Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
SEPARATION APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part from pending U.S. patent
application
17/344,891 entitled "Separation Apparatus, System and Method of Use" filed
June 10,
2021, which claims priority and benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No.
63/141,779 filed on January 26, 2021, for "Fluid Skimmer Device, System and
Method,"
the contents of which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Systems, devices and methods for skimming and recovery of a less dense
fluid floating over a denser fluid by applying a skimming container in contact
with the
fluid volume are disclosed.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Production operations in the oil and gas industry refers to the
stage at which
the hydrocarbons are drawn from the subsurface. Once at the surface, the
hydrocarbon
material is transferred, treated, and stored at the well site location or
other field
installation for future transport to a refinery or pumping station.
[0004] Many oil fields produce at certain times a multiphase fluid which
may be a mix
of saltwater and oil which needs to be separated and disposed of properly to
avoid
surface and groundwater contamination. The fluid is generally collected at a
central
station that includes one or more saltwater tanks. After which, the saltwater
may be
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
picked up and transported to another location for disposal, which typically is
a well
specifically designed to accept saltwater waste fluids. Alternatively, the
saltwater fluid
produced at the field level may be directly connected to a saltwater disposal
well located
onsite. In this case, the saltwater is typically transferred via a pipeline or
gathering lines
running from the saltwater tanks to the disposal well and the waste saltwater
is then
pumped into a subterranean formation permitted for that purpose.
[0005] Some amount of oil may accumulate and may need to be removed from
within tanks designated for saltwater storage because contaminants in the
saltwater
fluids is deleterious to the permeability of the injection zone into which the
waste
saltwater flows. Contaminants could include organic material, precipitated
solids, oil,
and/or oil by-products. Thus, the removal of oil from the saltwater stored in
the
saltwater tanks is important so that no oil is injected into the formation
which could
reduce the injection zone's capacity in the saltwater disposal well.
[0006]
Further, contaminants and precipitates formed in the oil can cause damage to
injector pumps and related equipment used for saltwater disposal purposes.
Damage to
the equipment and reduced saltwater well injection capacity from oil and other
oil
contaminants pumped into a disposal well results in higher cost of production
for oil and
gas operators. In addition, waste saltwater can be produced in such large
volumes that
storage capacity is becomes a limiting factor; the contaminant oil takes up
valuable
volume and adds to costs. Also, malfunctions of equipment and sensors can
result in
spills and spillovers of liquids stored in saltwater tanks that include oil.
These spills then
require cleanup at the tank secondary containment area, commonly referred to
as the
"firewall," or other areas outside the containment area. In certain states,
spills over a
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
certain amount must be reported to the applicable regulatory agency which
could result
in fines and other penalties.
[0007]
Currently, if saltwater in a storage tank is contaminated with an oil layer,
or an
oil-water mix is spilled into a containment or other area, specialized
personnel and
vacuum trucks are required to remove and dispose the contaminated fluid from
the tank,
firewall or other area. This is a costly and time-consuming process.
Therefore, there is a
need for an apparatus and method to economically remove oil that accumulates
in the
upper level of tanks intended to store waste saltwater, as well as from
containment and
other areas in the event of a spill.
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
SUMMARY
[0008] There is provided a skimmer apparatus for removing a volume of less
dense
fluid from the top of a denser volume of fluid. An exemplary embodiment of the
skimmer
apparatus includes a skimmer vessel that has a closed bottom (125) and an open
top to
receive fluid into the skimmer vessel. The skimmer vessel is configured to
contain a fluid.
The exemplary apparatus also includes a first conduit, located within the
skimmer vessel,
and in fluid communication with an inside of the skimmer vessel. An upper end
of the first
conduit is configured for withdrawing fluid from the skimmer vessel. There is
a plurality
of support arms, each extending from an inner wall of the skimmer vessel to an
outer wall
of first conduit. The plurality of support arms affixes the first conduit's
vertical and radial
location within skimmer vessel.
[0009] In one embodiment, the plurality of support arms may be vertically
adjustable
within the main body.
[0010] In another embodiment, the plurality of support arms each may have
an end
slidable in a slot attached to in an inner wall of the skimmer vessel.
[0011] Further, in another embodiment, the upper end of the first conduit
may be
configured to couple, to a threaded nipple, a check valve, a second threaded
nipple, and
a cam lock.
[0012] In addition, in an embodiment, the upper end of the first conduit
may be
configured to couple in a fluid-tight fitting to a second conduit such that
the second conduit
can withdraw fluid from the skimmer vessel via the first conduit.
