Multistage oil reclamation system

Abstract

A method of hydrocarbon reclamation utilizing an automated, closed-loop hydrocarbon reclamation system controlled by an operating system. Hydrocarbon is removed from hydrocarbon-fouled substrate by flowing a slurry through a series of chemical and mechanical processes and selectively recycling fluid throughout the system for continuous operation.

1 . A method for hydrocarbon claim comprising:
 providing an operating system for receiving information feedback from and being communicably connected with a closed loop hydrocarbon reclamation system, wherein the operating system includes at least one computer having a processor, a memory, a graphical user interface, and a variety of input mechanisms;   hydrocarbon-fouled substrate into the closed loop hydrocarbon reclamation system to promote separation of hydrocarbon from substrate through chemical and physical separation feeding processes to produce a desired final product, wherein a plurality of sensors within the closed loop hydrocarbon reclamation system are communicably connected to the operating system through feedback mechanisms; and   selectively recycling a portion of fluid within the closed loop hydrocarbon reclamation system.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the closed loop hydrocarbon reclamation system includes: a plurality of eductors capable of subjecting the hydrocarbon-fouled substrate to severe shearing forces;
 a plurality of separation tanks capable of promoting separation of hydrocarbons from the substrate by allowing overflow of separated hydrocarbons gradually through a weir to a collection tank and removal of substrate to at least one secondary separation device; and at least one removal device capable of removing substrate from the closed loop hydrocarbon reclamation system after separation from the hydrocarbon.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one secondary separation device is a centrifugal multi-phase. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the operating system can be controlled onsite or remotely. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the input mechanisms of the operating system control flow of hydrocarbon-fouled substrate through the reclamation system with a plurality of valves. 
     
     
         6 . A closed loop system for hydrocarbon reclamation comprising:
 an input stream assembly for depositing hydrocarbon-fouled substrate into the system;   a plurality of educators capable of subjecting the hydrocarbon-fouled substrate to severe shearing forces to form a slurry;   a hydrocyclone retention tank connected to at least one eductor for mixing of a water and chemical mixture and hydrocarbon-fouled substrate;   a plurality of separation tanks connected to shale shakers and centrifugals for removal of hydrocarbon from substrate, the separation tanks being connected by a weir to allow for flow of separated hydrocarbon to a collection tank; and   a surge treatment tank operably connected to the collection tank.   
     
     
         7 . The closed loop system of  claim 6 , wherein the system is communicably connected to an operating system capable of receiving feedback data from the system, the operating system comprising at least one computer having a processor, a memory, a graphical user interface, and a plurality of input mechanisms. 
     
     
         8 . The closed loop system of  claim 7 , further comprising a plurality of sensors and valves communicably connected to the operating system. 
     
     
         9 . The closed loop system of  claim 7 , wherein the feedback data triggers notifications and alarms within the operating system when the feedback data is outside of predefined operating limits. 
     
     
         10 . The closed loop system of  claim 7 , wherein the operating system opens or closes valves based on feedback data received from the closed loop system. 
     
     
         11 . The closed loop system of  claim 6 , wherein the centrifugals are multi-phase centrifugals. 
     
     
         12 . The closed loop system of  claim 6 , further comprising a plurality of sensors that provide feedback data to an operating system. 
     
     
         13 . The closed loop system of  claim 6 , therein the closed loop system can be controlled onsite or remotely.