Geotech Filter Bucket User manual

Rev 6/27/2018 Part # ORS999004003
Filter Bucket
Installation and Operation Manual

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Table of Contents
Section 1: System Description........................................................................... 3
Function and Theory ......................................................................................... 3
System Components......................................................................................... 3
Section 2: System Installation............................................................................ 4
Section 3: System Operation.............................................................................. 5
Section 4: System Maintenance......................................................................... 6
Cleaning the Intake Screen and Filter Bucket................................................... 6
Conditioning the Intake Screen......................................................................... 6
Section 5: System Troubleshooting .................................................................. 7
Section 6: System Specifications ...................................................................... 8
Section 7: System Schematics......................................................................... 10
Section 8: Replacement Parts List................................................................... 13
Appendix A: Decontamination Procedures .................................................... 14
The Warranty...................................................................................................... 21

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NOTE
DOCUMENTATION CONVENTIONS
This uses the following conventions to present information:
An exclamation point icon indicates a WARNING of a situation
or condition that could lead to personal injury or death. You
should not proceed until you read and thoroughly understand the
WARNING message.
WARNING
CAUTION
A raised hand icon indicates CAUTION information that relates to
a situation or condition that could lead to equipment malfunction
or damage. You should not proceed until you read and thoroughly
understand the CAUTION message.
A note icon indicates NOTE information. Notes provide additional
or supplementary information about an activity or concept.

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Section 1: System Description
Function and Theory
The Geotech Filter Bucket is an independently floating passive oil-water separator that is
equipped with a visual alarm to indicate when the bucket is full of product.
The heart of the system is a floating cartridge that recovers product for storage in an
integral 2-liter reservoir. Actual separation of product from water is carried out by a mesh
screen located in the cartridge. This screen is specially treated to pass oil and repel water.
The screen is therefore termed oleophilic/hydrophobic (oil loving /water hating).
The Geotech Filter Bucket comes with a standard 100 mesh intake screen. A 60 mesh
intake screen is also available for use with higher viscosity fluids. See Geotech Manual
“Hydrocarbon Viscosity Test Kit” for more information on choosing the correct Filter
Bucket and intake cartridge.
System Components
Figure 1-1: Geotech Filter Bucket

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Section 2: System Installation
The Geotech Filter Bucket is placed in a sump, pond, or other body of water. It is easily
deployed by holding the circumferential handle. The bucket and cartridge will float as
shown in Figure 3-1. As it progressively fills, the bucket will sink into the water while the
cartridge will remain at the water/product interface (Figure 3-3).
When the bucket is full, remove it by its handle. Unscrew the cover and pour the product
into a suitable receptacle. Clean any debris off the cartridge exterior if necessary.
The cartridge surface is best cleaned with a soft brush and clean
fuel. Care should be taken to remove debris without pushing it
through the screen. Never clean with detergents, surfactants, or
unknown solvents.
If the Filter Bucket is left floating on water with little or no hydrocarbon
present; the screen may eventually pass water and cause the bucket to
sink. As a precaution against this possibility, tether the bucket by
attaching a cord to the lifting handle. Attach the other end of the cord to
the edge of the well or pond.

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Section 3: System Operation
When properly deployed, and before product has accumulated in the reservoir, the Filter
Bucket should sit in the water as shown in Figure 3-1. As product passes through the
cartridge, it falls into one of the two hoses and is gravity fed through the bucket wall and
through a small check valve. When the cover of the bucket is removed, product can be
seen flowing into the bucket. The rate of flow into the Filter Bucket is dependent upon the
viscosity of the product and the thickness of the slick (See Section 6: System
Specifications).
As product accumulates in the reservoir, the Filter Bucket will ride lower in the water as
shown in image C of Figure 3-1. At the same time, the product level indicator shaft will be
extended through the top of the bucket. The Filter Bucket is designed so that the reservoir
will cease taking on product just as the cartridge contacts the bucket handle.
Figure 3-1: Filter Bucket Operation
A
B
C

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Section 4: System Maintenance
Although the separator screen has been designed to provide maximum surface area,
build-up of debris will reduce the rate of hydrocarbon recovery. In most well sites, debris
clogging is a minor problem because the hydrocarbon has already been filtered somewhat
in moving through the earth. On settling ponds, where industrial waste oil must be
recovered, screen clogging is potentially a more serious concern.
Cleaning the Intake Screen and Filter Bucket
The Geotech Filter Bucket will come with a floating cartridge containing a 100 or 60 mesh
intake screen. When required, gently clean the screen with WD40 or kerosene, using a
soft, bristle brush, to remove emulsified product, bio growth or other debris. Take care to
avoid damaging the screen intake.
Using warm soapy water, clean all debris and bio growth from the interior and exterior of
the Filter Bucket.
Rinse the cartridge assembly and bucket with clean water. Make sure the intake cartridge
is completely dry before reconditioning the intake screen.
Conditioning the Intake Screen
Prior to initial deployment, and after every cleaning, the intake screen must be conditioned
(or primed) with diesel fuel or other similar hydrocarbon. Use a soft, bristle brush to
saturate the screen portion of the intake thoroughly. The optimum fluid would be to use
the hydrocarbon to be recovered. Take care to avoid damaging the screen intake.
Do not clean the intake screen with soapy water or detergent.

