US 4,405,458 A · Continuous flow, variable capacity self-compensating floating weir

Abstract

The floating weir is a device for regulating or maintaining continuous flow from the surface level of a liquid body. As designed, the device provides a continuous, uninterrupted weir edge for controlling liquid flow. The device is particularly suited for skimming applications such as the removal or separation of surface debris, films, scum or secondary liquids of lesser density from a primary liquid body. The unit can be mounted as a fixed installation, such as a connection to a standpipe or, when mounted on a floating platform, as a mobile floating unit. The unit utilizes a float supported weir that is unattached to the apparatus, except for contact with an adjustable retainer, which sets the weir elevation and flow rate. The floating weir is mounted within a close fitting guide collar which guides weir movement and provides, in effect, a liquid seal between these members. The liquid seal also provides a lubricating film to insure free vertical weir movement. The unit is dynamic in that it responds immediately to flow interruptions caused by surface disturbances or variations in the flow rate of the piping system connected to the unit. The weir collar is supported by the float which is buoyed by the liquid level within the unit. Flow rate fluctuations, caused by surface flow interruptions, or an increase in the discharge rate from the unit, result in a lowering of the inside liquid level and a corresponding lowering of the weir edge. The lowering of the weir edge increases the flow rate to restore equilibrium and maintains continuous flow.

Claims4

Dependent claims

A continuous flow, variable capacity self-compensating, floating weir apparatus for use in both fixed and mobile, free floating applications for separating liquids of different densities, for removing surface borne debris, films, scums and similar types of contaminants from liquid bodies in tanks, settlement ponds, manufacturing and waste treatment processes, rivers, lakes and other large bodies of water, and for regulating the transfer flow of liquid from one body to another comprising:

a. a float supported, vertically moveable weir collar which forms a positively bouyant weir having a weir surface for control of liquid flow,
b. a guide collar fitted to nest with, but unattached to, said moveable weir collar to control orientation and guide movement of said moveable weir collar, said guide collar in conjunction with said weir collar forming a continuous combined liquid seal and lubricating film for restriction of bypass liquid flow and for free, unrestrained movement of said weir collar;
c. guide means for maintaining vertical, radial, rotational and central alignment of said weir collar within said guide collar,
d. means for vertically adjusting and controlling the elevation of said weir collar,
e. means for limiting the elevation of said weir collar and for retaining said weir collar within said guide collar,
f. flange means being arranged to provide strength, support, and alignment of said guide collar,
g. and a sump with a discharge connection for collecting and discharging liquid flowing over said weir surface, said weir collar being supported by and responsive to the liquid in said sump.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Continuous flow, variable capacity self-compensating floating weir

Life of this patent

Continuous flow, variable capacity self-compensating floating weir

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims4