GRAVITATIONAL SEPARATOR FOR MIXTURES OF IMMISCIBLE LIQUIDS OF DIFFERENT DENSITIES

摘要

An improved gravitational separator for mixtures of immiscible liquids of different densities, particularly oil and water, includes a floatation force responsive member in the form of a dome or diaphragm immersed in more dense liquid to be separated and which floats upwardly in the more dense liquid under the influence of liquid of less density accumulated beneath the dome or diaphragm, and a precise, passive balance means for the force responsive member used to sense the accumulation of a predetermined volume of less dense liquid in the separator. The balance means is a system of weight masses contained entirely in the separator that are raised by the upward movement of the force responsive member under the influence of accumulated less dense fluid, in combination with remote sensing means outside the separator for sensing the respective balance conditions and signalling appropriate system controls to cause suspension of the influx of mixture into the separator and discharge therefrom of accumulated lighter liquid. A coalescer screen filter system is provided in the water outlet path in the separator, the coalescer screens being contained in a chamber provided with automatically operating check valves to ensure proper flow of water in a forward and backflush sense through the chamber. The force responsive member may be provided with flexible seal means extending vertically in the separator for preventing the accumulation of lighter liquid above the reaction member, while not interfering with the operation of the balancing system of the force responsive member.