Micro-bubble induced gas flotation cell and method of operating same

摘要

A method and apparatus for separating two fluids, one lighter in specific gravity than the other, including the steps of providing a single vessel, having a primary separation chamber and a gas flotation chamber; separating fluids in the primary separation chamber to allow for free and suspended solids along with free oil and grease and gas to be removed from the fluids in the primary separation chamber; flowing the fluids into the gas flotation chamber portion; providing a first induced gas flow; combining a second gas flow of micro-bubbles with the first gas flow; and introducing the combined gas flow into the gas flotation chamber portion to provide a source of micro-sized dispersed bubbles in the fluid to accelerate the lift necessary for separation of fine oil droplets, emulsified oil droplets, from the water flowing in the flotation chamber portion. The apparatus for introducing the micro-bubbles to be comingled with the first induced gas flow includes a static mixer, a DGF pump, eductor and a series of globe valves which can be part of the gas flotation system or retrofitted to an existing gas flotation system.