Skimmer assembly oil outlet incorporates closure above predetermined oil-water boundary layer

摘要

An assembly separates fluids (32, 33) esp. hydrocarbons in layers floating on water within the same vessel (1), and which incorporates an overflow outlet (13, 47) for the upper fluid layer (32). The overflow (13, 47) outlet is linked to a chamber above the vessel via a drain outlet (17, 60). The novelty is that: (a) a closure (15, 49) is incorporated in the drain pipe (17, 60) following the overflow outlet (13, 47), the closure is located above a predetermined boundary layer (31, 51) between the fluid layers (32, 33), such that the smallest possible storage volume is maintained for fluid between the overflow outlet (13, 47) and the closure (15, 49); (b) a sensor (20, 50) is arranged near the overflow outlet (13, 47) which determines the position of the boundary layer (31, 51); (c) the closure (15, 49) is controlled by a combination of the sensor (20, 50) and an actuator (16, 56), such that the outlet pipe (17, 60) closure (15, 49) is activated as soon as the change in boundary layer depth activates or de-activates the sensor (20, 50).