`` 2~0~7~
.....
The present invention relates to a separation unit for separating oil, water and solids from sludge BACK~:ROU~D OF THE I~VENTION
5eparation units exist-that are capable of separating oil, water and solids from sludge. An example of such a separation unit is United States Patent 3,147,221 which was granted to W.
F. Johnston in 1964. This reference discloses a separation tank wherein gravity separation of sludge is effected by virtue of di-f~ering densities of oil, water and solids. The oil floats to the top and is skimmed by a skimmer consisting o~ a continu~us chain drive with a plurality of radially extending skimmer paddles. The solids fall to the bottom and are scraped by a continuous chain drive with a plurality of scraper paddles into a trough in which i5 disposed a screw conveyer.
The problem with separation units such as disclosed in the Johnston reference i~ that they are either incapable of handling sludge having a solids content approaching 50% or the `~
flow rate must be reduced as the solids content increases to avoid plugging. ` ~
~ ;
SU~lMARY OF T}IE INVENTION i~
What is required is a separation unit which i6 capable of `
maintaining a relatively high flow rate with sludge having a solids content approaching 50%.
According to the present invention there is provided a separation unit for separating oil, water and ~olids from sludge, includes a separation tank whereby gravity separation of sludge is effected by virtue of dif~ering densities of oil, water and solid~. The separation tank is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment. The second compartment is positioned adjacent the first compartment. The first ~ ~` 2~71~
compartment has a sludge inlet, a water/solids outlet, and a bottom sloping at between 28 and 34 degrees from the sludge inlet toward the water/solids outlet, such that solids slide down the sloping bottom toward the water/solids outlet. The second compartment has an oil removal outlet. A skimmer is disposed in the separation tank whereby oil is skimmed from the first compartment into the second sompartment. Means is provided for controlling flow through the water/solids outlet.
With the bottom of the first compartment sloping at between 28 and 34 degrees from the sludge inlet toward the water/solids outlet, solids slide down the sloping bottom at a substantially consistent and controlled rate. This enables sludge having a high percentage of solids content to be processed at an acceptable flow rate. With a slope in excess of 34 degrees the solids rapidly slide down the slope and accumulate at khe mouth of the water/solids outlet un-til the water/solids outlet is plugged. With a slope less than 28 degrees the solids tend to accumulate on the slope adversely effecting the throughput of solids. An advantage of this approach is that no mechanical devices are required to convey the solids, which in the prior art were subject to plugging and mechanical failure.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the separation unit, as described, the manner in which the sludge is introduced into the separation tank can have an affect on flow rates. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the sludge inlet includes a weir which defines a spill way onto the sloping bottom.
Although beneficial results may be obtained throu~h the use of the separation unit, as described, it is important that the solids move down the sloping bottom and out through the water/solids outlet. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the sloping bottom has a 2i~S71~
cylindrical slide way substantially axially aligned with the water/solids outlet.
Although beneficial resulks may be obtained through the use of the separation unit, as described, the means of controlling the flow through the water/solids outlet can have an affect on flow rates. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when that means includes a reciprocally movable gate member.
The skimmer that is preferred includes a continuous chain drive having radially extending paddles. Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of a separation unit with a skimmer, as described, if the skim~er can be made more :. -15 efficient the flow rate through the separation unit can be~ ~`
increased. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when flexible wipers are positioned on the extremities of the paddles, 20BRIEF D~8CRIPTION OF T~E D~AWINGS
": ``,`,`
~hese and other features of the invention will become more ~-~
apparent from the following description in which reference is 25 made to the appended drawings, wherein: ~ -FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view in longitudinal section of a separation unit constructed in accordance with the teachings of the pre~ent invention.
FIGURE 2 is top plan view of the separation unit illustrated in FIGURE l.
FIGURE 3 is a left end elevation view in longitudinal section of the separation unit taken along section lines A-A
of FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 4 is a right end elevation view in longitudinal seation of the separation unit taken along section lines B-B
of FIGURE 2.
21057~
FI&URE 5 is a detailed view of a portion of the separation unit illustrated in FIGURE 1.
5 DETAILEI) DESCRIPTIO~ Ol~ THE PREFE:RN5D EMBODIMT3NT
The preferred embodiment, a separation unit for separating oil, water and solids from sludge generally identified by reference numeral 11~ will now be described with reference to FI~U~ES 1 through 5.
Separation unit 11 includes a separation tank 32 whereby gravity separation of sludge is effected by virtue of differing densities of solids 12, water 14 and oil 16. Separation tank 32 is divided into a firæt compartment 15 and a second compartment 38. Second compartment 38 is disposed within first compartment 15 and has an exterior sidewall 17 that defines an inclined plane. First compartment 15 has a sludge inlet which is generally referred to by reference numeral 19 and will be hereinafter further described, a water/solids outlet 30, and a bottom 42 ~loping at between 28 and 34 degrees rom sludge inlet 19 toward water/solids outlet 30. Solids slide down sloping bottom 42 toward water/solids outlet 30. Second compartment 38 receives recovered oil 18 and has an oil removal outlet 36. Sludge inlet 1~ includes a weir 21 which de~ines a 8pill way onto sloping bottom 42. An intake pipe 10 delivers sludge consisting of a mixture of solids 12, water 14 and oil 16 into a force reduction chamber 34 behind weir 21. ~s the level of fluid~ in foxce reduction chamber 34 rise they spill over the spill way de~ined by weir 21 onto sloping bottom 42.
Referring to ~IGUR~ 3, sloping bottom 42 has a cylindrical slide way 44 substantially axially aligned with water/solids outlet 30. Slide way 44 directs solids 12 through water/solids outlet 30. A skimmer, generally identified by re~erence numeral 23 is disposed in separation tank 32 whereby oil 16 is skimmed ~rom irst compartment 15 into second compartment 38. Skimmer 23 inaludes a continuous chain drive 2~7~
; 5 22 mounted on sprockets 24 and having radially extending paddles 20. Chain drive 22 is driven by a motor 40. Referring to FIGURE 5, flexible wipers 25 are positioned on extremities 27 of paddles 20, such that wipers 25 engage exterior sidewall 17 of second compartment 38 to wipe oil 16 along the inclined plane formed by exterior sidewall 17 into second compartment 38. A reciprocally movable gate member 28 is positioned to control the flow of water/solids through water/solids outlet 30. An hydraulic cylinder 26 is connected to gate member 28 via linkage 29 to effect movement of gate member 28.
~ ' .
The use and operation of separation unit 11 will now be described with reference to FIGUR~S 1 through 5. A sludge con~isting of a mixture of solids 12, water 14 and oil 16 is pumped into separation tank 32 via intake pipe 10. In order to prevent the turbulent flow through intake pipe 10 from adversely affectin~ the gravity separation process, intake pipe 10 discharges into force reduction chamber 34 behind weir 21.
Weir 21 serves as a spill way, and the fluids in force reduction chamber 34 rise they spill over weir 21 and onto sloping bottom 42. Sloping bottom 42 plays a critical role in promoting the movement of solids 12. Sloping bottom 42 has a cylindrical slide way 44. Solids 12 which settle onto bottom 42 due to their densit~, slide gradually down cylindrical slide way 44 on sloping bottom 42 due to its slope which is between 28 and 34 degrees. Cylindrical slide way is axially aligned with water/solids outlet 30, so solids are directed out through water/solids outlet 30. Gate member 28 is placed in a partially open position during the initial stages of the separation process with 90% of water/solids outlet 30 covered.
During the initial stages the inflow of liquids into first compartment 15 must exceed outflow until a head of liquid is developed to a working depth. During this initial stage there must be a continuous flow through water/solids outlet 30 in order to avoid plugging. Once a head of liquid is developed gate member 28 is used meter the flow of liquids through water/solids outlet 30. This metering is performed by using ~-,` 21~71~
hydraulic cylinder 26 to move gate member 28. Solids 12 are carried by the flow of water 14 through water/solids outlet 30.
Oil 16 being lighter than water 14, tends to float on the surface of water 14. From this position it can be picked up by skimmer 23. As skimmer 23 operates paddles 20 move through oil 16. Flexible wipers 25 positioned on extremities 27 of paddles 20 engage exterior sidewall 17 of second compartment 38 to wipe oil 16 along the inclined plane formed by exterior sidewall 17 into second compartment 38. Recovered oil 18 which 10 accumulates in second compartment 38 is drained, or in appropriate cases pumped, via oil removal outlet 36.
