Liquid separator

A liquid separator for separating a mixture of immiscible liquids comprising a first liquid having a specific gravity which is greater than that of a second liquid, the liquid separator comprising:

• a housing defining a separation chamber and having a liquid inlet for introducing into the separation chamber a mixture of the first and second liquids;
• a first liquid outlet is formed in the housing and has a first valve positioned therein to control the flow therethrough of the first liquid, the first valve comprising a first closure member which is movable between a valve-opening position and a valve-closing position;
• a second liquid outlet is formed in the housing above the first liquid outlet and has a second valve positioned therein to control the flow therethrough of the second liquid, the second valve comprising a second closure member which is movable between a valve-opening position and a valve-closing position;
• at least one float is contained within the separation chamber and is mounted to translate in a vertical direction therein, the float having a specific gravity between the specific gravities of the first liquid and the second liquid;
• a first valve control member connecting the float to the first valve closure member to move the first valve closure member (i) from its valve-opening position towards its valve-closing position as the float translates vertically downwardly, and (ii) from its valve-closing position towards its valve-opening position as the float translates vertically upwardly;
• a second valve control member connecting the float to the second valve closure member to move the second valve closure member (i) from its valve-opening position towards its valve-closing position as the float translates vertically upwardly, and (ii) from its valve-closing position towards its valve-opening position as the float translates vertically downwardly;
• whereby, separation of the mixture of immiscible liquids forms within the separation chamber a discrete phase of the first liquid having a volume V1 and a discrete phase of the second liquid having a volume V2 and a liquid interface between the phases that moves vertically within the separation chamber as determined by the respective volumes of the separated first and second liquids contained therein, such vertical movement imposed on the float serving to the second valve when V1/V2 exceeds a first selected value and serving to close the first valve when V1/V2 is below a second selected value which is less than the first selected value.