Submersible pump contaminant detection system

Abstract

The invention provides an apparatus, system, and method for detecting a layer of contaminants, such as oil and/or hydrocarbons, on the surface of accumulated water within a confined area that is periodically evacuated by a pump. The detection of contaminant layers may be accomplished through the use of an optical detection system comprising a light source, and a conductive sensor comprising a horizontally-disposed plate and a stilling tube. Dissipation of turbulence and agitation of the accumulated water may be achieved by a stilling tube proximate one or more of the sensors disposed within the stilling tube. Additional sensors may detect high, intermediate, and low levels, and an integrated controller may determine the state of media within the confined area, the system being generally configured to keep the oil or other contaminant within the confined area while continuously and/or periodically pumping water away from the confined area.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.