Patent ID: 6413435
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: B01D,C02F,E03F

Abstract:
A separator unit for use in segregating an immiscible fluid mixture including at least one entrained less-dense solid or buoyant solid into the at least one entrained less-dense solid or buoyant solid, at least one less dense component and at least one denser component comprising:a vessel comprising a bottom, an inlet and an outlet, at least one ceiling and at least one access line within the at least one ceiling, wherein the at least one ceiling is inclined with respect to the horizontal and the access line within the at least one ceiling is proximal to that portion of the at least one ceiling furthest from bottom; and at least one piping circuit comprising at least one pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, at least one flushing fluid source line including at least one flushing line valve, and at least one disposal line having a first end and a second end, wherein the pump inlet is in fluid communication with the at least one access line, the flushing fluid source line is in fluid communication with the access line in a location between the at least one ceiling and the pump inlet, the first end of the at least one disposal line is in fluid communication with the pump outlet and the second end of the at least one disposal line is directable so as to allow the fluid communication to a first location or the fluid communication to a second location or both.