Todd O Meyer

US Patent:

57729018, Jun 30, 1998

Filed:

Apr 30, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/640129

Inventors:

Li-Qun Yu - Houston TX
Todd A. Meyer - The Woodlands TX
Brian R. Folsom - The Woodlands TX

Assignee:

Energy BioSystems Corporation - The Woodlands TX

International Classification:

B01D 2126
B01D 17038

US Classification:

210896

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.