[0013] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the skimmer may include a
series of
inflatable floats arrayed around the skimmer. The floats may be in fluid
communication
with a gas distribution ring supplying gas to each float to inflate the float
so that they
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
provide buoyancy to the skimmer when it is deployed in a fluid for skimming
operations.
Other arms, inflatable and/or non-inflatable, may be attached to the skimmer
vessel to
aid in guiding the less dense material into the vessel.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, the skimmer may include a vertical depth
indicator.
[0015] In another aspect, there is also provided an exemplary embodiment of
an
adjustable height skimmer assembly configured for removing a volume of less
dense fluid
from the top of a denser volume of fluid. An exemplary embodiment includes a
skimmer
vessel configured to be partially immersed in the volume of fluid to thereby
contain a
portion of the less dense fluid. The skimmer vessel includes a closed bottom
and an open
top for receiving the less dense fluid. It also contains a first fluid conduit
(located within
the skimmer vessel) and configured for fluid communication with a second
conduit. Also
included is a skimmer vessel height adjustment assembly. This assembly has a
platform
configured for the skimmer vessel to seat thereon; and a base plate supporting
the
platform. The platform is vertically adjustable mechanically relative to the
base plate to
raise or lower the skimmer seated thereon. Thus, when in use, a height of the
skimmer
vessel within the volume of fluid is adjustable by raising or lowering the
platform.
[0016] In one exemplary embodiment, the skimmer assembly may include a
vertical
crank rod mechanically coupled to the base platform; a movable vertical member
mechanically coupled to the crank rod, and wherein actuation of the crank rod
movably
adjusts the platform and the skimmer vessel up or down within the fluid.
[0017] In a further exemplary embodiment, a vertical member may be
mechanically
coupled to the crank rod such that the vertical member ratchets up or down as
the crank
rod is actuated, thereby, during use, moving the platform (and the skimmer
vessel seated
thereon) up or down in the fluid.
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
[0018]
In an exemplary embodiment, the skimmer vessel may further include a
plurality of support arms, each arm extending from an inner wall of the
skimmer vessel to
an outer wall of first conduit. Thus, the plurality of support arms affixes
the first conduit's
vertical and radial location within skimmer vessel. The plurality of support
arms may each
have an end slidable in a slot in the inner wall of the skimmer vessel to
facilitate slidingly
moving the arm up and down in the slot.
[0019] In an additional aspect, there is provided a method of separating from
each other
a volume of a less dense fluid lying atop a second volume of a denser fluid in
a contained
space. This exemplary method includes at least the steps of providing a
skimmer vessel
configured to be partially immersed in a volume of fluid and to contain at
least some fluid;
adjusting a height of the skimmer vessel in the contained space to permit
substantially
only less dense fluid to enter the interior of the skimmer vessel, while
substantially
excluding entry of more dense fluid into the skimmer vessel; and withdrawing
the less
dense fluid from the interior of the skimmer vessel.
[0020] In another exemplary embodiment, the step of providing a skimmer vessel
may
include providing a skimmer vessel having a closed bottom and a top open to
receive
fluid into the skimmer vessel, the skimmer vessel configured to contain a
fluid. Further it
includes providing the skimmer with a first conduit located within the skimmer
vessel that
is in fluid communication with an inside of the skimmer vessel. The first
conduit may have
an upper end configured for withdrawing fluid from the skimmer vessel. In
addition, there
may be a plurality of radially extending support arms each extending from an
inner wall
of the skimmer vessel to an outer wall of first conduit, wherein the plurality
of support
arms affixes the first conduit's vertical and radial location within skimmer
vessel.
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
[0021] In the foregoing or another embodiment, the step of providing a skimmer
vessel
may include providing a skimmer vessel with a height adjustment assembly that
has a
platform configured for the skimmer vessel to seat thereon; and a base plate
supporting
the platform. Thus, the platform is vertically adjustable mechanically
relative to the base
plate by the step of adjusting the height, which includes raising or lowering
the platform.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the step of adjusting may include moving a
crank
rod, the moving causing an adjustment of the height of the skimmer vessel in
the
contained space.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the contained space is a storage tank, and
the
step of withdrawing includes pumping out less dense fluid from the skimmer
vessel under
pump suction pressure.
