Single Vessel Fluid Separation Using CPI and Induced Gas Flotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating immiscible fluids, such as oil and water, require separate operations, increasing costs, space requirements, and reducing portability, as they are typically conducted in distinct machines.
Innovation Solution
A combined process and apparatus utilizing Corrugated Plate Interceptor (CPI) and Induced Gas Flotation (IGF) technologies within a single vessel, allowing for primary separation of solids and oil, followed by induced gas flotation to separate fine oil droplets and solids, without the need for external pumps, achieving efficient separation and meeting regulatory standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate operations are used for separating immiscible fluids, then separation effectiveness is maintained, but cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate separation operations (primary separation and induced gas flotation) into a single integrated vessel. The primary separation chamber removes free oil and suspended solids, while the induced gas flotation chamber separates fine oil droplets and emulsified oil, all within one continuous system that maintains separation effectiveness while reducing space requirements and eliminating the need for multiple separate machines
Solution Approach 2:
The single vessel performs multiple separation functions simultaneously: it conducts primary separation of free oil and suspended solids, followed by induced gas flotation for fine droplet separation, and can handle various types of immiscible fluid separations (oil-water, grease-water, etc.), making it a universal solution that replaces multiple specialized machines
2Reliability
If separate operations are used for separating immiscible fluids, then separation effectiveness is maintained, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging primary separation and induced gas flotation into one integrated system, the patent eliminates the need for two separate machines, reducing capital expenditure, maintenance costs, and operational expenses while maintaining the separation effectiveness of both processes through proper hydraulic design and flow regime control
3Reliability
If separate operations are used for separating immiscible fluids, then separation effectiveness is maintained, but portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple separation functions into a single portable vessel enables the system to be deployed and operated as one unit, significantly improving portability and mobility while maintaining separation effectiveness through internally optimized flow patterns and separation mechanisms that do not require external pump assistance
4Ease of operation
If pumps are used for liquid movement, then flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to achieve proper flow regime and hydraulic conditions through its internal geometry and separation mechanisms alone, without requiring external pumps or mechanical devices for liquid movement. The vessel self-regulates flow patterns to maintain undisturbed flow throughout, reducing mechanical complexity while preserving operational effectiveness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This integrated approach reduces operational costs, minimizes space requirements, and enhances portability, enabling efficient separation of immiscible fluids while meeting governmental discharge regulations, thereby improving upon existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing parallel corrugated plates in the separation defining the distance of rise for a given oil droplet based on Stokes Law to remove the remaining large droplets of free oil and solids
Implementation Method 2
providing an induced gas flotation process which provides a finely dispersed bubble in the liquid to accelerate the lift necessary for separation of fine oil droplets, emulsified oil droplet, and suspended solids
Implementation Method 3
providing an induced gas flotation process which provides a finely dispersed bubble in the liquid to accelerate the lift necessary for separation
Data Source
AI summary
A process wherein a combination of two separation principles are combined into one space saving machine with portability to separate two distinct and different fluids one lighter in specific gravity than the other, including the steps of primary separation of fluids allowing for free and suspended solids along with free oil and grease to be removed in the primary separation chamber; utilizing parallel corrugated plates in the separation defining the distance of rise for a given oil droplet based on Stokes Law to remove the remaining large droplets of free oil and solids; and providing an induced gas flotation process which provides a finely dispersed bubble in the liquid to accelerate the lift necessary for separation of fine oil droplets, emulsified oil droplet, and suspended solids to meet a government discharge regulation. This combined technique can be configured in a single vessel without pumps or other methods of liquid movement.