When manuPacturing a separation unit in accordance with the teachings of the pre~ent invention there are a number of 15 factors which must be taken into consideration in order to maintain efficient operation. A turbulent flow coming into separation tank 32 can adversely affect separation of the sludge into its constituent elements solids 12, water 14 and oil 16. It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment 20 of separation unit 11, a force reduction chamber 34 has been provided behind a weir 21. It must also be noted that the slope of slopi~g bottom 42 can have a material effect on the process. With the bottom of the first compartment sloping at between 28 and 34 degrees from the sludge inlet toward the 25 water/solids outlet, solids slide down the sloping bottom at a substantially consistent and controlled rate. This enables sludge having a high percentage of solids content to be procesæed at an acceptable flow rate. With a slope in excess of 34 degrees the solids rapidly slide down the slope and 30 accumulate at the mouth of the water/solids outlet until the water/solids outlet is plugged. With a slope less than 28 degrees the solids tend to accumulate on the slope adversely effecting the throughput of solids. A urther area of concern relates to the removal of oil 16 from the surface o water 14.
35 It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment flexible wipers 25 have been uæed in combination with an inclined plane formed on exterior sidewall 17 to increase the efficiency of x ;v ~1~57~
... : 7 removal of oil 16. A final area of concern relates to the outflow of water/solids through water/solids outlet 30. Care must be taken in metering the flow water/solids outlet 30 by means of gate member 28 in order to maintain high flow rates, such as 15,000 gallons per minute, without plugging. This is especially true during the initial stages when liquid is being built up within first compartment 15. ~:~
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that 10 modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without :: :
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims. :
.....
The present invention relates to a separation unit for separating oil, water and solids from sludge BACK~:ROU~D OF THE I~VENTION
5eparation units exist-that are capable of separating oil, water and solids from sludge. An example of such a separation unit is United States Patent 3,147,221 which was granted to W.
F. Johnston in 1964. This reference discloses a separation tank wherein gravity separation of sludge is effected by virtue of di-f~ering densities of oil, water and solids. The oil floats to the top and is skimmed by a skimmer consisting o~ a continu~us chain drive with a plurality of radially extending skimmer paddles. The solids fall to the bottom and are scraped by a continuous chain drive with a plurality of scraper paddles into a trough in which i5 disposed a screw conveyer.
The problem with separation units such as disclosed in the Johnston reference i~ that they are either incapable of handling sludge having a solids content approaching 50% or the `~
flow rate must be reduced as the solids content increases to avoid plugging. ` ~
~ ;
SU~lMARY OF T}IE INVENTION i~
What is required is a separation unit which i6 capable of `
maintaining a relatively high flow rate with sludge having a solids content approaching 50%.
According to the present invention there is provided a separation unit for separating oil, water and ~olids from sludge, includes a separation tank whereby gravity separation of sludge is effected by virtue of dif~ering densities of oil, water and solid~. The separation tank is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment. The second compartment is positioned adjacent the first compartment. The first ~ ~` 2~71~
compartment has a sludge inlet, a water/solids outlet, and a bottom sloping at between 28 and 34 degrees from the sludge inlet toward the water/solids outlet, such that solids slide down the sloping bottom toward the water/solids outlet. The second compartment has an oil removal outlet. A skimmer is disposed in the separation tank whereby oil is skimmed from the first compartment into the second sompartment. Means is provided for controlling flow through the water/solids outlet.
With the bottom of the first compartment sloping at between 28 and 34 degrees from the sludge inlet toward the water/solids outlet, solids slide down the sloping bottom at a substantially consistent and controlled rate. This enables sludge having a high percentage of solids content to be processed at an acceptable flow rate. With a slope in excess of 34 degrees the solids rapidly slide down the slope and accumulate at khe mouth of the water/solids outlet un-til the water/solids outlet is plugged. With a slope less than 28 degrees the solids tend to accumulate on the slope adversely effecting the throughput of solids. An advantage of this approach is that no mechanical devices are required to convey the solids, which in the prior art were subject to plugging and mechanical failure.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the separation unit, as described, the manner in which the sludge is introduced into the separation tank can have an affect on flow rates. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the sludge inlet includes a weir which defines a spill way onto the sloping bottom.
