Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for extracting one or more sulfur compounds. The process may include mixing a hydrocarbon stream containing the one or more sulfur compounds with an alkaline stream in at least one vessel. Often, the at least one vessel includes a member forming a perimeter about an interior space and having a first side and a second side forming a passageway communicating at least one of the hydrocarbon stream and the alkaline stream from an outer surface of the member to the interior space, and a frustum. The frustum can be positioned proximate to the passageway and abutting the member for facilitating contacting of the hydrocarbon stream and the alkaline stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cyclone type liquid/gas or liquid/liquid separator having separation properties that are stabilized, even when the flow rate and the proportions of the liquid phases for separation vary, by means of a platform situated in the low portion of a cylindrical separation chamber that is fed at its top end via a tangential feed orifice. The present invention also provides an installation and a method of separating the oil and water contained in crude oil, with the help of a cyclone of the invention.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 for separating a mixture of oil and water. The apparatus 10 comprises a cylindrical vessel 12, with a cylindrical divider 18 separating the vessel 12 into a central zone 24 and outer annular zone 22. An upper part of the divider 18 provides a weir to enable fluid in the central zone 24 to pass into the outer zone 22. A tangential inlet extends into the central zone 24 at a lower part of the vessel 12, with an outlet 36 at the upper end of the vessel 12 for oil and/or gas, and a water outlet 42 on the side of the vessel 12 a small distance above the bottom of the outer zone 22.

Abstract: A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases within a collection container is disclosed. The mechanical separator may have a separator body having a through-hole defined therein, with the through-hole adapted for allowing fluid to pass therethrough. The separator body includes a float, having a first density, and a ballast, having a second density greater than the first density. A portion of the float is connected to a portion of the ballast. Optionally, the float may include a first extended tab adjacent a first opening of the through-hole and a second extended tab adjacent the second opening of the through-hole. In certain configurations, the separator body also includes an extended tab band disposed about an outer surface of the float. The separator body may also include an engagement band circumferentially disposed about at least a portion of the separator body.

Abstract: A hydrocyclone (1) for separating a liquid mixture into a heavy fraction including heavy particles and alight fraction, comprising a housing (2) forming an elongated separation chamber (3) having a circumferential wall (4), abase end (5), an apex end (6), at least one inlet member (7) for supplying a liquid mixture into the separation chamber (3), at least one of the inlet member/s (7) positioned at the base end (5), a first outlet member (8) for discharging separated light fraction from the separation chamber (3) at the base end (5), a second outlet member (9) for discharging separated heavy fraction from the separation chamber (3) at the apex end (6), means (10) for supplying the liquid mixture to the separation chamber (3) via the at least one inlet member (7), so that during operation a liquid stream is generated as a helical vortex (11) about a center axis (12) in the separation chamber (3), said helical vortex (11) extending from the base end (5) to the apex end (6), a first flow deflection means arrang

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering a mixture of granulate and water are disclosed. In accordance with one example of the system described herein, the apparatus includes a casing as well as hollow sieve body with side walls formed as a sieve, the sieve body being arranged in the casing and suspended thereto. The sieve body tapers towards the bottom, and a clearance is formed between the casing and sieve body. For delivering the granulate-water mixture an inlet is arranged in the upper part of the sieve body. A corresponding outlet for the dewatered granulate is located at the bottom of the sieve body. The inlet is arranged in the sieve body and the sieve is formed such that the water laterally escapes through the sieve into the clearance due to centrifugal and gravitational forces when passing through the sieve body from top to bottom.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating contaminated water and may include an inlet, configured to receive contaminated water from a body of water. The contaminated water may include one or more pollutants (such as oil), and the apparatus may be configured to provide for separating those pollutant(s) from water to provide recovered pollutant(s) (e.g. recovered oil) and treated water. The apparatus may also include a water outlet for returning treated water to a body of water. In some examples, the apparatus comprises a separation volume, having inner and outer chamber, which can be used to separate rotating contaminated water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vortex mixer comprising a mixing chamber having an axial outlet and at least one inlet which is at least substantially tangential. The mixer further comprises a residence chamber extending axially on the side of the mixing chamber opposite from the axial outlet.

