skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Water polishing means for removing oil and other flotsam from water

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7284367

An apparatus is described for removing oil and other flotsam from water, including an elongate tank with an inlet at the upstream end for introducing a fluid and flotsam mixture into the tank to provide a mean fluid level in the tank. A plurality of longitudinally spaced, vertical dams extend transversely across the tank dividing it into longitudinally spaced zones, each of the dams having an upper edge spaced below the mean fluid level in the tank. A vertical weir is provided in each zone extending across the tank so as to divide the zone into an upstream section and a downstream section. Each of the weirs has an upper portion which extends above the mean fluid level and a lower edge spaced above the bottom wall of the tank. The weirs are preferably angularily positioned relative to the longitudinal axis of the tank so as to converge with the side wall of the tank at an acute angle to provide a collecting corner for receiving flotsam. Skimming means are provided at various of the upstream collecting corners to remove the flotsam which collects therein. An open-ended pipe is provided at one or more of the downstream collecting corners, the open end of the pipe being positioned beneath the fluid surface, and pump means are provided to cause a mixture of fluid, flotsam and air to be drawn into the open end of the pipe and to be transported to one or more of the upstream zones and to be dispersed therein for further downstream flow. 6 claims, 5 drawing figures.

Assignee:
TIC; ERA-03-008004; EDB-78-007332
Patent Number(s):
US 4049553
OSTI ID:
7284367
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: Filed date 12 Apr 1976
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English