Bassim M Halwani

US Patent:

48447951, Jul 4, 1989

Filed:

May 13, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/193555

Inventors:

Bassim Halwani - Miami FL

International Classification:

B01D 17035

US Classification:

210 98

Abstract:

A system for decontaminating the aquifer of hydrocarbon spills utilizes one or more wells each fitted with a perforated screen into which a skimmer formed as a receptacle is suspended by a cable for vertical movement to desired levels, the receptacle having an open top and a diameter sized to fit into the screens with only slight clearance. Water is pumped from the receptacle into a separation tank and because of the slight clearance between the screen and receptacle refilling occurs from ground water at or above the level at which the open top edge of the receptacle is located with respect to the surface of the aquifer. Floating contaminants are drawn off from the separation tank and the contaminated water is pumped as a fine spray into an upper portion of a stripping tower. An air stream is blown into the lower portion of the tower through an upwardly directed elbow having a conical mesh closure permitting relatively free flow of air upwardly through the tower from the blower and preventing the downwardly flowing treated water from entering the elbow. Electric controls, including water level sensing devices in the receptacle, the separation tank and other auxiliary holding tanks, operate the pumps and air blower for automatic, fail-safe operation of the system.