Abstract: A system for treating a substance using a storage vessel and two or more devices disposed in a top of the storage vessel. Each device has: (a) a volute or cyclone head, (b) a throat connected to the volute or cyclone head, (c) a parabolic reflector connected to the throat, (d) a first wave energy source comprising a first electrode within the volute or cyclone head that extends through the outlet into the opening of the throat along the central axis, and a second electrode extending into the parabolic reflector and spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode, and (e) a second wave energy source disposed inside the throat, embedded within the throat or disposed around the throat. The substance is supplied to the inlet of the volute or cyclone head and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the first and second wave energy sources.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system, a fluid processing apparatus and a method of treating a mixture are provided in which a separator has two outlets for different components of mixed fluid. A conduit connecting one of the outlets of the separator to the inlet of the separator is provided to recycle fluid from an outlet of the separator back to the inlet and a pump at the inlet of the separator regulates the fluid flow through the separator at a constant rate. As a result, the flow rate through the separator is increased, which increases the separation efficiency of the separation system. The conduit also functions as a bypass line should the flow of fluid be obstructed through the separator. The conduit may preferably be operated in conjunction with an energy harvester.

Abstract: A method of separating a multiphase fluid, the fluid including a relatively high density component and a relatively low density component, that includes introducing the fluid into a separation region; imparting a rotational movement into the multiphase fluid; forming an outer annular region of rotating fluid of predetermined thickness within the separation region; and forming and maintaining a core of fluid in an inner region. Fluid entering the separation vessel is directed into the outer annular region and the thickness of the outer annular region is such that the high density component is concentrated and substantially contained within this region, the low density component being concentrated in the rotating core. A separation system employing the method is also provided. The method and system are particularly suitable for the separation of solid debris from the fluids produced by a subterranean oil or gas well at wellhead flow pressure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separation of one or more salts from water are described. The methods include addition of a water miscible solvent to the water, followed by separation of the precipitated salt in a slurry, and evaporation of the water miscible solvent from the slurry. The apparatus include a novel design for a wetted wall separator tube that allows the solids in the slurry to pass through while providing efficient evaporation of the water miscible solvent from the water.

Abstract: A liquid separation system and related method for retaining floating and non-floating particulates within a storage chamber of a treatment tank. The tank may or may not include a bypass to allow a portion of liquid coming into the tank to bypass the storage chamber. The storage chamber includes an inlet and an outlet. The outlet may be positioned within the storage chamber to cause minimal disruption of the primary and secondary liquid flow patterns within the storage chamber. A circular or rotational flow pattern may be created within the storage chamber and an outlet port of the storage chamber may be centered on an axis of the circular flow pattern.

Abstract: A fluid separator includes a casing and a tubular main body disposed in the casing and having a central axis, inlet and outlet ends spaced along the axis, inner and outer circumferential surfaces; and drain passage(s) extending radially between the inner and outer surfaces. A collection chamber is defined between the outer surface and the casing and the inner surface defines a central flow passage, such that liquid contacting the inner surface flows through the drain passage(s) and into the collection chamber. A deflector disposed within the flow passage includes a hub located on the central axis with a bore and a plurality of vanes extending radially between the hub and the main body inner surface. Each vane has a first channeling surface facing toward the body inlet and a second channeling surface facing away from the inlet. Recirculation members fluidly connect the collection chamber with the hub bore.

