Floating Separator for Oil Removal from Saltwater Tanks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing oil from saltwater in storage tanks are costly and time-consuming, requiring specialized personnel and equipment, and can lead to contamination and equipment damage, posing risks to injection zone permeability and incurring fines due to spills.
Innovation Solution
A separation apparatus with a vessel, pump, and height adjustment assembly that allows for the targeted removal of less dense fluids from the top of denser fluids, using a fluid conduit assembly and control system to efficiently collect and discharge the less dense fluid, preventing contamination and optimizing storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized personnel and pumper trucks are used to remove oil from saltwater tanks, then oil removal is achieved, but operational costs and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The saltwater tank is equipped with an automatic oil removal system that operates without external specialized personnel or equipment. The system uses floating collectors that automatically track and remove oil layers, and sensors that detect oil presence to trigger pump activation, enabling the tank to service itself continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary oil removal by continuously collecting and removing oil as it accumulates on the saltwater surface, preventing oil from reaching contamination levels that would require emergency specialized cleanup operations. The floating collectors are always positioned to intercept oil before it can spread or penetrate
2Quantity of substance
If oil is not removed from saltwater, then storage capacity is maintained, but contamination of disposal wells and equipment damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts oil from the saltwater mixture using floating collectors that selectively remove the less dense oil phase from the surface. The pump system then extracts the collected oil from the tank through dedicated discharge lines, separating the harmful contaminant from the usable saltwater volume
Solution Approach 2:
Floating collectors act as intermediaries between the oil-saltwater mixture and the pump system. These collectors accumulate oil on their surfaces and transfer it to the pump intake, preventing direct contact between oil and pump components while enabling continuous removal
3Object-generated harmful factors
If manual oil removal methods are used, then oil can be removed from tanks, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates continuously with floating collectors constantly tracking the oil-saltwater interface and accumulating oil. The pump system operates on demand based on sensor detection, ensuring uninterrupted oil removal without the intermittent manual intervention required by traditional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical removal (pumper trucks and specialized personnel) with an automated electromechanical system using sensors, floating collectors, and electric pumps, eliminating the need for human labor while maintaining continuous operation
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
Enables rapid, targeted removal of less dense fluids, reducing contamination risks, operational costs, and compliance with regulatory standards by preventing oil from entering disposal wells and minimizing storage volume usage.
Implementation Method 1
a pump in fluid communication with the vessel; When in use the separation apparatus is in use, a volume of less dense fluid from on top a denser fluid flows into the vessel and said less dense fluid is pumped out of the vessel by the pump
Implementation Method 2
a height adjustment assembly comprising a vertical member coupled to the vessel and configured to adjust the vertical position of the vessel
Implementation Method 3
a separation apparatus for removing a volume of less dense fluid from the top of a denser volume of fluid; a volume of less dense fluid from on top a denser fluid flows into the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A separator apparatus, system and method is provided to be installed into a containment area and is operable to separate a less dense upper liquid layer from on top of a denser lower liquid layer. The separator apparatus includes a skimmer vessel and a height adjustment assembly to set the vessel's vertical position such that it is partially submerged within the fluid and preferentially receives the less dense fluid.