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Section 5: System Troubleshooting
If the Filter Bucket fails to perform properly, check for the following:
Visually inspect the Filter Bucket for damage, such as loose fittings, cut hose, or
cracks or splits in the reservoir.
Verify that the intake screen is not clogged and can move up and down freely.
Use the cleaning procedure in Section 4: System Maintenance if needed.
Verify that there are no perforations to the screen.
Check for clogging in the two hoses.
Verify if the hydrocarbon can be “absorbed” with the type of mesh cartridge you
are using (see User Manual “Hydrocarbon Viscosity Test Kit”.
Section 8: Replacement Parts List contains a list of all serviceable parts. Also, technical
support is available by contacting Geotech Environmental Equipment at 1-800-833-5978
or [phone].

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Section 6: System Specifications
Dimensions
Height: 16” (41 cm)
Diamter: 10” (25 cm)
Weight: 7 lbs. (3.2 kg)
Capacity: .53 gallons (2 liters)
Materials
Body: Polyethylene
Hose: Polyethylene
Check valve: PTFE
Cartridge: 100 mesh oleophilic/hydrophobic (blue)
60 mesh oleophilic/hydrophobic (green)
System Limitations
As with all systems, the Filter Bucket is limited by its components. These restrictions are
classified into water product type recovered.
Water Parameters
The water parameters are classified into physical, chemical, and debris divisions.
Physical State
The physical bucket is designed as a surface follower to minimize its heave and pitch.
When the water is rough due to current or wind conditions, the effect may reduce the
ability of the cartridge to repel water. Under certain conditions, the cartridge will pass
water. The slight density difference between product and water is inconsequential for the
buoy flotation. If the unit is used exclusively in sea water, certain parts may eventually
require replacement due to salt water corrosion.
Chemical State
Detergent or surfactant concentrations greater than 100 ppm (grams/liter) may cause the
cartridge to pass water.
Also, if the Filter Bucket is placed in an area with no product to “wet” the screen, a natural
biological film will coat the screen and reduce its ability to repel water. Since this biological
build-up (or fouling) is accelerated by warm temperatures, the cartridge will pass water
more easily during the summer or in tropical environments.
In general, oil/water emulsions will pass through the cartridge screen, and the extent of
this problem is related to the relative amounts of product and water present. The oil/water
interface always has both emulsion types present as well as high concentrations of
surfactant. Whenever the Filter Bucket is deployed in thin layers of product, some water
may pass through the cartridge.

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Debris
Presence of debris at the oil/water interface may reduce the product flow rate. Most debris
accumulates on the mesh when a large volume of product enters the cartridge. Debris is
easily removed when cleaning the cartridge. Often, the unit may be gently pulled up and
down in its site area to remove some of the accumulated debris.
Product Type Recovered
The Filter Bucket will recover any non-polar liquid with a density less than water. This
leaves out such dense materials as chloroform, carbon disulfide, carbon tetra-chloride and
Freon. Certain materials will dissolve the housing and cartridge seals, but the unit may be
used in an emergency or if concentrations of such materials are low. These materials are
usually aromatics: common ones are benzene, xylene, toluene and styrene monomer.
Materials that can readily be recovered include gasoline, kerosene, oils, hexanes,
heptanes, octanes, petroleum, napthas, pentanes, or mixtures of the above.

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Section 7: System Schematics
Figure 7-1: Filter Bucket Dimensions

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Figure 7-2: Time to Fill –100 Mesh (Light Oil)

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Figure 7-3: Time to Fill –60 Mesh (Heavy Oil)

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Section 8: Replacement Parts List
Parts Description Parts List
SCREW,LID,CLOSURE ASSY 2040005
CHECK VALVE,FILTER BUCKET 00355
HOSE,PVC FUEL,3/8"OD,1/16"WALL PPP001058
BALL,TFE,1/4" 10097
ASSY,CARTRIDGE,100 MESH 2040002
ASSY,CARTRIDGE,60 MESH 2040003
MANUAL,TEST KIT,HYDROCARBON VISCOSITY 26030020
TEST KIT,HYDROCARBON VISCOSITY MEDIUM OIL 86020001
MANUAL,FILTER BUCKET ORS999004003

