Water treatment device and method

Abstract

An apparatus for separating contaminants from a fluid stream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a vessel containing a gas blanket. The apparatus will have contained therein a water skimmer member adapted for allowing for retention of the fluid stream. The apparatus further includes a first gas flotation cell contained within the vessel and arranged in series with the water skimmer so as to receive the fluid stream. Also included is an oil bucket positioned within the vessel and adapted to receive a portion of the fluid stream from the water skimmer and the first gas flotation cell. In one embodiment, the first gas flotation cell comprises a first screen member having a porous structure, a plate baffle having a first passage therein, and an eductor device adapted for introducing a gas stream into the fluid stream. In the preferred embodiment, the eductor device comprises a tube operatively associated with the vessel, the tube being in communication with the fluid stream; a nozzle member positioned within the tube and adapted to receive the fluid stream; a port formed on the tube and adapted to receive the gas contained within the gas blanket and introduce the gas into the elongated tube; and, a rotor member positioned within the tube and adapted to produce a properly sized and dispersed gas bubble array. Also, the apparatus may contain a plurality of gas flotation cells arranged in series so that the outlet of one feeds the inlet of another. A method of treating a fluid stream is also disclosed which utilizes the apparatus herein disclosed.