Loren D Frederick

US Patent:

48328375, May 23, 1989

Filed:

Apr 13, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/037432

Inventors:

Loren D. Frederick - Tulsa OK
Claud W. Walker - Portales NM
Clark L. Daywalt - Tulsa OK

International Classification:

B01D 1704

US Classification:

210153

Abstract:

An apparatus for use in augmenting the separation of oil and water flowing comingled in a stream having a conduit through which the stream of comingled water and oil passes, an assembly of nodules formed of catalytic metal alloy, the nodules being generally cylindrical and having longitudinal notches on the external cylindrical surfaces and the nodules being arranged in subassemblies, each subassembly being formed of three nodules affixed to each other in a layer such that a longitudinal notch of each nodule mates with a longitudinal notch of the other two nodules to provide a central opening through the subassembly, and a central axial shaft received within the central opening retaining a plurality of the subassemblies. The complete assembly is positioned within the conduit so as to be engaged by the water and oil flowing therethrough. Each nodules being formed of an alloy of copper, zinc, nickel, lead and tin which augments the separation of the oil and water.