Abstract: The present invention provides a toilet using a cyclone-type sewage purifier, which can discharge excrement using a small amount of water and can sanitarily treat the discharged excrement using waste water, thus increasing the efficiency with which the waste water is recycled. The toilet includes a toilet bowl having a depression; a refuse pipe passing through the toilet bowl and connected to the depression, thus guiding the discharge of excrement from the depression; a refuse bowl seated in the depression and temporarily holding the excrement, and discharging the excrement into the refuse pipe when it is rotated; a rotating device for rotating the refuse bowl; and a cyclone-type sewage purifier for executing purification treatment using a vortex generated by descent of the excrement and waste water discharged from the refuse pipe and a waste water pipe.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator of the present invention comprises an upper inlet chamber and separation barrel connected thereto. The upper inlet chamber comprises an inlet through which a solids-laden fluid is introduced. An upper portion of the separation barrel extends into the upper inlet chamber below the inlet, such that the interior wall of the upper inlet chamber and the upper portion of the separation volume define a space, called the vestibular chamber. The vestibular chamber is defined at its upper end by a horizontally disposed plate larger in diameter than the separation barrel, but smaller in diameter than the internal diameter of the upper inlet chamber. The upper portion of the separation barrel comprises a plurality of generally axially-oriented slots which may penetrate through the wall of the separation barrel tangentially, so as to generally induce a tangential flow pattern to fluid entering the separation barrel from the vestibular chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for cleaning sample material, in particular nucleic acids. The cleaning process takes place by means of centrifugal microfluidics and the invention provides a simple compact construction and a simple procedure. If necessary, the sample material is easily mixed with a solvent buffer and proteases in the device. The cleaned sample material is in particular transferred directly to a container. Separate containers for the removal of excess liquid are not required.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a substance includes: (a) a volute or cyclone head, (b) a throat connected to the volute or cyclone head, (c) a parabolic reflector connected to the throat, (d) a first wave energy source comprising a first electrode within the volute or cyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode extending into the parabolic reflector proximate to the focus wherein the second electrode is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode, and (e) a second wave energy source disposed inside the throat, embedded within the throat or disposed around the throat. The substance is supplied to the inlet of the volute or cyclone head and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the first and second wave energy sources.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cyclone generator for a pipeline type oil-water separator which separates oil from water using the principle of cyclone. The cyclone generator comprises: flow deflectors which are fixedly arranged along the circumferential direction of a pipe to generate, when an oil-water mixture flows through the flow deflectors, a centrosymmetric cyclone field to centrifugally separate oil from water. The present invention further discloses an oil-water separation device which uses the aforementioned principle, the mixture of oil and water flowing through the device forms a centrosymmetric cyclone field in which an oil core is distributed in the central area of a pipe without shifting significantly so as to achieve an excellent oil-water separation effect.

Abstract: A filter housing having a vessel portion that has an inlet and a first outlet. The filter housing also includes a lid that is sealingly mateable to the vessel portion and the lid has a second outlet. A cage is designed to be fit within the vessel portion. The cage has upper and lower plates that are held apart at a fixed distance by a sidewall with an inlet. The plates are sealed against the inside of the vessel portion. Fluid can enter the vessel between the plates when the cage is installed in the vessel portion. Filters are designed to be sealed within apertures in the upper and lower plates of the cage and the filters span between the plates. When fluid enters between the plates of the cage it is forced to travel through the filters to exit from between the plates.

Abstract: A grit removal unit including an influent channel directing wastewater with grit into a round grit removal chamber and an effluent channel receives wastewater output from the chamber. A divider wall extends upwardly between the sides of the influent channel, and gates at the upstream end of the divider wall are adjustable to selectively open channel portions on opposite sides of the divider wall. An output guide member is mounted to allow selective adjustment of output flow opening width “c” to the effluent channel. The output guide member has a horizontal bottom extending from the chamber into the effluent channel across the width of the output opening, and a guide wall extending upwardly from the guide member bottom. The guide wall has a forward end spaced from the chamber annular vertical wall to define the output flow opening width therebetween.