Although beneficial results may be obtained throu~h the use of the separation unit, as described, it is important that the solids move down the sloping bottom and out through the water/solids outlet. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the sloping bottom has a 2i~S71~
cylindrical slide way substantially axially aligned with the water/solids outlet.
Although beneficial resulks may be obtained through the use of the separation unit, as described, the means of controlling the flow through the water/solids outlet can have an affect on flow rates. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when that means includes a reciprocally movable gate member.
The skimmer that is preferred includes a continuous chain drive having radially extending paddles. Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of a separation unit with a skimmer, as described, if the skim~er can be made more :. -15 efficient the flow rate through the separation unit can be~ ~`
increased. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when flexible wipers are positioned on the extremities of the paddles, 20BRIEF D~8CRIPTION OF T~E D~AWINGS
": ``,`,`
~hese and other features of the invention will become more ~-~
apparent from the following description in which reference is 25 made to the appended drawings, wherein: ~ -FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view in longitudinal section of a separation unit constructed in accordance with the teachings of the pre~ent invention.
FIGURE 2 is top plan view of the separation unit illustrated in FIGURE l.
FIGURE 3 is a left end elevation view in longitudinal section of the separation unit taken along section lines A-A
of FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 4 is a right end elevation view in longitudinal seation of the separation unit taken along section lines B-B
of FIGURE 2.
21057~
FI&URE 5 is a detailed view of a portion of the separation unit illustrated in FIGURE 1.
5 DETAILEI) DESCRIPTIO~ Ol~ THE PREFE:RN5D EMBODIMT3NT
The preferred embodiment, a separation unit for separating oil, water and solids from sludge generally identified by reference numeral 11~ will now be described with reference to FI~U~ES 1 through 5.
Separation unit 11 includes a separation tank 32 whereby gravity separation of sludge is effected by virtue of differing densities of solids 12, water 14 and oil 16. Separation tank 32 is divided into a firæt compartment 15 and a second compartment 38. Second compartment 38 is disposed within first compartment 15 and has an exterior sidewall 17 that defines an inclined plane. First compartment 15 has a sludge inlet which is generally referred to by reference numeral 19 and will be hereinafter further described, a water/solids outlet 30, and a bottom 42 ~loping at between 28 and 34 degrees rom sludge inlet 19 toward water/solids outlet 30. Solids slide down sloping bottom 42 toward water/solids outlet 30. Second compartment 38 receives recovered oil 18 and has an oil removal outlet 36. Sludge inlet 1~ includes a weir 21 which de~ines a 8pill way onto sloping bottom 42. An intake pipe 10 delivers sludge consisting of a mixture of solids 12, water 14 and oil 16 into a force reduction chamber 34 behind weir 21. ~s the level of fluid~ in foxce reduction chamber 34 rise they spill over the spill way de~ined by weir 21 onto sloping bottom 42.
Referring to ~IGUR~ 3, sloping bottom 42 has a cylindrical slide way 44 substantially axially aligned with water/solids outlet 30. Slide way 44 directs solids 12 through water/solids outlet 30. A skimmer, generally identified by re~erence numeral 23 is disposed in separation tank 32 whereby oil 16 is skimmed ~rom irst compartment 15 into second compartment 38. Skimmer 23 inaludes a continuous chain drive 2~7~
; 5 22 mounted on sprockets 24 and having radially extending paddles 20. Chain drive 22 is driven by a motor 40. Referring to FIGURE 5, flexible wipers 25 are positioned on extremities 27 of paddles 20, such that wipers 25 engage exterior sidewall 17 of second compartment 38 to wipe oil 16 along the inclined plane formed by exterior sidewall 17 into second compartment 38. A reciprocally movable gate member 28 is positioned to control the flow of water/solids through water/solids outlet 30. An hydraulic cylinder 26 is connected to gate member 28 via linkage 29 to effect movement of gate member 28.
~ ' .
