Mixed solution separator

Abstract

The present invention provides a mixed solution separator comprising: an interface floater of which each half is filled with a first liquid and a second liquid, respectively, or which is made of a material having a specific gravity that is half the specific gravities of the first liquid and the second liquid; sensors which are installed at positions for detecting the interface floater, on the inner or outer side of a water tank receiving the first liquid and the second liquid therein; and a cage which enables the interface floater to move vertically and maintain a distance with respect to the sensors.

Description

Mixed liquid separator

[0001] The present invention relates to a mixed liquid separator.

[0002]

[0003] Mixed liquids of different specific gravity, such as wastewater containing oil and water, are discharged in large quantities from industrial sites like factories, construction sites, and ships, as well as from everyday life in restaurants, homes, and other areas. Discharging these mixed liquids without further treatment often causes significant damage to the natural ecosystem. Therefore, pretreatment processes are essential before discharging these mixed liquids into the environment.

[0004] Examples of methods for separating mixed liquids with different specific gravities include gravity treatment, hydraulic separation, and filtration separation. A gravity separation method utilizes the difference in specific gravity, such as removing oil from a water-oil mixture by floating it on the water and then skimming it with an oil skimmer. A hydraulic separation method separates liquids by centrifugal force and gravity by forming a specific flow pattern, such as a vortex, in a limited space. A filtration separation method filters out one type of liquid and allows the remaining liquids to pass through using a filter, such as a non-woven fabric.

[0005] However, although these methods may be useful depending on the situation, they have limitations in separation speed, separation amount, and separation purity, and they require filter replacement or regular cleaning, which results in high maintenance costs and makes continuous separation processing difficult.

[0006] Patents related to separation of mixed solutions include Patent No. 10-2200323 and Patent No. 10-2265967.

[0007] To overcome these limitations and weaknesses, the inventor has developed a mixed liquid separator with improved structure and function.

[0008]

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an economical and highly commercially viable mixed liquid separator capable of separating and discharging a mixed liquid with high purity.

[0010]

[0011] In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention provides a mixed liquid separator, comprising: an interface floater made of a material that is filled with 1 / 2 of a first liquid and a second liquid or has a specific gravity approximately equal to the average of the specific gravity of the first liquid and the second liquid; a sensor installed at a position for detecting the interface floater inside or outside a tank containing the first liquid and the second liquid; and a cage that allows the interface floater to move up and down and maintain a distance from the sensor.

[0012] The interfacial float may be flat or container-shaped and capable of filling liquid inside.

[0013] The container-type interface float may be formed by injecting 1 / 2 of the first and second liquids into the interface float without creating a compartment inside the interface float, or by installing a partition wall that divides the inside of the interface float in half and filling the first liquid on one side and the second liquid on the other side, or by injecting the first liquid and the second liquid into each of the two divided interface floats and then joining them tightly.

[0014] The interface float can be a multi-layered structure differentiated by height, and the sensor can detect each layer.

[0015] The sensor includes a first sensor responsible for opening and closing a first outlet for discharging a first liquid from the tank, and a second sensor responsible for opening and closing a second outlet for discharging a second liquid from the tank.

[0016] When the interface floater has a multi-layer structure, it includes at least three layers: a lowermost layer, a middle layer, and an uppermost layer. When the first sensor detects the lowermost layer of the interface floater, it can open the first valve, and when the second sensor detects the uppermost layer of the interface floater, it can open the second valve.

[0017] The above-mentioned interface injury body, the sensor, and the cage can be packaged as an assembly to form a mixed liquid interface recognition module (ISM).

[0018] The interface float can be provided as a pair of separate upper ISM and lower ISM.

[0019] A guide may be installed in the cage to guide the up and down movement of the interface body.

[0020] The sensor includes a first sensor responsible for opening and closing a first outlet for discharging a first liquid from a tank, and a second sensor responsible for opening and closing a second outlet for discharging a second liquid from a tank, wherein the second outlet is located above the first outlet, the first sensor may be installed above the first outlet for discharging the first liquid, and the second sensor may be installed below the second outlet for discharging the second liquid.

