MOBILE FLOATING SURFACE SKIMMER

摘要

A mobile floating surface skimmer which consists of a frame into which are incorporated a vessel and a number of buoyancy and ballast elements. These elements are arranged so as not to significantly impede the flow of surface liquid and contaminants into the vessel, and the vessel typically tapers from inlet to outlet. The vessel inlet is presented to the surface of the liquid. Suction is applied to the vessel's outlet, such as via a hose connection to a remove pump, to create a pressure differential either side of the vessel wall, and to provide a channel for the liquid and any contaminants to drain out of the vessel. Fitted into the vessel wall is a valve. The valve is designed to operate in a submerged position, so as to regulate and maintain a flow of liquid to the vessel outlet, whilst maintaining a waterfall of surface liquid, and any contaminants, at the vessel inlet. The valve vane has an amount of buoyancy to effect closure. The skimmer is placed in the liquid and the vessel height is adjusted to position the inlet just below the surface of the liquid. Until suction is applied, the skimmer will simply float at the surface of the liquid. When suction is applied the pressure inside the vessel will lower and a flow of liquid will be established at the vessel inlet. The liquid level inside the vessel will lower and this will cause the skimmer to rise in the liquid. The valve will open to restore the pressure equilibrium and the replenish the liquid level inside the vessel. As the liquid level inside the vessel rises the skimmer will lower into the liquid and the valve will close. The liquid level inside the vessel will begin to lower again, the skimmer will begin to rise, and the cycle will repeat.