The use and operation of separation unit 11 will now be described with reference to FIGUR~S 1 through 5. A sludge con~isting of a mixture of solids 12, water 14 and oil 16 is pumped into separation tank 32 via intake pipe 10. In order to prevent the turbulent flow through intake pipe 10 from adversely affectin~ the gravity separation process, intake pipe 10 discharges into force reduction chamber 34 behind weir 21.
Weir 21 serves as a spill way, and the fluids in force reduction chamber 34 rise they spill over weir 21 and onto sloping bottom 42. Sloping bottom 42 plays a critical role in promoting the movement of solids 12. Sloping bottom 42 has a cylindrical slide way 44. Solids 12 which settle onto bottom 42 due to their densit~, slide gradually down cylindrical slide way 44 on sloping bottom 42 due to its slope which is between 28 and 34 degrees. Cylindrical slide way is axially aligned with water/solids outlet 30, so solids are directed out through water/solids outlet 30. Gate member 28 is placed in a partially open position during the initial stages of the separation process with 90% of water/solids outlet 30 covered.
During the initial stages the inflow of liquids into first compartment 15 must exceed outflow until a head of liquid is developed to a working depth. During this initial stage there must be a continuous flow through water/solids outlet 30 in order to avoid plugging. Once a head of liquid is developed gate member 28 is used meter the flow of liquids through water/solids outlet 30. This metering is performed by using ~-,` 21~71~
hydraulic cylinder 26 to move gate member 28. Solids 12 are carried by the flow of water 14 through water/solids outlet 30.
Oil 16 being lighter than water 14, tends to float on the surface of water 14. From this position it can be picked up by skimmer 23. As skimmer 23 operates paddles 20 move through oil 16. Flexible wipers 25 positioned on extremities 27 of paddles 20 engage exterior sidewall 17 of second compartment 38 to wipe oil 16 along the inclined plane formed by exterior sidewall 17 into second compartment 38. Recovered oil 18 which 10 accumulates in second compartment 38 is drained, or in appropriate cases pumped, via oil removal outlet 36.
When manuPacturing a separation unit in accordance with the teachings of the pre~ent invention there are a number of 15 factors which must be taken into consideration in order to maintain efficient operation. A turbulent flow coming into separation tank 32 can adversely affect separation of the sludge into its constituent elements solids 12, water 14 and oil 16. It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment 20 of separation unit 11, a force reduction chamber 34 has been provided behind a weir 21. It must also be noted that the slope of slopi~g bottom 42 can have a material effect on the process. With the bottom of the first compartment sloping at between 28 and 34 degrees from the sludge inlet toward the 25 water/solids outlet, solids slide down the sloping bottom at a substantially consistent and controlled rate. This enables sludge having a high percentage of solids content to be procesæed at an acceptable flow rate. With a slope in excess of 34 degrees the solids rapidly slide down the slope and 30 accumulate at the mouth of the water/solids outlet until the water/solids outlet is plugged. With a slope less than 28 degrees the solids tend to accumulate on the slope adversely effecting the throughput of solids. A urther area of concern relates to the removal of oil 16 from the surface o water 14.
35 It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment flexible wipers 25 have been uæed in combination with an inclined plane formed on exterior sidewall 17 to increase the efficiency of x ;v ~1~57~
... : 7 removal of oil 16. A final area of concern relates to the outflow of water/solids through water/solids outlet 30. Care must be taken in metering the flow water/solids outlet 30 by means of gate member 28 in order to maintain high flow rates, such as 15,000 gallons per minute, without plugging. This is especially true during the initial stages when liquid is being built up within first compartment 15. ~:~
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that 10 modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without :: :
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims. :
Claims (7)
1. A separation unit for separating oil, water and solids from sludge, comprising:
a. a separation tank whereby gravity separation of sludge is effected by virtue of differing densities of oil, water and solids, the separation tank being divided into a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment being adjacent the first compartment, the first compartment having a sludge inlet, a water/solids outlet, and a bottom sloping at between 28 and 34 degrees from the sludge inlet toward the water/solids outlet, such that solids slide down the sloping bottom toward the water/solids outlet, the second compartment having an oil removal outlet;
b. a skimmer disposed in the separation tank whereby oil is skimmed from the first compartment into the second compartment; and c. means for controlling flow through the water/solids outlet.
