SEPARATION OF UNSTABLE EMULSIONS AND DEVICE TO THIS END (VERSIONS) Russian patent published in 2014 - IPC B01D17/25 

FIELD: machine building.

SUBSTANCE: proposed process comprises gravity separation with upward discharge of fractions rich in light components and downward discharge of heavy components. Note here that buffer set is introduced in separation vessel to decelerate the fluid inlet flow. Then, it is distributed uniformly over the separation vessel width. Then, thin-layer settler is introduced to intensify the separation into upper and lower plies of said light and heavy fluid fractions by settling in thin ply. To optimise hydrophobic separation of hydrocarbons and hydrophilic separation of water, interface between said light and heavy fractions are adjusted by appropriate adjusting device that varies heavy fraction discharge level subject to light fraction density-to-heavy fraction density ratio. Separation is executed at light fraction ply height making 0.3-0.5 of the separation vessel entire height. For discharge of mechanical impurities, device bottom is either pyramid-shaped for removal of said impurities by pump or boxes their collection and removal are fitted on the device flat bottom. In compliance with the first version, this device comprises gravity separator and separated product discharge assembly. Note here that separation vessel accommodates extra buffer vessel with slitted hole over the device entire width to allow fluid to flow therefrom and extra thin-ply settler composed of one or several sequential modules composed by V- or W-like plates. Discharge assembly comprises moving trough to vary heavy fraction separation height and different-height spacers to this end. For discharge of mechanical impurities, device bottom is shaped to pyramid to support the set of atomisers for wash-out of said impurities. In compliance with second version, separation vessel accommodates the system of staggered webs elevated by 150-200 mm above said bottom. Discharge assembly comprises moving trough to vary heavy fraction separation height and different-height spacers to this end. For discharge of mechanical impurities, separation vessel bottom is flat with hatches arranged sat its ends.

EFFECT: higher efficiency of separation.

4 cl, 1 ex, 7 dwg