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Appendix A: Decontamination Procedures
Some common decontamination solutions are listed below along with the contaminants
they are effective against:
Solution Effective Against
Water Short-chain hydrocarbons, inorganic compounds, salts, some
organic acids, other polar compounds.
Dilute Acids Basic (caustic or alkaline) compounds, amines, hydrazines.
Dilute Bases Acidic compounds, phenols thiols, some nitro- and sulfonic
compounds.
Organic solvents Non-polar compounds (such as some organic compounds)
The use of organic solvents is not recommended because:
1) organic solvents can permeate and/or degrade protective clothing and
2) they are generally toxic and may result in unnecessary employee exposure to
hazardous chemicals.
When in doubt, use a dish washing liquid detergent. As a decontamination solution, it is
readily available, is the safest of all the above, and is usually strong enough if used
generously. The use of steam can also be effective for decontamination. A water-lazer
(pressurized water) is exceptionally valuable.
The following substances are noted for their particular efficiency in removing certain
contaminants or for decontaminating certain types of equipment.
Solution Effective Against
Penetone PCB Contamination (since penetone may also remove paint, it is a
good idea to spot-test before use)
Phosphate free Contaminated pumps
detergent
Ivory liquid Oils
Diluted HTH Cyanides
Radiac Low level radioactivity
Isopropanol Biological agents (should not be used on rubber products since it
will break down rubber)
Hexane Certain types of lab or sampling equipment (use of hexane is
discouraged due to its flammability and toxicity)
Zep General purpose cleaning
Phosphate free General purpose cleaning

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detergent
Decontamination Solutions to Avoid
Some decontamination solutions should be avoided because of their toxicity, flammability,
or harmful effects to the environment. Halogenated hydrocarbons, such as carbon
tetrachloride, should not be used because of their toxicity, possible incompatibility, and
some because of their flammability.
Organic decontamination solutions should not be used on Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) because they may degrade the rubber or other materials comprising the PPE.
Mercurials are sometimes used for sterilization. They should be avoided because of their
toxicity.
Chemical leaching, polymerization, and halogen stripping should all be avoided because
of possible complications during decontamination.
Sand-blasting, a method of physical removal, should be avoided because the sand used
on the contaminated object usually needs to be disposed of as hazardous waste, a very
costly proposition. Also, sand-blasting exposes personnel to silica, a carcinogen.
Freon is known to be particularly effective for the cleansing of PCB's but its effect on the
ozone layer is extremely harmful. Its use is discouraged.
Strong acids or bases should not be used when cleaning metals and gaskets or tools or
other equipment because of the possibility of corrosion.
Disposal of Decontamination Solutions and Waste Water
All solutions and water used for decontamination must be collected. If lab analysis
indicates that the water and/or solutions exceed allowable contamination levels, they must
be treated as hazardous waste. Alternatively, the solutions and water may be treated on-
site to lower the contamination levels and render them non hazardous.
Containers such as 55 gallon (208 liter) drums should be available for storage of wastes.
Spent decontamination solutions can be collected by using heavy-duty plastic sheets,
visqueen sheets, kiddie pools, or if needed, a larger containment basin. The
decontamination of equipment must be performed on the sheets or in the basins. They
could be placed on a slight angle so that the spent decontamination solutions drain into a
collection basin or drum.
Recommended Supplies for Decontamination of Personnel, Clothing and
Equipment
The list below contains recommendations for supplies which would be on hand for the
decontamination of personnel, clothing and equipment. Depending on the site activities,
not all of these items may be needed. Alternatively, some additional items not listed here
may be required.
Drop cloths of plastic or other suitable material, such as visqueen, for heavily
contaminated equipment.

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Disposal collection containers, such as drums or suitably lined trash cans for disposable
clothing and heavily contaminated personal protective clothing or equipment to be
discarded.
Lined box with adsorbent for wiping or rinsing off gross contaminants and liquid
contaminants.
Wash tubs of sufficient size to enable workers to place booted foot in and wash off
contaminants (without a drain or with a drain connected to a collection tank or
appropriate treatment system).
Rinse tubs of sufficient size to enable workers to place booted foot in and wash off
contaminants (without a drain or with a drain connected to a collection tank or
appropriate treatment system).
Wash solutions selected to wash off and reduce the hazards associated with the
contaminated wash and rinse solutions.
Rinse solution (usually water) to remove contaminants and contaminated wash
solutions.
Long-handled, soft-bristled brushes to help wash and rinse off contaminants.
Lockers and cabinets for storage of decontaminated clothing and equipment.
Storage containers for contaminated wash and rinse solutions.
Plastic sheeting, sealed pads with drains, or other appropriate method for containing
and collecting contaminated wash and rinse water spilled during decontamination.
Shower facilities for full body wash or at a minimum, personal wash sinks (with drains
connected to a collection tank or appropriate treatment system).
Soap or wash solution, wash cloths and towels.
Clean clothing and personal item storage lockers and/or closets.

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REVISION HISTORY
PROJECT #
DESCRIPTION
DATE
1671
Added note in Section 4 to not use soapy water or
detergent on the intake screen. General formatting
and consistency updates. Added Revision History –
StellaR
6/27/2018

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NOTES