[0021] The sensor includes a first sensor responsible for opening and closing a first outlet for discharging a first liquid of a tank, and a second sensor responsible for opening and closing a second outlet for discharging a second liquid of a tank, wherein the second outlet is located above the first outlet, the first sensor is installed at a lower portion of the first outlet for discharging the first liquid, and the second sensor is installed at an upper portion of the second outlet for discharging the second liquid, and the interface floater may have a length such that at least the lower portion is detected by the first sensor when the interface of the first liquid and the second liquid descends, and at least the upper portion is detected by the second sensor when the interface of the first liquid and the second liquid rises.

[0022] A pump for pumping the first liquid and the second liquid may be installed outside the tank.

[0023] In addition, the present invention relates to a ship having the above-described mixed liquid separator installed, wherein the mixed liquid separator is installed in a storage space formed by a height difference in the bow portion of the ship, and the first liquid may be water and the second liquid may be oil.

[0024]

[0025] According to the present invention, an economical and highly commercially viable mixed liquid separator capable of separating and discharging a mixed liquid with high purity is provided.

[0026] The interface flotation body of the present invention is manufactured to have an intermediate specific gravity of the mixed liquid, so that its intermediate height can easily coincide with the interface (FC).

[0027] In the present invention, the interface flotation body, sensor and cage are manufactured as a set so that they can be quickly installed in a place where separation of a mixed solution is required.

[0028] Other superior effects of the present invention will be more clearly confirmed from the description of the specification described below.

[0029]

[0030] Fig. 1 is a side view showing the overall configuration of the mixed liquid separator of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing several embodiments of the interface float of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating various examples of the ISM of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an additional embodiment of the interface body of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing another embodiment of the mixed liquid separator of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the mixed liquid separator of the present invention applied to a ship.

[0036]

[0037] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used in a meaning that can be commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. In addition, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly specifically defined. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular also includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise in the phrase. As used herein, "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations, and / or elements mentioned.

[0039] Figure 1 is a side view showing the overall configuration of a mixed liquid separator (1) of the present invention. The mixed liquid separator (1) includes a separation tank (2). The separation tank (2) should be broadly interpreted to include not only small portable, indoor, or household separation tanks, but also large industrial containers or outdoor separation tanks. The size, shape, or material of the separation tank (2) does not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0040] Inside the separation tank (2), a first liquid (L1) with a high specific gravity is filled at the bottom, and a second liquid (L2) with a lower specific gravity than the first liquid is filled at the top. When the mixed liquid is filled in the separation tank (2), the first liquid (L1) is naturally separated due to the difference in specific gravity so that the second liquid (L2) is located at the top, and an interface (FC) is formed between the liquids. For convenience of explanation, Fig. 1 illustrates that the first liquid (L1) and the second liquid (L2) occupy almost the same volume.

[0041] On one side of the separation tank (2), a first outlet (4) is formed at an appropriate position at the bottom, and a second outlet (6) is formed at a distance above it. A first valve (40) is installed at the inlet of the first outlet (4) to open and close the first outlet (4), and a second valve (60) is installed at the inlet of the second outlet (6) to open and close the second outlet (6). The first valve (40) is located at a level approximately in the middle of the first liquid (L1), and the second valve (60) is located at a level slightly above the entire height of the second liquid (L2), but this is an example, and the installation positions are not particularly limited as long as the installation heights of the valves are not too small or too large to make it difficult for each liquid to flow in or to cause other liquids to be mixed in. In addition, the first outlet (4) can be installed on the bottom rather than on the side. A pump, not shown, can be installed at the rear of the valve in the discharge path of each outlet to pump out the liquid.

[0042] The mixed liquid separator (1) of the present invention includes an interface floater (10), a cage (20) surrounding the interface floater (10), and a sensor (30) for detecting the interface floater (10).