Abstract: A hydrocyclone (1) for separating a liquid mixture into a heavy fraction including heavy particles and alight fraction, comprising a housing (2) forming an elongated separation chamber (3) having a circumferential wall (4), abase end (5),an apex end (6), at least one inlet member (7) for supplying a liquid mixture into the separation chamber (3), at least one of the inlet member/s(7) positioned at the base end (5), a first outlet member (8) for discharging separated light fraction from the separation chamber (3) at the base end (5), a second outlet member (9) for discharging separated heavy fraction from the separation chamber (3) at the apex end (6), means (10) for supplying the liquid mixture to the separation chamber (3) via the at least one inlet member (7), so that during operation a liquid stream is generated as a helical vortex (11) about a centre axis (12) in the separation chamber (3), said helical vortex (11) extending from the base end (5) to the apex end (6), a first flow deflection means arranged

Abstract: Disclosed is a compact liquid-liquid separation device useful for the separation of oil and water in hydrocarbon production operations, as well as systems and methods for use thereof. The device includes a separator body of generally vertical pipe having an upper portion and a lower portion, and an inlet to the separator body of generally horizontal pipe in fluid communication with the separator body and attached to the separator body between the upper section and the lower section. The inlet has a round cross-section portion and a reducing area nozzle portion in which the horizontal width of the inlet decreases symmetrically with proximity to the separator body. The vertical interface between the inlet and the separator body has a generally rectangular cross-section.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating minerals in drilling fluid based primarily on density. The separator creates and maintains a slurry with a controllable density for separating minerals from drill cuttings. The density is controlled through the use of an electrode array. The separator comprises a primary separation chamber containing the dense slurry, and a multiple number of secondary separation chambers used to separate cuttings from the drilling fluid. The invention also contains inlet hardware allowing the mixed mineral suspension to enter the first separation chamber, and hardware allowing the three outlet (separated) streams to exit the device. One of the three outlet streams carries the minerals that have a density greater than the user selectable density set point, while the second carries the minerals that have a density less than the density set point, and the third carries clean drilling fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating components of a fluid mixture. The apparatus includes a vortex generation zone shaped as an inverse truncated cone, a solids collection zone, a separation zone, one or more fluid inlets, one or more gas inlets, one or more fluid outlets, and one or more gas outlets. Gas is introduced into fluid in the vortex separation zone to facilitate the separation of components of the fluid mixture.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for separating grit from liquid sewage while retaining organic solids in suspension. A sustained rotational liquid sewage first fluid flow, an induced upward liquid sewage second fluid flow, and a sustained rotational liquid sewage third fluid flow are employed in an apparatus having a cylindrical grit settling main chamber, a grit storage secondary chamber including a central grit settling access top mouth opening, a vertical shaft, a means for causing rotation of the vertical shaft, and a partition extending transversely through the main chamber and forming upper and lower subchambers. A fluid flow speed gradient is established between the liquid sewage third fluid flow and the liquid sewage first fluid flow. In this manner, grit is separated from liquid sewage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) for the cleaning of sand, originating from subterranean oil production and comprises separation of sand from adhering oil out of a sand/oil/water slurry. The sand is cleaned through treatment in a hydrocyclone (13) through rubbing against themselves and the walls of the hydrocyclone. The hydrocyclone discharges the larger/heavier particles into a vessel (1), wherein the vessel has a discharge port (3) for the sand. A fluid extractor (34) is provided between the hydrocyclone (13) and the discharge port of the vessel (1), for extracting fluid from the vessel (1) to permit an increased flow rate of sand into the vessel. The invention also relates to a method of cleaning sand and a method of increasing the flow rate of sand through a hydrocyclone cleaning system as described above.