[0024] In another embodiment, A skimmer assembly for removing a volume of less
dense fluid from the top of a denser volume of fluid, the assembly comprises a
skimmer
vessel configured to be partially immersed in the volume of fluid and contain
a portion of
the less dense fluid, the skimmer vessel having a cylindrical main body with a
closed
bottom and an open top for receiving the less dense fluid, a first fluid
conduit located
within the main body and configured for fluid communication with a second
conduit. The
skimmer vessel also includes a skimmer vessel height adjustment assembly with
a lift
shaft member in mechanical communication with the skimmer vessel wherein
actuation
of the height adjustment assembly adjusts the skimmer vessel vertical position
within the
fluid and the skimmer vessel also includes two or more wheels coupled to the
skimmer
assembly and a transporting handle to aid in mobility of the assembly.
[0025] In another exemplary embodiment, a skimmer assembly and method for
removing a volume of less dense fluid from the top of a denser volume of fluid
is disclosed
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
with includes a skimmer vessel configured to be partially immersed in the
volume of fluid
and contain a portion of the less dense fluid. The skimmer vessel includes a
cylindrical
main body with a closed bottom and an open top for receiving the less dense
fluid, a first
fluid conduit located within the main body; the first fluid conduit configured
for fluid
communication with a second conduit, and a skimmer vessel height adjustment
assembly
comprising a circular base plate member configured to receive a lift shaft
member coupled
to a movable vertical member wherein said movable vertical member is coupled
to the
skimmer vessel, and wherein actuation of the height adjustment assembly
adjusts the
skimmer vessel vertical position within the fluid.
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
BRIEF DESCRIPTON OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The accompanying not-to-scale drawings, which are incorporated in
and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate schematically one or more
embodiments
and, together with the description, explain these embodiments. In the
drawings:
[0027] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the separation
apparatus.
[0028] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the separation
apparatus in
use.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a separation system.
[0031] FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of another exemplary embodiment of
the
separation apparatus.
[0032] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary separation
apparatus
of FIG. 4A.
[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a separation apparatus
that
includes exemplary anchoring members.
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a separation
apparatus
that includes a depth measurement indicator.
[0035] FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a separation
apparatus
having an inflatable float feature.
[0036] FIG. 7B illustrates the exemplary separation apparatus of FIG 7A
with the
inflatable floats in un-inflated state.
[0037] FIG. 7C illustrates the exemplary separation apparatus of FIG 7A
with the
inflatable float arms inflatable along their entire length to further aid in
buoyance and
guiding of material into the vessel.
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041]
The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments refers to the
accompanying drawings. The term "exemplary apparatus" means "an example of an
apparatus." The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same
or
similar elements. The detailed description does not limit the scope of the
invention, which
is set forth in the claims appended hereto, but is intended to provide
exemplary
description of devices, systems and methods. The exemplary embodiments are
discussed, for simplicity, with regard to devices, systems and methods to
remove a low-
density fluid, typically oil, from atop a higher density fluid which typically
may be water.
However, the embodiments discussed herein are not limited to such elements.
The terms
substantially as used herein, for example as in "substantially only less dense
fluid" flowing
into the skimmer vessel means about 80 to 90 % or more of less dense fluid, as
opposed
to more dense fluid.
[0042] Reference throughout the specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic
described in
connection with an embodiment is included in at least one exemplary embodiment
of the
subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one
embodiment" or
"in an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification is not
necessarily
referring to the same embodiment. Further, the described features, structures
or
characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more
embodiments.
[0043] An exemplary apparatus and system for removing a less dense volume of
fluid
from on top of a denser volume of fluid contained within a tank or other
reservoir or area
is shown in Fig. 1A. In this exemplary embodiment, the skimmer vessel 100 is
comprised
of a cylindrically shaped main body 105 comprised of a shell of a scalable
diameter 110
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
and height 120 with a closed bottom 125 and open top. For example, an easily
portable
unit may be 6 inches in diameter and 12 inches in height, though other sizes
are readily
contemplated and scaled depending on the application such as tank size. For
purposes
of this disclosure, the skimmer vessel 100 will be referred to herein simply
as "the vessel,
skim vessel or skimmer vessel," but may interchangeably be referred to as a
"basket",
"bucket", "cylinder", "skimmer", "skim bucket" or "skimmer bucket", "weir" or
other similar
term, as commonly used in the field of separator devices.
[0044]
In general, two or more radial support arms 140 in the vessel may intersect to
fix a first conduit 130's position within the center of main body 105. For
example, in the
embodiment as shown in Fig. 1A, four support arms 140 are shown and are each
comprised of steel or other metal alloy extending radially inward from one
point on an
inner wall 115 to an outer wall central first conduit 130. The arms 140 may be
welded to
the inner wall 115 of main body 105 which itself may be steel or the same or
similar alloy
as the support arms 140. Connection of support arms 140 to an outer wall of
first conduit
130 is typically by weld. In other embodiments the vessel may be made of
plastic or other
composite material to reduce weight and molded as a single unit or more than
one piece
to be fitted together. Regardless of construction material, support arms 140
may be
attached to main body 105 and first conduit 130 by means other than welding,
for
example, with screws or other type mechanical connections such as J-locks,
threads,
pins, snap fits or other means. In a yet further exemplary embodiment, the
inner wall 115
may include slots 110 as shown in Fig. 1A. In other embodiments, main body 105
inner
wall 115 may include fins that are slotted, and which can receive ends of the
support arms
140 affixed to the slotted fins with wing nuts or other connectors. This
allows raising or
lowering the support arms 140 and first conduit 130 within the main body 105.
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
[0045] As shown in Figs. 1A and B, first conduit 130 is positioned within the
interior of
main body 105 by radial support arms 140. Conduit 130 may be comprised of a
cylindrical
body with a through passageway for flow of material, for example, as a short
section of
pipe or a ring with threads capable of further connection to another
component, or a
"stack" of connected components to be discussed below. In preferred
embodiments,
support arms 140 and first conduit 130 are fixed at a predetermined height
within main
body 105. In one non-limiting example, first conduit 130 may be radially
centered and
fixedly positioned vertically such that the bottom end of first conduit 130 is
located at 5
inches from the top (or 1.5 inches from the bottom) of main body 105 with a
height of 6.5
inches. However, as discussed, support arms 140 may be raised or lowered to
provide
for height adjustability of first conduit 130 positioned with main body 105.
[0046]
Referring to Fig. 1B, a connection stack 128 may typically be included as part
of the apparatus for connecting skimmer vessel 100's first conduit 130 to a
hose or
second conduit 138. First conduit's 130 upper end may, for example, include an
upper
threaded end for mechanical coupling, or a threaded nipple or other threaded
or snap
connecting type fitting, e.g., a quick connect fitting to provide connection
to one or more
additional components. For example, as shown in the apparatus of Fig. 1B,
threaded
nipple 132 is connected via female threads to the upper mechanical coupling
131 male
threads located on the upper end of first conduit 130. A check valve 134 is
then attached,
then a third threaded nipple 135, followed by cam lock 136, all of which are
provided as
a connection stack 128 to affect connection to second conduit 138, which in
this example
is in the form of a flexible inlet hose. Second conduit 138 is then connected
to a distant
cam lock (not shown) or other connector for eventual connection to a pump 260
as shown
in Fig. 2.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
[0047] Embodiments for a portable, manually operated skimmer vessel
apparatus and
system may comprise a skimmer vessel 100, with a connection stack 128,
connectable
to second conduit 138, which may be a flexible tubular hose. In yet other
embodiments,
the flexible hose may be exchanged for rigid conduit for a statically
installed system.
Additionally, an inline or canister site glass may also be disposed at a
distal position along
hose 138's length to allow the operator to view the fluid moving through the
conduit. Other
flow control components may be included inline as part of the above-described
exemplary
system, e.g., one or more other check valves, manually or electrically
actuated ball, gate
or other cutoff valves, flow or pressure sensors or meters, debris traps, a
venturi or settling
chamber, filters or the like may be included. Further, elbows of varying angle
(e.g., 45, 90
degrees), a "T" joint, or other sections of pipe or line may be included as
part of the second
conduit or connection stack to provide for better angular control of skimmer
vessel 100 or
for handling, routing or diversion of the fluid withdrawn from skimmer vessel
100. Also, a
section of pipe connected to the skimmer vessel 100 may be rigid to
accommodate a
handle so that an operator can hold and manipulate the apparatus manually.
Additionally,
skimmer vessel 100 may include a removable debris screen (not shown) comprised
of a
mesh of any porosity that is installed within main body 105, or alternatively
substantially
covers or surrounds main body 105 such that it serves to hinder unwanted
larger solids
and debris entering into the vessel and potentially getting drawn into first
conduit 130.
[0048] In portable, manually operated embodiments, as shown in Fig. 2,
skimmer
vessel 100 is lowered by an operator into a tank 200 or other fluid containing
reservoir to
a height 210. At this height, the top of the skimmer vessel 100 should be
below the air
fluid interface 220 of the lower density fluid 230 (which lies atop the higher
density fluid
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
240). As a result, the lower density fluid 230 flows into vessel 100 filling
it to a level that
reaches at least the bottom of first conduit 130.