[0043] The interface float (10) has a space that can be filled with liquid, and in particular, when the two liquids are filled halfway, it can be positioned in accordance with the interface (FC). As shown, the middle part of the interface float (10) almost exactly coincides with the interface (FC), so the position of the interface float (10) precisely changes according to the height (position) of the interface (FC) due to the change in the height of the liquid.

[0044] Fig. 2 illustrates several embodiments of the interface levitation body (10) of the present invention. The interface levitation body (10) can be manufactured in a flat plate shape as illustrated in Fig. 2a. It is manufactured in a solid shape with a material having a specific gravity intermediate between that of the first liquid (L1) and the second liquid (L2). The flat plate is an example, and it can be manufactured in various shapes such as a rod or a column. Alternatively, the interface levitation body (10) can be manufactured in a container shape as illustrated in Figs. 2b to 2d. The container shape has a liquid injection port (not illustrated), through which the first and second liquids (L1, L2) can be directly injected in the field in half each, and easily positioned on the interface (FC).

[0045] Fig. 2b is a simple integral type, in which the first and second liquids (L1, L2) are each injected about 1 / 2 without creating a compartment inside the interface float (10). Fig. 2c is a partition integral type, in which a partition wall is installed to divide the inside of the interface float (10) in half, and the first liquid (L1) is filled in the lower part, and the second liquid (L2) is filled in the upper part. Fig. 2d is a separate-bonded type, in which the first liquid (L1) and the second liquid (L2) are separately injected into each of the two divided interface floats (10), and then are joined by closely contacting each other from above and below. Since the interface float (10) of the present invention is manufactured in this way, when two types of liquids are separated due to a difference in specific gravity, the interface float (10) can be precisely aligned so that its middle height matches the interface (FC).

[0046] The sensor (30) includes a first sensor (30a) and a second sensor (30b). The sensor (30) is arranged between the first outlet (4) and the second outlet (6). The position of the first sensor (30a) is not particularly limited, but is installed at a certain distance (Da) from the top of the first outlet (4) in order to exclude the possibility of discharge of other liquids. The position of the second sensor (30b) is also not particularly limited, but is installed at a certain distance (Db) from the bottom of the second outlet (6) in order to exclude the possibility of discharge of other liquids. The sensor (30) is illustrated as being installed outside the separation tank (2), but may be installed inside the separation tank (2) as long as it does not interfere with the movement of the interface flotation body (10).

[0047] The sensor (30) detects an interface buoyant body (10). The interface buoyant body (10) serves as an object or a detection target. The sensor (30) can detect the interface buoyant body (10) as an image or as a horizontal level measuring device, and various types of sensors can be used.

[0048] The first sensor (30a) and the second sensor (30b) each have built-in controllers to control the on / off of the first valve (40) and the second valve (60), respectively, according to the detection signal of the interface buoyant body (10). The default state of the first valve (40) and the second valve (60) is closed when the power is off, and open when the power is on. The first sensor (30a) closes the first valve (40) when it detects the interface buoyant body (10), and the second sensor (30a) closes the second valve (60) when it detects the interface buoyant body (10). Unlike the above, a valve controller independent of the sensor (30) may be provided, and the opening and closing of the valves may be controlled by intervening the independent controller according to the signal of the sensor (30).

[0049] The cage (20) is an interface floater cage, and is attached to the side of the separation tank (2) while surrounding the interface floater (10). The cage (20) provides a space for the interface floater (10) and its vertical movement. The interface floater (10) moves up and down according to the movement of the interface (FC) within the range of the upper and lower ends of the cage (20). That is, the cage (20) regulates or limits the range of vertical movement of the interface floater (10). Therefore, even if the interface (FC) rises above the cage (20), the height of the interface floater (10) is limited within the cage (20). As described below, a guide may be installed in the cage (20) to assist the movement of the interface floater (10).

[0050] In the present invention, the distance (Da) related to the first sensor (30a) and the distance (Db) related to the second sensor (30b) are preferably smaller than the total length of the interface buoyancy body (10). If, on the contrary, they are larger, the interface buoyancy body (10) may be located between the first sensor (30a) and the first outlet (4), and at this time, the first sensor (30a) may not recognize the interface buoyancy body (10) and thus may not close the first valve (40).

[0051] In the present invention, the interface floater (10), the cage (20), and the sensor (30) have the characteristic of being able to be commercialized or packaged as a module or assembly. They can be appropriately assembled or separated as assembly units in any separation tank, and in terms of their versatility, the assembly forms an "interface sensing module (ISM)."

[0052] Figure 3 illustrates various examples of the ISM of the present invention.

[0053] Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b are types in which there is no guide (24) in the cage (20). Fig. 3a is an integrated type and is similar to Fig. 1. A “ㄷ” shaped frame (22) forms the exterior of the cage (20). Fig. 3b is a separate type, in which a cage (20) and a pair of interface floaters (10) form an ISM. The integrated type is preferably used when the distance between the first sensor (30a) and the second sensor (30b) is close, and the separate type is preferably used when the distance between the first sensor (30a) and the second sensor (30b) is far. In the case of the separate type, it is reasonable to use it when the distance between the first outlet (4) and the second outlet (6) is far. In addition, since the upper ISM and the lower ISM can be separated and placed at relatively free points, the degree of freedom is higher than that of the integrated type.

[0054] FIG. 3c and FIG. 3d show a cage (20) having one side formed with a guide (24) or having a guide (24) installed inside, and an interface float (10) moving along the guide (24). FIG. 3c is an integral type, and FIG. 3d is a separate type.

[0055] Next, an additional embodiment of the interface body (10) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0056] The interface float (10) can be divided into a first layer (10a), a second layer (10b), a third layer (10c), a fourth layer (10d), and a fifth layer (10e) from the bottom as shown. The opening and closing of the first valve (40) and the second valve (60) are controlled depending on which layer the sensor (30) detects.

[0057] The first layer (10a), the second layer (10b), and the third layer (10c) form the first region (10A). The first region (10A) is a region related to the first liquid (L1), and is a section that the first sensor (30a) recognizes and controls the first valve (40). Specifically, when the first sensor (30a) recognizes the first layer (10a), the first valve (40) is opened, or if it is already open, it is maintained in the open state. The second layer (10b) is a resting section, and even if the first sensor (30a) recognizes it, the first valve (40) is not operated and the previous state is maintained. The second layer (10b) is to prevent unnecessary repeated opening and closing of the first valve (40). The height of the second layer (10b) can be appropriately determined depending on the capacity of the liquid. When the first sensor (30a) recognizes the third layer (10c), the first valve (40) is closed, or if it is already closed, it is maintained in the closed state. This is because when the third layer (10c) is located at the sensor, the distance between the second liquid (L2) and the first outlet (4) becomes closer, allowing the second liquid (L2) to flow into the first outlet (4).

[0058] In any case, at least the total length of the first area (10A) must be longer than the distance (Da) set to the first sensor (30a).

[0059] Similarly, the third layer (10c), the fourth layer (10d), and the fifth layer (10e) form the second region (10B). The second region (10B) is a region related to the second liquid (L2), and is a section that the second sensor (30b) recognizes and controls the second valve (60). Specifically, when the second sensor (30b) recognizes the fifth layer (10e), the second valve (60) is opened, or if it is already open, it is maintained in the open state. The fourth layer (10d) is a resting region, and even if the second sensor (30b) recognizes it, the second valve (60) is not operated. When the second sensor (30b) recognizes the third layer (10c), the second valve (60) is closed, or if it is already closed, it is maintained in the closed state.

[0060] In any case, at least the total length of the second area (10B) must be longer than the distance (Db) set to the second sensor (30a).