Abstract: A variety of improved hydroclone based fluid filtering systems are described. The hydroclones generally include a tank having an internal chamber and a filter (preferably a surface filter) that is positioned within the internal chamber. The filter defines a filtered fluid chamber within the internal chamber of the tank. The hydroclone may be operated such that a vortex of flowing fluid is formed between the chamber wall and the filter with the filter being located in the center of the vortex. With this arrangement, the filter acts as a cross-flow filter. In one aspect of the invention, a circulating cleaning assembly is provided in the hydroclone region. In yet another aspect of the invention, improved hydroclone intake structures are described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desolvating flowing liquid streams while retaining temporal resolution of dissolved substrates are disclosed. A novel small-scale self-regulating spray dryer preserves temporal resolution while desolvating a liquid chromatography eluent stream and depositing the solute onto an optical surface for infrared spectrographic analysis. The liquid eluent is pumped through a heated nebulizer to create a high-speed jet of solute containing liquid and solvent vapor. This jet is directed circumferentially inside a hot cylindrical cavity. Centrifugal force causes the larger liquid droplets to travel along the outer diameter of the cavity. The cavity surface is heated to cause the droplets to film boil. Film boiling reduces droplet contact with the cavity surface thereby retaining the solute in the droplets. The solute temperature is limited by controlling the pressure into which the solvent evaporates from the droplets.

Abstract: Certain examples relate to a new feedwell design for use in a clarifier that may better dissipate the entrance energy of the slurry-liquid combination exiting the feedwell and entering the clarifier. Plates of various shapes may be provided proximate to the bottom of the feedwell. The plates may cause a change in the flow direction of the feed, from mostly horizontal to mostly vertical, to slow the slurry. The provision of plates at the bottom of a feedwell in a clarifier may advantageously reduce the velocity of the materials entering the clarifier, or may increase the uniformity of the flow rate of the materials; while reducing or maintaining the amount of shear force, turbulence, or other forces that may have a detrimental effect on clarification. This may, in turn, permit solids to better “settle out” of the slurry-liquid combination, and thus improve the clarity of the removed liquid.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator of the present invention comprises an upper inlet chamber and separation barrel connected thereto. The upper inlet chamber comprises an inlet through which a solids-laden fluid is introduced. An upper portion of the separation barrel extends into the upper inlet chamber below the inlet, such that the interior wall of the upper inlet chamber and the upper portion of the separation volume define a space, called the vestibular chamber. The vestibular chamber is defined at its upper end by a horizontally disposed plate larger in diameter than the separation barrel, but smaller in diameter than the internal diameter of the upper inlet chamber. The upper portion of the separation barrel comprises a plurality of generally axially-oriented slots which may penetrate through the wall of the separation barrel tangentially, so as to generally induce a tangential flow pattern to fluid entering the separation barrel from the vestibular chamber.

Abstract: A system for enhancing an activated sludge process including at least one biological reactor. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem is coupled to the biological reactor for mixing biological flocs and weighting agent to impregnate the weighting agent into the biological flocs to form weighted biological flocs. A weighting agent recovery subsystem is configured to recover the weighting agent from the weighted biological flocs and reintroducing the recovered weighting agent to the weighting agent impregnation subsystem.

Abstract: A fluid handling and separation system has an inlet conduit for receiving a helical fluid flow, a housing connected to the inlet conduit, a collection conduit disposed within the housing in axially alignment with the inlet conduit, and a diversion conduit in fluid communication with the interior of the housing. The housing encloses the collection conduit to form an annular space between the interior surface of the housing and an exterior surface of the collection conduit. Upon receiving a helical flow via the inlet conduit, a radially outward portion of the helical flow is separated from a radially inner portion of the helical flow. The radially outward portion of the helical flow is diverted through the diversion conduit while the radially inward portion of the helical flow is received by the collection conduit. Such a system allows for separating the helical fluid flow by density of materials or fluids within the helical fluid flow.

Abstract: A separator is disclosed. The separator includes a gas/liquid separator vessel, an enclosure, a coalescer and a demister. The gas/liquid separator vessel has a first end, a second end, a first inlet, a first outlet, and a first separation chamber. The first inlet can be adjacent to the first end. The enclosure is positioned within the first separation chamber of the liquid separator vessel. The enclosure has a second inlet, a second outlet, a drain positioned therebetween, and a second separation chamber. The second inlet can be directed towards the first end of the gas/liquid separator vessel. The second separation chamber defines a flow path for a gas stream in which the flow path passes sequentially through the second inlet, second separation chamber and the second outlet. The coalescer is positioned in the second separation chamber to intercept the flow path of the gas stream.

Abstract: A hydroclone (10) having a tank (12) including a fluid inlet (14), a filtered fluid outlet (16), an effluent outlet (18), a process fluid outlet (20) and an inner peripheral wall (22) enclosing a plurality of vertically aligned chambers (24, 30, 32). In one embodiment the tank (12) includes three vertically aligned chambers including a vortex chamber (24) in fluid communication with the fluid inlet (14). A filter assembly (26) is located within the vortex chamber (24) and encloses a filtrate chamber (66). The vortex chamber (24) includes a fluid pathway (28) adapted for receiving incoming fluid and generating a vortex fluid flow about the filter assembly (26). The filtrate chamber (56) is in fluid communication with the filtered fluid outlet (16) such that fluid passing through the filter assembly (26) enters the filtrate chamber (56) and may exit the tank (12) by way of the filtered fluid outlet (16).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus, system, and methodology for treating nested waste matter, including a delivery system for delivering a volume of untreated material; a confined container having an inlet connected to the delivery system; an energy impingement device introduced transversely into said confined container, where the energy impingement device is configured to deliver a volume of injected fluid and further configured to treat the volume of untreated material in said confined container and wherein the confined container has an outlet for exiting a volume of treated material.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a liquid includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet and a throat having an outlet and a central axis, (b) a tank connected to the outlet of the throat, wherein the tank has a maximum inner diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the outlet of the throat, and (c) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet of the throat along the central axis, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode along the central axis. The liquid is supplied to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a cyclone separator for a vacuum toilet system, with a casing; an input-side swirl generator, whose input openings impart a swirl to the inflowing fluid; a separating wall arranged in the casing, which encloses the fluid stream in the cyclone separator ring-like and whose interior cross section tapers downstream; and a collection tank in the casing for receiving and accumulating constituents separated out of the fluid. In addition, the invention relates to a wastewater tank and vacuum toilet system having such a cyclone separator.

Abstract: A reject port of a hydrocyclone has an orifice that is treated or coated to prevent blockage thereof when materials pass therethrough, such as produced water, asphaltenes, waxes, “schmoo” or other materials having high potential for scaling. Such surfaces may include, but are not necessarily limited to, superhydrophobic surfaces and/or superoleophobic surfaces such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), tungsten disulfide (WS2), siloxanes, nanomaterials, surfaces created by diffusion of carbon into a stainless steel without forming chromium carbides (e.g. KOLSTERISING®), anti-scale treatment materials, and combinations thereof. The treated orifice may optionally be removable from the reject port.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating liquids flowing in a thin film around a source of wave energy to directly expose the liquid to the wave energy, preferably generated in whole or part by an electrical arc between carbon electrodes. In addition to the wave energy generated by the electrical arc, energy generated by cavitation of the flowing liquid may be used in treating the liquid.

Abstract: The oil-water separator is installed in a substantially horizontal crude oil pipeline for separating water from the oil and water mix. The separator includes a vortex and settling chamber extending downward from the pipeline. The segment of the pipeline having the separator defines a generally T-shaped configuration. Oil and water phases flowing through the pipeline drop into the chamber as it flows through the pipeline and over the chamber. The denser water tends to settle into the bottom of the chamber, while the lighter oil is entrained back into the flow through the pipeline. A sensor detects water collected in the bottom of the chamber and provides a signal to open a drain valve when sufficient water has been collected. While only a single separator serves to collect a substantial fraction of water, a series of separators may be installed along the pipe to remove more water from the oil.

