Inventors:
Charles R. Scraggs - Alpharetta GA
Jack R. Creel - Houston TX
Alonzo L. DeCell - Houston TX
International Classification:
C02F 140
C02F 300
Abstract:
A system for the reduction and separation of highly emulsified and/or immiscible components mixed in a fluid, particularly useful for treating waste water contaminated with oils and oily emulsions, as from depleted oil wells, vehicle washing stations, and meat rendering plants. The system is operative for reducing the amount of organic and inorganic contaminants, and is particularly suitable for reducing the amount of oil, with oil-consuming microorganisms, and separating oil that is not consumed within the system from the water so that the oil may be recycled and the water discharged into wetlands or sanitary sewers without further treatment. The system comprises a multi-stage, recirculating series of treatment tanks. In a first stage, the fluid is recirculated through a treatment loop where the fluid is aerated and then passed through a coalescer. Organic metabolizing microorganisms that contribute to de-emulsification and contaminant reduction within the system are introduced, together with a superoxygenated catalyst containing microorganism nutrients.