Fractionator annular drain apparatus and method

A method comprising:

• providing a flange having an inside surface and an outside surface, a first channel fixed to and extending through the flange to be capable of connecting to a snorkel line;
• a second channel fixed to the flange and capable of being exposed directly to the inside surface, wherein the first and second channels define respective first and second paths, extending separately through the flange from proximate the inside surface to proximate the outside surface;
• connecting the flange to an aperture through a wall of, and proximate a bottom of, a tank capable of containing a mixture capable of separating over time into a plurality of liquids;
• connecting the snorkel line with a floatation device to the first channel to extend to and remain proximate a liquid level in the tank;
• and
• exposing the second channel directly to an interior of the tank.

An apparatus capable of draining a container from a plurality of locations through a single aperture through a wall of the container, the apparatus comprising:

• a container;
• a first channel extending through an aperture in the container;
• a second channel extending through the aperture directly to the interior of the container;
• a flange fastening sealingly to the container to fix the first and second channels in fluid communication with the interior;
• a line having a first end operably connectable to the first channel and extending to a floatation device to remain proximate a liquid level in the container as the liquid level descends as a result of draining;
• and
• a valve system operably connected to drain a liquid at the liquid level selectively through the first and second channels to respective first and second destinations.