US 4,378,290 AGranted

Modularized multi-stage separator system

OwnerAlvin B. Kennedy, Jr.inventor

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Abstract

A mobile, self-contained, self-powered three stage apparatus is disclosed for separating solids from a liquid. Three stack separator pods are mounted over a housing on a mobile platform. A plurality of hydrocyclones are readily mounted with respect to the separator pods to provide for separating the solidds therewithin. Each successive separator pod contains a greater number of smaller diameter hydrocyclone so as to enable the separation of smaller diameter of particles. Each separator pod also includes degassing capabilities. A plurality of holding tanks act as reservoirs for the fluid and solid mixture prior to and subsequent to each separator pod. A system of internal weirs allows overflow of liquids from a holding tank containing cleaner mixture to a holding tank containing a greater proportion of solids, whereby liquid equilibrium is maintained within the system.

Claims23

Dependent claims

Apparatus for separating fluids and solids, which comprises:

a plurality of separator pods, each of said separator pods including a first tank having a fluid inlet, a second tank having a fluid outlet, and a hydrocyclone having a fluid inlet connected to said first tank, a fluid outlet connected to said outer tank, and a solids discharge outlet;
a common discharged solids reservoir positioned below said plurality of separator pods to receive solids discharged by said hydrocyclones;
a plurality of fluid holding tanks positioned adjacent said plurality of separator pods;
means for transferring fluid from a first of said fluid holding tanks to the fluid inlet of the first tank of a first of said separator pods;
means for transferring fluid from the fluid outlet of the second tank of said first separator pod to a second of said fluid holding tanks;
means for transferring fluid from said second fluid holding tank to the fluid inlet of the first tank of a second of said separator pods;
and means for transferring fluid from the fluid outlet of the second tank of said second separator pod to a third of said fluid holding tank.

4 more elements

A modular apparatus for separating fluids and solids in a mixture, comprising:

(a) a holding tank for containing the mixture prior to separation;
(b) a first conduit having a first end inserted into the holding tank;
(c) a pump having a suction connected to the second end of said first conduit;
(d) a second conduit having a first end connected to the discharge of said pump;
(e) a separator pod connected to the other end of said second conduit, said separator including an inner pressure tank connected to the second conduit and an outer tank, a plurality of hydrocyclone separator means radially arranged about said separator pod and communicating with the inner pressure tank, said inner pressure tank containing degassing means, said hydrocyclone separating means including a first outlet for discharge of the separated solids and a second outlet for outflow of separated fluids, said second outlet communicating with said outer tank said outer tank a fluid outlet for transmission of the fluids contained therewithin to the exterior of the separator pod;
(f) a gas venting line communicating with the inner pressure tank, including a gas pressure gauge for exteriorly monitoring the pressure existing therewithin and further including a gas valve mounted within the gas venting line to permit controlled release of gases.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.