Dissolved Air Flotation System

Abstract

A method of using dissolved air flotation in a flotation cell to filter water is provided. The method involves creating first and second air-water mixtures and discharging the first air-water mixture with a current in the flotation cell and the second air-water mixture countercurrent to the direction of flow in the flotation cell. The bubbles created when the air is released separate solids out of the water.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A method of dissolved air flotation in a flotation cell, the method comprising:
 generating a first dissolved air-water mixture;   generating a second dissolved air-water mixture independent of the first generated dissolved air-water mixture;   discharging the first dissolved air-water mixture in a first direction proximate an inlet of the flotation cell; and   discharging the second dissolved air-water mixture in a second direction countercurrent to the first direction.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the flotation cell defines a direction of flow along a longitudinal axis extending from the inlet to the outlet, the flotation cell having a top and a bottom to define a cell depth extending from the top of the flotation cell to the bottom of the flotation cell in a direction of a transverse axis transvers to the longitudinal axis, wherein each of the discharging of the first and second dissolved air-water mixtures is at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis such that the first direction defines an included angle with the longitudinal axis ranging from about 35 to about 55 degrees; and the second direction defines an included angle with the longitudinal axis ranging from about 35 to about 55 degrees. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein discharging the first dissolved air-water mixture defines a first rate of discharge ranging from about 75 to about 125 GPM. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein discharging the second dissolved air-water mixture defines a second rate of discharge ranging from about 50 to about 75 GPM. 
     
     
         5 . A method of mobile dissolved air flotation for a tracking operation, the method comprising:
 continuously flowing a source of tracking fluid at a rate of 250-600 GPM into a flotation cell over a 10-12 hour period;   discharging the first dissolved air-water mixture in a first direction proximate an inlet of the flotation cell; and   discharging the second dissolved air-water mixture in a second direction countercurrent to the first direction; and   returning a clarified water to the tracking operation.   
     
     
         6 . A method of mobile dissolved air flotation for a tracking operation, the method comprising:
 transporting a mobile dissolved air flotation system to a first tracking site;   assembling the system and coupling the system to a first influent source at the first tracking site over an 8-12 hours period;   continuously processing the first influent source from the first site at a rate of 250-600 GPM over a 10-12 hour period;   disassembly of the mobile dissolved air flotation system over an 8-12 hour period;   transporting the mobile dissolved air flotation system to a second tracking site;   assembling the system and coupling the system to a second influent source at the second tracking site over a 8-12 hours;   continuously processing the second influent source from the second site at a rate of 250-600 GPM over a 10-12 hour period, the system including:   a primary skid for treating an influent flow ranging from 250-600 GPM, the primary skid including:   a heating chamber;   a flocculation chamber;   a clarified water chamber; and   a flotation cell having an inlet in communication with the flocculation chamber and an outlet in communication with the clarified water chamber, the flotation cell defining a direction of flow along a longitudinal axis extending from the inlet to the outlet, the flotation cell having a top and a bottom to define a cell depth extending from the top of the flotation cell to the bottom of the flotation cell in a direction of a transverse axis transvers to the longitudinal axis, a first air/water distribution manifold adjacent the inlet and at least a second air/water distribution manifold adjacent the outlet, each of the first and second air/water distribution manifold having a discharge opening oriented relative to at least one of the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis to define a discharge of dissolved air having a rate of discharge and a direction the discharge opening of the first air/water distribution manifold is from the inlet to the outlet, the discharge openings of the first air/water distribution manifold and the second air/water distribution manifold being oriented such that at least a portion of the discharge of dissolved air from the second air/water distribution manifold is counter current to at least a portion of the discharged of dissolved air from the first air/water distribution manifold;   a secondary skid including a first dissolved air generator coupled to the first air/water distribution manifold and a second dissolved air generator independent of the first dissolved air generator coupled to the second air/water distribution manifold.