a. a separation tank whereby gravity separation of sludge is effected by virtue of differing densities of oil, water and solids, the separation tank being divided into a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment being adjacent the first compartment, the first compartment having a sludge inlet, a water/solids outlet, and a bottom sloping at between 28 and 34 degrees from the sludge inlet toward the water/solids outlet, such that solids slide down the sloping bottom toward the water/solids outlet, the second compartment having an oil removal outlet;
b. a skimmer disposed in the separation tank whereby oil is skimmed from the first compartment into the second compartment; and c. means for controlling flow through the water/solids outlet.
2. The separation unit as defined in Claim 1, wherein the sludge inlet includes a weir which defines a spill way onto the sloping bottom.
3. The separation unit as defined in Claim 1, wherein the sloping bottom has a cylindrical slide way substantially axially aligned with the water/solids outlet.
4. The separation unit as defined in Claim 1, wherein the means for controlling the flow through the water/solids outlet includes a reciprocally movable gate member.
5. The separation unit as defined in Claim 1, wherein the skimmer includes a continuous chain drive having radially extending paddles.
6. The separation unit as defined in Claim 5, wherein the second compartment has an exterior sidewall that defines an inclined plane and flexible wipers are positioned on the extremities of the paddles such that the wipers engage the exterior sidewall to wipe oil along the inclined plane into the second compartment.
7. A separation unit for separating oil, water and solids from sludge, comprising:
a. a separation tank whereby gravity separation of sludge is effected by virtue of differing densities of oil, water and solids, the separation tank being divided into a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment being adjacent the first compartment and having an exterior sidewall that defines an inclined plane, the first compartment having a sludge inlet, a water/solids outlet, and a bottom sloping at between 28 and 34 degrees from the sludge inlet toward the water/solids outlet, such that solids slide down the sloping bottom toward the water/solids outlet, the second compartment having an oil removal outlet, the sludge inlet including a weir which defines a spill way onto the sloping bottom, the sloping bottom having a cylindrical slide way substantially axially aligned with the water/solids outlet, b. a skimmer disposed in the separation tank whereby oil is skimmed from the first compartment into the second compartment, the skimmer including a continuous chain drive having radially extending paddles, flexible wipers are positioned on the extremities of the paddles such that the wipers engage the exterior sidewall to wipe oil along -the inclined plane into the second compartment; and c. a reciprocally movable gate member whereby flow through the water/solids outlet is controlled.
a. a separation tank whereby gravity separation of sludge is effected by virtue of differing densities of oil, water and solids, the separation tank being divided into a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment being adjacent the first compartment and having an exterior sidewall that defines an inclined plane, the first compartment having a sludge inlet, a water/solids outlet, and a bottom sloping at between 28 and 34 degrees from the sludge inlet toward the water/solids outlet, such that solids slide down the sloping bottom toward the water/solids outlet, the second compartment having an oil removal outlet, the sludge inlet including a weir which defines a spill way onto the sloping bottom, the sloping bottom having a cylindrical slide way substantially axially aligned with the water/solids outlet, b. a skimmer disposed in the separation tank whereby oil is skimmed from the first compartment into the second compartment, the skimmer including a continuous chain drive having radially extending paddles, flexible wipers are positioned on the extremities of the paddles such that the wipers engage the exterior sidewall to wipe oil along -the inclined plane into the second compartment; and c. a reciprocally movable gate member whereby flow through the water/solids outlet is controlled.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002105714A CA2105714A1 (en) | 1993-09-08 | 1993-09-08 | Separation unit for separating oil, water and solids from sludge |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002105714A CA2105714A1 (en) | 1993-09-08 | 1993-09-08 | Separation unit for separating oil, water and solids from sludge |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2105714A1 true CA2105714A1 (en) | 1995-03-09 |
Family
ID=4152277
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002105714A Abandoned CA2105714A1 (en) | 1993-09-08 | 1993-09-08 | Separation unit for separating oil, water and solids from sludge |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2105714A1 (en) |
-
1993
- 1993-09-08 CA CA002105714A patent/CA2105714A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |