Patent ID: 6517715
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A separator unit for use in segregating an immiscible fluid mixture in to its components comprising:(a) a vessel comprising a bottom, a sidewall, a first baffle, a second baffle, an inlet and an outlet, wherein the sidewall extends from the bottom to bound a major volume of the vessel and terminates to define a major opening of the vessel at an end away from the bottom; the inlet resides in a first location within the sidewall away from the bottom and the outlet resides in a second location within the sidewall away from bottom and opposite the first location; the first baffle extends between two locations on the sidewall from the major opening toward the bottom, but not contacting to the bottom, proximal to the inlet opening to define an inlet channel between the first baffle and that portion of the sidewall between the two locations on the sidewall; and the second baffle extends between two other locations on the sidewall from the major opening toward the bottom, but not to the bottom, proximal to the outlet opening to define an outlet channel between the second baffle and that portion of the sidewall between the two other locations on sidewall; and (b) a focusing plate and an access port within the focusing plate, wherein the focusing plate is removably secured within a portion of vessel bound by the bottom, first baffle, second baffle, and sidewall such that the focusing plate is inclined with respect to the horizontal and the access port vent within the focusing plate is proximal to that portion of the focusing plate furthest from bottom, wherein the outlet defines a line of division between the segregated lighter and heavier components of the immiscible fluid mixture, wherein the line of division is below the top of the focusing plate.