Abstract: A ballasted anaerobic system for treating wastewater including at least one anaerobic treatment reactor. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem is configured to mix weighting agent with the biological flocs to form weighted biological flocs to create a weighted anaerobic sludge blanket in the at least one anaerobic treatment reactor. A weighting agent recovery subsystem is configured to recover the weighting agent from excess sludge and reintroduce the weighting agent to the weighting agent impregnation subsystem.

Abstract: An assembly for water purification comprising a series of vessels which allows fluid to communicate therebetween via fluid supply lines. The assembly is arranged so as to generate a plurality of co operating vortices generated by fluid impact on formations disposed on an inner surface of the vessels to cause an ascending fluid flow to be deflected back in the direction of fluid flow thereby creating local vortices. Water exiting said vessels has higher purity than water entering the vessel.

Abstract: A system includes a hydrocyclone liner. The hydrocyclone liner includes a head section having a fluid inlet and an overflow outlet. The hydrocyclone liner also includes a separation section having an underflow outlet and a first sidewall. A diameter of the separation section of an outer surface of the first sidewall is constant along a length of the outer surface of the first sidewall. The head section and the separation section are joined together via a bond at an interface between the head section and the separation section. The hydrocyclone liner includes a sleeve disposed about at least a portion of the head section, the separation section, and the interface. The sleeve is configured to hold the head section and the separation section together if the bond fails.

Abstract: A method of separating a multiphase fluid, the fluid including a relatively high density component and a relatively low density component, that includes introducing the fluid into a separation region; imparting a rotational movement into the multiphase fluid; forming an outer annular region of rotating fluid of predetermined thickness within the separation region; and forming and maintaining a core of fluid in an inner region. Fluid entering the separation vessel is directed into the outer annular region and the thickness of the outer annular region is such that the high density component is concentrated and substantially contained within this region, the low density component being concentrated in the rotating core. A separation system employing the method is also provided. The method and system are particularly suitable for the separation of solid debris from the fluids produced by a subterranean oil or gas well at wellhead flow pressure.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating liquids flowing in a thin film around a source of wave energy to directly expose the liquid to the wave energy, preferably generated in whole or part by an electrical arc between carbon electrodes. In addition to the wave energy generated by the electrical arc, energy generated by cavitation of the flowing liquid may be used in treating the liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for separating a multiphase fluid stream that includes a heavier fluid component and a lighter fluid component. The fluid flows along a first helical flowpath with a first pitch. The first helical flowpath is sufficiently long to establish a stabilised rotating fluid flow pattern for the stream. The uniform rotating fluid also flows along a second helical flowpath, the second helical flowpath having a second pitch greater than the first pitch. The lighter fluid is removed from a radially inner region of the second helical flowpath. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for the separation of oil droplets from water, especially from water for reinjection into a subterranean formation as part of an oil and gas production operation. The method and apparatus are conveniently applied on a modular basis.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating liquids flowing in a thin film around a source of wave energy to directly expose the liquid to the wave energy, preferably generated in whole or part by an electrical arc between carbon electrodes. In addition to the wave energy generated by the electrical arc, energy generated by cavitation of the flowing liquid may be used in treating the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for collecting blood whereby certain target components are isolated or removed from the blood sample at the time of collecting the blood, as well as methods for using such devices.

Abstract: A method of controlling a hydrocyclone system for separating a fluid mixture wherein the system includes a separator vessel for receiving the fluid mixture and performing a primary separation of the more dense and the less dense fluid phase thereby forming an interface within the separator, and a hydrocyclone apparatus having a first and second hydrocyclone compartments to separate the phases. The method includes alternating the flow rate through the hydrocyclone apparatus, alternating the interface or fluid mixture level in the separator vessel between a first level and a second level; and alternating the second hydrocyclone compartment between an open state in flow communication with the first hydrocyclone compartment and a closed state in isolation from the first compartment.