[0061] In the case where the interfacial floater (10) has a multi-layer structure as described above, each layer can be colored differently so that the sensor (30) can read the color to determine which layer has been detected. Alternatively, various modifications are possible, such as implanting, applying, or embedding a unique identifier in each layer or the dividing line between layers so that the sensor (30) can identify it. The layers of the interfacial floater (10) can be further subdivided into more layers than five or reduced in number. Even in the case of reducing the number of layers, a three-layer structure consisting of at least the top layer, the bottom layer, and the middle layer is essential.

[0062] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the present invention will be described in which the cage (20) is formed longer than the distance of the discharge port and the interface float (10) is manufactured longer.

[0063] The difference from the embodiment of Fig. 1 is that the cage (20) is installed over a long height to include the installation length of the first outlet (4) and the second outlet (6), and the interface float (10) is manufactured long. In this case, the first sensor (30a) is placed below the first outlet (4), and the second sensor (30b) is placed above the second outlet (6).

[0064] Then, as illustrated in Fig. 5a, when the interface (FC) is above the first outlet (4), the first sensor (30a) recognizes the interface floater (10), so that the first valve (40) can be controlled so that the second liquid (L2) is not discharged through the first outlet (4). To this end, for example, if the multi-layered interface floater (10) of Fig. 4 is used, the first sensor (30a) should be installed within a distance capable of recognizing at least the section ranging from the first layer (10a) to the third layer (10c).

[0065] Likewise, as illustrated in FIG. 5b, when the interface (FC) is below the second outlet (6), the second sensor (30b) recognizes the interface floater (10), so that the second valve (60) can be controlled so that the first liquid (L1) is not discharged through the second outlet (6). To this end, for example, if the multi-layered interface floater (10) of FIG. 4 is used, the second sensor (30b) should be installed within a distance capable of recognizing at least the section ranging from the third layer (10c) to the fifth layer (10e).

[0066] It will be understood that the embodiment of Fig. 5 is advantageously applicable to the separation type described in Fig. 3.

[0067] The mixed liquid separator (1) of the present invention can be applied to various fields. In addition to indoor separators for household use, for example, it can be used as a sludge separator applied to a factory's drainage system, a purification device that separates waste oil and cutting oil based on specific gravity, or a waste oil filtering device installed in facilities such as a gas station. In addition, the present invention can be applied to vessels that purify oil spills from oil tankers and the like. Figure 6 is a drawing illustrating a case where the mixed liquid separator (1) of the present invention is applied to a vessel such as an oil recovery vessel.

[0068] In the case of a ship, a storage space is formed at the bow due to a height difference, so this can be used as a separation tank (2). A mixture of water and oil flows in through the inlet (70). It is more efficient if the front of the space formed at the bow has a head with an automatic height adjustment function. High-density water is the first liquid (L1), and low-density oil is separated into the second liquid (L2), and in the same manner as described above, the first sensor (30a) and the second sensor (30b) detect the first liquid (L1) and the second liquid (L2), respectively, through the interface float (10) to control the opening and closing of the first valve (40) and the second valve (60).

[0069] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is obvious that various changes and modifications are possible for the present invention, and the scope of the rights of the present invention extends to an area identical or equivalent to the claims described below.

[0070]

[0071] Description of the symbol

[0072]

[0073] 1: Mixture Separator

[0074] 2: Separation tank

[0075] L1: High-density first liquid

[0076] L2: Second liquid with low specific gravity

[0077] FC: Interface

[0078] 4: First outlet

[0079] 40: First valve

[0080] 6: Second outlet

[0081] 60: Second valve

[0082] 10: Interface floater

[0083] 20: Cage

[0084] 30: Injury detection sensor

[0085] 22: “ㄷ” shaped frame

[0086] 24: Guide to the Injured Body

[0087] 70: Inlet

Claims

1. As a mixed liquid separator, the mixed liquid separator: An interface float made of a material filled with 1 / 2 of the first liquid and 1 / 2 of the second liquid or having an average specific gravity of the first liquid and the second liquid; A sensor installed at a location to detect an interface floater inside or outside a tank containing a first liquid and a second liquid; and A mixed liquid separator comprising a cage that allows the interface body to move up and down and maintain a distance from the sensor.

