Liquid purification or separation – Processes – Separating
Patent
1996-04-30
1998-06-30
Reifsnyder, David A.
Liquid purification or separation
Processes
Separating
210788, 210808, 2105122, 3661651, B01D 2126, B01D 17038
Patent
active
057729018
ABSTRACT:
A method and an apparatus for separating a water/organic/solid emulsion, wherein the solid comprises particles having a length of about 50 .mu.m or less, are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of (1) directing the water/organic/solid emulsion from an emulsion source through a first hydrocyclone; (2) inverting the phase of the overflow emulsion from the first hydrocyclone; (3) directing the overflow emulsion through one or more subsequent hydrocyclones arranged in series; and (4) collecting the aqueous phase and the organic phase. The solid can be a biocatalyst, such as an intact bacterial, fungal or yeast cell. The organic phase is a liquid material substantially comprising carbon, which is substantially immiscible with water, such as petroleum. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a hydrocyclone series comprising two or more hydrocyclones connected in series, wherein the intake tube of the first hydrocyclone is connected by a line to an emulsion source; and a means for inverting the phase of the emulsion, interposed in the hydrocyclone series. The hydrocyclone series can comprise one or more de-oiling hydrocyclones, one or more dehydrating hydrocyclones or a combination thereof. The means for inverting the emulsion can be any means for sufficiently agitating the emulsion.
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Folsom Brian R.
Meyer Todd A.
Yu Li-Qun
Energy BioSystems Corporation
Reifsnyder David A.
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