[0049] The less dense fluid 230 that has flowed over the top of the main
body 105 of
skimmer vessel 100 accumulates in main body 105 as a substantially single
phase (e.g.,
oil) volume of fluid. Once the volume of fluid within main body 105 reaches at
least the
bottom of first conduit 130, the suctioning power of the pump 260 then
withdraws the less
dense fluid via first conduit 130 in main body 105 and then via second conduit
inlet hose
138 to a or mobile (e.g., truck based) tank 270 or a static container tank 270
(as shown)
for further handling or transport.
[0050] Methods of operation include steps of providing skimmer vessel 100
with a
second conduit 138 connected to pump 260. Vessel 100 is positioned at a
typically
shallow fixed vertical position 210 within tank 200 such that the top of main
body 105 is
maintained preferably just below the upper surface of the less dense layer
230. The
vertical position is adjusted as the less dense fluid flows into the main body
105 which is
continuously withdrawn from main body 105 which allows for preferential
removal of the
less dense layer 230 such that the vessel is never emptied of fluid until the
less dense
layer is substantially fully removed from on top of the denser layer 240. Once
in operation,
the negative pressure from vacuum pump 260 also draws the less dense layer 230
over
the top of the main body 105.
[0051] In this embodiment, positioning of the skimmer vessel 100 is
accomplished
manually by an operator holding the hose 138 (or a handle connected to it) and
continuously adjusting the positioning of the skimmer vessel in response to
falling fluid
levels within tank 200. The operator adjusts the position of the skimmer
vessel by looking
down into the tank as well as monitoring an optional site glass 280.
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
[0052] In the above exemplary embodiments, a portable, manually deployed
apparatus, system and method are described. In other embodiments, particularly
within
a tank's secondary containment region 340 (i.e., the "firewall") intended to
contain a spill
or overflow of fluid; a statically positioned skimmer vessel assembly and
system may be
deployed as shown in exemplary Fig. 3. In this embodiment, skimmer vessel 100
may be
coupled to a manually operated or powered (i.e., motor-driven, pneumatically,
or
hydraulically) adjustable height mechanism 300 (discussed below in more
detail). In Fig.
3 the skimmer vessel is deployed into a containment area 340 (commonly
referred to as
a "firewall" area) surrounding a tank 200.
[0053] As shown in sideview Fig. 4A, a statically deployed assembly 300 is
provided.
In this embodiment, a manually operated, mechanical height adjustment
mechanism 305
is coupled to and supports skimmer vessel 100. Height adjustment mechanism 305
includes a platform 312 for supporting vessel 100. Platform 312 is attached to
a vertical
member 310 of mechanism 305 and extends upward from a base plate 330 that
serves
as weighing or anchoring plate to the ground or floor of the area the assembly
is deployed.
[0054] Vertical member 310 is mechanically coupled to the (ratcheting or
gear type)
jack 340, through an upper connector 316 and a lower connector 314. Vertical
member
310 is in turn fixedly attached to base plate 330. When the ratcheting jack
340 is actuated
by rotation of handle 320 a gear member (not shown) within vertical member
310, raises
or lowers the platform 312 that supports skimmer vessel 100. Note that vessel
100 may
be fixedly attached to platform 312. Vertical member 310 may be cylindrical,
or a box
shaped vertical pipe element as, for example, a ratcheting jack with stand
where the
height of platform 312 is adjusted manually via rotating or pump type handle
320 (rotating
type shown). Of course, the height adjustment can also be effectuated using
any other
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
mechanical mechanism that lifts or lowers assembly 316, 310 and 314 relative
to base
plate 330 thereby raising or lowering the platform 312.
[0055] Fig. 4B shows in top view a height adjustment mechanism 305 in a
jack stand
type embodiment. In other embodiments, mechanism 305 may include, for example,
a
motor, or pneumatic or hydraulically powered cylinder that is manually
operated or by an
electric pump. For example, handle 320 rather than rotate may pump up and down
manually to raise platform 312. In yet other embodiments, a hydraulic pump may
be
located proximal to the system (i.e., within the firewall), or away from the
system (i.e.,
outside the firewall) via a flexible conduit for air or hydraulic fluid and a
tethered or fixed
controller used to command the hydraulic or pneumatic pump by an operator.
[0056] In the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 4A and 4B, height mechanism 305
of
skimmer assembly 300 includes a fixed or detachable base plate member 330 that
may
be equipped with footings 318, and that may be seated or permanently anchored
to the
ground or floor of a containment region such as the bottom of a firewall.
Alternatively,
base plate 330 may not be affixed permanently to a floor thus making assembly
300
portable and mobile. In this deployment approach, base plate 330 serves as a
weighing
or stabilizing member allowing assembly 300 to be readily re-positioning as
needed. Base
plate 330 is also preferably of sufficient mass itself or may accommodate add-
on weights
to prevent floatation of the assembly 300 supporting skimmer vessel 100.
[0057] In yet another embodiment of a height adjustable skimmer assembly
300 as
depicted in Fig. 5, a height adjustable skimmer assembly 300 may be more
stably
deployed on an uneven floor or surface as well as anchored to avoid floatation
of the
assembly. In comparison to Figs 4A and 4B, in this embodiment, the skimmer
assembly
300 may include one or more (two are shown) anchoring members 510. As shown,
each
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
anchor member has an exterior body 518 fixedly attached to base 330 with a
footer 318.
Thus, for example in an earthen containment region (e.g., 340 of Fig. 3)
plungers 512
may be driven downward into the surface to anchor assembly 300 and avoid
floatation
and instability. In certain embodiments, plungers 512 may be comprised of
auger shaped
rods (cylinders are shown). As indicated, adjustment holes 514 may be provided
so that
placing rings 516 in these holes lock the position of the plungers 512 within
exterior bodies
518. Similarly, individual plungers 514 may be driven to different depths to
provide a
leveling of the skimmer assembly 300.
[0058] Unlike the manually deployed skimmer vessel 100 (as discussed above
and
see e.g., Figs 1A and B), skimmer assembly 300 is placed in the containment
area, such
as a firewall area, and the assembly may remain therein in a static position.
The height
of skimmer vessel 100 is then adjusted by changing the height of platform
member 312
of height adjustment mechanism 305. If the less dense layer 230 is unchanging,
then the
height of skimmer vessel 100 generally needs no further adjustment once
initially having
been set until all or substantially all of the less dense layer 230 has been
removed. If both
layers are changing dynamically, i.e., the less 230 and more 240 dense layers
are being
added to due to an ongoing spill, then platform 312 may be adjusted
accordingly.
[0059] Returning to the portable skimmer vessel 100 that is manually
deployed, and
position controlled (as shown in Figs. 1A and 1B), Fig. 6 illustrates an
embodiment of a
skimmer vessel 100 equipped with a visual depth indicator 610, in the form of
a vertical
strip with measurement graduations 612. (Note that in the example shown in
Fig. 6,
skimmer vessel 100 main body 105 is a smaller diameter as compared to that
shown in
Figs. 1A and 1B.) In this example, vertical strip of depth indicator 610
slides within slotted
body 622 which is affixed to the outer surface of main body 105 and its
vertical position
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
set with a clamp, loaded spring, or set screw 624 (shown). The upper end of
depth
indicator 610 may include a tab 614 to indicate the vertical position to
maintain the
skimmer vessel relative to the air fluid interface 220 of the lower density
fluid 230 (which
lies atop the higher density fluid 240, see Fig. 2). Tab 614 as shown in Fig.
6 may also
be affixed with a reflector, LED or other device to increase its visibility,
particularly within
a darkened tank. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in shown in
Fig. 6,
a LED 615 with a battery housing 616 with power switch 617 is affixed to tab
614. In this
manner, after a measurement of the height (or depth) of the less dense layer
thickness,
the visual depth indicator 610 may assist in the placement of the skimmer at a
specific
desired depth in a tank.
[0060] Additionally, in yet other embodiments of the portable skimmer
vessel 100 as
illustrated in Figs. 1A and 1 B, a floatation member may be included to
stabilize skimmer
vessel 100. As shown in exemplary depictions of Figs. 7A and 7B, a floatation
device
760 in the form of e.g., one or more floatable arms or bodies such as bulbs,
balls, or a
hollow toroid (exemplified collectively by 762) and may be coupled to skimmer
vessel 100
to provide for improved control and stability of the device during operation.
Floatation
device 760 and/or skimmer vessel 100 may be further coupled with weights (not
shown)
to aid in height adjustment and stability.
[0061] The floatable device(s) 760 may be in the form of hollow gas filled
shells or
solid or semi-solid low-density material such as Styrofoam or inflatable bags
or bladders.
In certain embodiments of gas filled floatation arms, at least a portion of
the arms are
inflatable, and the degree of gas filling may be variable to adjust the degree
of floatation
which may be needed depending on the size and consequent fluid-filled weight
of the
skimmer vessel 100. In this manner, as shown in Fig. 7A, an inflation hose 710
supplies
19
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
air (or another gas) to a distributor 764 that is in fluid communication with
and directs gas
to each of the floats 762 via conduits 766, up to a predetermined pressure.
Once
pressurized, the inflated floats 762 distributed around the vessel 100 lifts
the vessel to the
desired height for operative use. By controlling the degree of inflation, the
relative
floatation height of the vessel 100 can be controlled. Fig. 7B shows the
apparatus before
gas is supplied when the conduits (rods or hoses) 766 are collapsed downward
and the
floats 762 are likewise not buoyant and collapsed.
[0062] In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7C, floatable devices 762
may extend
longitudinally without conduits 766, thus the entire length may be inflatable
(or hollow gas
filled shells or solid or semi-solid low-density material such as Styrofoam
etc.). These
arms thus act as floatation aids, but also as guides that prevent the less
dense fluid from
floating past the skimmer vessel 100. The arms thus act to guide the less
dense fluid 230
that would otherwise float too far away to be sucked into 100 and allow the
device more
time to pull the lighter fluid towards and into the vessel 100.
[0063] In yet another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7D, one or more
longitudinal guide
arms 780 that are not inflatable or floatable may be attached to vessel 100
and extend
radially outward. These guide arms, similar to the full-length float arms 762
of Fig 7C
discussed above, serve to assist in directing the less dense layer into vessel
100. The
embodiment shown in Fig. 7D depicts the stationary skimmer assembly as shown
in
exemplary Figs 4A and 4B. Such rigid, non-floatable guide arms 780 are also
applicable
to the portable, manually deployed skimmer 100 as shown in e.g., Figs. 1A and
Fig 6 as
well. In the manually deployed application, guide arms 780 may replace or
supplement
floatable devices 760 discussed above.
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
[0064] Returning to Fig. 7D, typical embodiments of guide arms 780 are
comprised of
one or more (four are shown) rigid vertical slats of nominally a few to
several inches in
height and may be typically constructed of metal or composite material. Guide
arms 780
are attachable near an uppermost portion top of vessel 100 main body 105 with
a
connector 790 which may be clip type fitting as shown which thus allow the
arms to be
detached as needed. Alternatively, guide arms 780 could be attached to a ring
or collar
and included as part of the connection stack 128 at the center and may further
couple,
clip to or rest atop top of main body 105.
[0065] Another preferred embodiment of skimmer vessel assembly 300 is shown in
Fig. 8A. In this embodiment, a manually operated, mechanical height adjustment
assembly 305 is coupled to skimmer vessel 100. However, in this embodiment,
skimmer
vessel 100 includes a plurality (three are shown) of hollow collars 820
coupled to the
exterior of the skimmer vessel main body 105. Each collar 820 has a hollow
interior that
receives and slidably engages a guide cylinder 830 with an upper end 832 and a
lower
end 834 wherein the lower end may rest upon base plate member 330. In this
embodiment, base plate 330 is ring shaped with an interior diameter greater
than the
outside diameter of skimmer vessel 100 main body 105. In this manner skimmer
vessel
100 is supported by collars 820 engaged with guide cylinders 830 and is raised
and lower
via sliding vertically along the guide cylinders 830. Collars 820 may include
bearing races
or cassette type bearings to aid movement.
[0066] In the embodiment of Fig. 8A and 8B, base plate 330 includes a
receptacle
850 affixed to one end which is configured to receive a lift shaft member 860
of the height
adjustment assembly 305 as well as optional wheels or wheel assembly 880.
Skimmer
vessel 100 includes a vertical support rail member 870 affixed to main body
105 that is
21
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
fastened (preferably with a quick release or cotter pin type connection) to
the movable
vertical member 875 of height adjustment assembly 305.
[0067] Once lift shaft member 860 is inserted into the receptacle 850 of
base plate
330 and vertical support rail 870 is affixed to the movable vertical member
875 of the
height adjustment assembly 305, the skimmer assembly 300 is ready to be
deployed. In
this example, the upper end of height adjustment assembly further includes a
collapsible
handle 840 which as shown may fold at hinged or pivot point 842 which allows
for the
entire assembly 300 to be manually tilted similar to a dolly and readily moved
about via
wheels 880. Once deployed, handle 840 is folded or collapsed thus making
actuating
handle 320 accessible to the user. A rotating type actuating handle 320 is
shown but may
also be comprised of a pump type handle or other types to be discussed below.
[0068] Skimmer vessel assembly's 100 vertical position may be adjusted by
manually
pulling up or down on the stack assembly (as shown in exemplary Figs 8A and 8B
as
130, 131, 132, 134, 135 and 136) thus slidably raising or lowering the vessel
along guide
cylinders 830 and locking its vertical position using a lock pin 876. In
preferred
embodiments, lock pins 876 are spring loaded pins which affix and release
vertical
support rail 870 from movable vertical member 875 thereby locking and
alternatively
releasing skimmer vessel 100 in order to adjust its vertical height manually.
[0069] Alternatively, (or in addition to manual adjustments) vertical
positioning of
skimmer vessel 100 may be affected by mechanical actuation. As shown in Fig.
8A,
movable vertical member 875 is mechanically coupled to lift support member 860
which
may be comprised of a ratcheting or gear type actuator, e.g., a pump or crank
jack. In
this example, when the handle 320 is rotated, lift support member 860 raises
or lowers
movable vertical member 310 which in turn raises or lowers the skimmer vessel
100
22
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
thereby adjusting its vertical position within the fluid to be separated. A
manual pump jack
type lift support member is shown as the mechanical actuator, however, the
height
adjustment can also be effectuated using any other lift mechanisms readily
contemplated
given the present disclosure, for example, other devices that raise or lower
movable
vertical member 875 thereby raising or lowering the vessel assembly 100 may
include a
pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder or pump (manual or electrically actuated), or
any other
manual mechanism or motor that acts upon an extendable member such as a
toothed or
threaded gear, etc.
[0070]
The skimmer assembly of Fig. 8A may additionally include longitudinal
anchoring rods 890 as shown in exemplary Fig. 8B. Anchoring rods 890 act to
stabilize
skimmer assembly 300 when deployed and may be inserted into hollow guide
cylinders
830. In preferred embodiments, anchoring rods 890 are of a diameter less that
the inner
diameter of the guide cylinders 830 and are simply inserted coaxially. However
anchoring
rods 890 may be threadedly inserted within guide cylinders 830 or may be
alternatively
or additionally attached to a portion thereof the base plate 330, or other
portion of the
guide cylinders 830 or other portion of skimmer assembly 300. When inserted
into or
affixed to the guide cylinders 830, their position may be affixed with a set
screw or other
fastener located on guide cylinders 830. In a preferred embodiment,
cylindrical anchoring
rods 890 are threaded within guide cylinders 830 such that each anchoring
rod's height
is adjustable, thus allowing for the open face of skimmer vessel's 100 main
body 105 to
be made coplanar with the fluid surface when deployed. In this arrangement,
anchoring
rods 890 extend through holes (not shown) in base plate 330 and be inserted in
the
ground to further anchor, level and stabilize the assembly 300. Also as shown
in Fig. 8B,
23
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
auxiliary weighted members 892 may be additionally attached to anchoring rods
890 to
further weigh down the apparatus 300.
[0071] Furthermore, any of the inflatable or rigid fluid guide members
discussed above
in relation to Figs 7A-D may optionally be used in the skimmer assembly 300
embodiment
as depicted in Figs 8A and 8B to assist in guiding the less dense fluid into
the skimmer
vessel assembly 100. As shown in Fig. 8B, longitudinal fluid guide arms 894
are attached
with snap clips 896 to collars 820 which preferably positions the guide arms
just above
the main body 105 of skimmer vessel 100.
[0072] It is an object of the present technology to preferentially remove
low density
fluids which have collected on top of higher denser fluids within a tank,
reservoir,
container, containment region or other contaminated area simply and
inexpensively. The
invention allows for the removal of substantially all of a lower density fluid
volume from
the target tank or area without emptying the entire contents of the tank
(which would
include removing the higher density fluids). Relative to other suction-based
removal
devices, the instant device and system is superior due to the speed in which
the removal
occurs and the targeted removal of all or nearly all the low-density fluid.
[0073] The use of the inventive technology allows for a less dense liquid
to be removed
while the less dense liquid is floating on top of a denser liquid in a
container. This
prevents the less dense fluid from coating the inside surface area of the
container (tank,
or reservoir) as would occur if the liquid in the container were drained from
at or near the
bottom of the container. In the case of an oil layer on a water layer, the oil
layer on top
can be removed and recovered, and the water layer at the bottom can be drained
from
the container base.
24
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
[0074] While examples of embodiments of the technology have been presented and
described in text and some examples also by way of illustration, it will be
appreciated that
various changes and modifications may be made in the described technology
without
departing from the scope of the inventions, which are set forth in and only
limited by the
scope of the appended claims, as properly interpreted and construed.
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
[0038] FIG. 7D illustrates an exemplary separation apparatus with rigid
longitudinal
non-inflatable guide arms attached.
[0039] FIG. 8A illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a separation
apparatus
with an alternative height adjustment assembly.
[0040] FIG. 8B illustrates the embodiment of a separation apparatus of FIG.
8A with
fluid guide arms and anchoring rods attached.
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-12-01