2. In paragraph 1, A mixed liquid separator, the interface body being a flat plate or a container capable of filling liquid inside.

3. In paragraph 2, The interface float of the container type is one in which the first and second liquids are injected in half each without making a compartment inside the interface float, or a partition wall is installed to divide the inside of the interface float in half and the first liquid is filled in one side and the second liquid in the other side, or the first liquid and the second liquid are separately filled in each of the two interface floats and then tightly joined. Mixed liquid separator.

4. In paragraph 1, The interfacial separator may be a multi-layer structure distinguished by height, and the sensor detects each layer, a mixed liquid separator.

5. In paragraph 4, The sensor includes a first sensor responsible for opening and closing a first outlet for discharging a first liquid from the tank, and a second sensor responsible for opening and closing a second outlet for discharging a second liquid from the tank. The multilayer structure of the interface float includes at least three layers: a lowermost layer, a middle layer, and a top layer. When the first sensor detects the lowest layer of the interface material, it opens the first valve. A mixed liquid separator that opens the second valve when the second sensor detects the top layer of the interface flotation agent.

6. In paragraph 1, A mixed liquid separator in which the above-mentioned interface flotation body, the sensor, and the cage are packaged as an assembly to form a mixed liquid interface recognition module (ISM).

7. In paragraph 6, The interface flotation body is a mixed liquid separator provided as a pair of separate upper ISM and lower ISM.

8. In paragraph 1, A mixed liquid separator in which a guide is installed in the cage to guide the up and down movement of the interface flotation body.

9. In paragraph 1, The sensor includes a first sensor responsible for opening and closing a first outlet for discharging a first liquid from the tank, and a second sensor responsible for opening and closing a second outlet for discharging a second liquid from the tank. The second outlet is located above the first outlet, The first sensor is installed on the upper part of the first outlet that discharges the first liquid, A mixed liquid separator, wherein the second sensor is installed at the bottom of the second discharge port that discharges the second liquid.

10. In paragraph 1, The sensor includes a first sensor responsible for opening and closing a first outlet for discharging a first liquid from the tank, and a second sensor responsible for opening and closing a second outlet for discharging a second liquid from the tank. The second outlet is located above the first outlet, The first sensor is installed at the bottom of the first outlet that discharges the first liquid, The second sensor is installed on the upper part of the second outlet that discharges the second liquid. A mixed liquid separator, wherein the interface floater has a length such that at least the lower portion is detected by the first sensor when the interface between the first liquid and the second liquid is lowered, and at least the upper portion is detected by the second sensor when the interface between the first liquid and the second liquid is raised.

11. A vessel equipped with a mixed liquid separator as per paragraph 1, wherein the mixed liquid separator is installed in a storage space formed by a height difference in the bow of the vessel, and the first liquid is water and the second liquid is oil.

12. As a mixed liquid separator, the mixed liquid separator is installed inside a tank in which a first liquid with a high specific gravity is filled at the bottom and a second liquid with a low specific gravity is filled at the top, and an interface floater is filled with 1 / 2 of the first liquid and the second liquid, or is made of a material having an average specific gravity of the first liquid and the second liquid, and the middle portion of the height is located at the interface between the first liquid and the second liquid. A mixed liquid separator, which installs a first sensor at the bottom and a second sensor at the top to detect the upward and downward movement of an interface float, respectively, and when the first sensor detects the downward movement of the interface float, it closes the valve of the first outlet for discharging the first liquid, and when the second sensor detects the upward movement of the interface float, it closes the valve of the second outlet for discharging the second liquid.

13. In paragraph 12, A mixed liquid separator, wherein a cage is further installed within the above tank to guide the up-and-down movement of the interface flotation body and limit the up-and-down movement distance.

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