Vertical Gravitational Oil Water Separator Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil/water separators in oil refineries and petro-chemical plants have low free oil recovery rates, occupy large areas, and rely on prone-to-failure mechanical components for skimming and sludge removal.
Innovation Solution
A gravitational separation apparatus and method using an upright tank with a feed inlet, upward flow zone, baffles, and sensor system to separate phases based on specific gravity differences, eliminating mechanical components and maintaining a nitrogen blanket, with a conduit and valve system to control flow and maintain interface height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large horizontal tank is used for gravitational separation, then separation capacity is improved, but area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal tank configuration to a vertical tank configuration, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve separation capacity without proportionally increasing the floor area occupied. The upward flow zone and floating layer formation occur vertically, allowing compact horizontal footprint while maintaining effective separation volume.
2Productivity
If mechanical components are used for skimming and sludge removal, then separation efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to wear and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical skimming and sludge removal components with a gravitational separation mechanism. The upward flow zone creates natural buoyancy-driven separation where the lighter phase rises to form a floating layer, and the heavier phase settles, eliminating the need for mechanical skimmers and sludge removal devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the inherent density differences between the two phases to achieve automatic separation. The upward flow zone enables the lighter phase to self-rise and form a floating layer, while the heavier phase self-settles, requiring no external mechanical intervention for phase separation.
3Productivity
If free oil recovery is maximized, then productivity is improved, but loss of substance increases due to incomplete separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dedicated upward flow zone with specific flow characteristics optimized for oil phase separation. This localized region with enhanced upward velocity promotes complete detachment and rise of oil droplets, maximizing recovery while minimizing water phase carryover and oil loss.
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
Achieves higher oil recovery rates with reduced space requirements and no mechanical wear, maintaining a consistent floating layer and facilitating sludge removal without mechanical systems.
Implementation Method 1
the upper portion of the chamber having an upward flow zone through which the two phase liquid from the feed inlet rises, with the dispersed second liquid rising more than the first liquid and being separated therefrom due to the second liquid's lower specific gravity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for the gravitational separation of the first and second liquid phases of a two phase liquid containing predominantly a continuous first liquid phase with a dispersed second liquid phase having a lower specific gravity than the first liquid. The apparatus comprises a tank defining an interior chamber. A feed inlet introduces the two 5 phase liquid into the lower portion of the chamber. The upper portion of the chamber has an upward flow zone through which the two phase liquid rises, with the dispersed second liquid rising more than the first liquid and being separated therefrom due to the second liquid's lower specific gravity. The second liquid forms a floating layer and a conduit directs separated second liquid from the floating layer to a second liquid outlet.