Overview

ACQUA has an active Research and Development (R&D) program headed by the original inventor of the separation technologies, Mr Neville Clarke (Clarke). The genesis of the idea to develop separation technologies came from Clarke's 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry with Esso Australia, and in particular while managing Esso's offshore oil platforms in Bass Strait.

Background

R&D activities conducted by Clarke for ACQUA, began in 1993 with the initial objective of developing a more efficient hydrocyclone for use as an oil water separator in the oil and gas industry, particularly offshore.

The Vertical Gravity Separator (VGS*) was initially developed to handle hydrocyclone (centrifugal sedimentation) reject flow, predominately water with small amounts of oil, in general applications. These reject flows created water handling problems in service stations and general industrial applications, due to imposed fines and charges for the removal of contaminated oil and water.

During 1994/95, the VGS* was developed as a stand-alone unit to handle oil/water effluent, directly competing with Cross Plate Interceptors (CPI) and Enhanced Triple Plate Interceptors (ETPI). The first test unit was installed at a Shell Service Station in Oyster Bay, NSW, Australia. From test results obtained over a 2 month period it was evident that the VGS* was a viable technology in its own right.

Problems with solids and debris in the effluent stream became a major stumbling block until a range of Liquid Skimmers (Skimmer*) was developed. The Skimmer* needed to be low cost, small in size, lightweight and able to handle solids and debris that would block traditional skimmers; eg. floating grass, leaves, paper and plastic items.

In mid 1994, a test program was undertaken with Shell (Australia) at their Newport Distribution Terminal in Victoria, Australia. The task was to remove free oil from existing Triple Interceptor (TIT) pits and ponds, and to enhance the first flush and clean water phases for discharge to sewer and stormwater. The first polyethylene bodied VGS* was installed at Shell Newport and it soon became obvious that the performance of the VGS* improved dramatically when superior oleophilic construction materials were used.

By November 1995, six test units were operating at Shell Newport and subsequently, Shell ordered and installed 11 VGS* and Skimmer* systems to replace existing CPI's at their Distribution Terminal.

After an initial 12 month test period, at various locations as requested by the Sydney Water Board, the VGS* was approved by the Sydney Water Board for commercial use.

While product development has continued on the standard VGS*, the initial R&D program for this product was basically completed during 1997. The Skimmer* was developed in conjunction with the VGS*.

The development of the IC-SEP* and CycloVap* technologies occurred from 1997 onwards, to address specific industry needs that had been identified during tests and trials of the VGS* and the ISG* hydrocyclone.