APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING THE SEPARATION OF IMMISCIBLE LIQUIDS

1278763 Automatic fluid level control RYAZANSKY FILIAL SPETSALINOGO KONSTRUKTORSKOGO BJUROANN 22 Jan 1970 3107/70 Heading G3R The difference between the currents to electrodes at different levels relative to the interface between two liquids in a vessel is compared with a desired difference so that any error causes operation of a discharge valve for the lower liquid to restore the level of the interface. As shown, petroleum - water emulsion, fed through a pipe 2 to a vessel 1 containing electrodes 6, 7 at different levels supplied from an A.C. source 8, is separated into petroleum and salt water. A signal dependent on the difference between the electrode currents, developed at 9, is compared at 10 with a signal 11 representing a difference corresponding to a desired level of the interface between the petroleum and the salt water. Any deviation of the interface from this level produces an output from comparator 10 to operate a valve 5 and thereby increase or decrease the drainage of salt water and sludge as necessary to restore the desired level.