Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a cyclone and a dirt collection chamber wherein the dirt collection chamber has a dirt collection chamber portion which is located axially spaced from the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber portion has a transverse section in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cyclone that is annular.

Abstract: A hose device may include a flexible hose device body having a first end configured to be attached to a cyclone and a second end with a free opening. The hose device may also include a plurality of weights affixed between the first end and the second end. When subjected to suction forces from a vacuum of the cyclone, the second end may be sucked upwards such that the plurality of weights hingedly swing toward the first end and the hose device body is in a retracted configuration. When released from the suction forces of the cyclone, the plurality of weights hingedly swing away from the first end and the hose device body extends downwards into an extended configuration by the gravity forces acting upon the weights, in the absence of the suction forces, to expand a size of the free opening.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to aggregating, neutralizing, and filtering ultra-fine particles in fluids such as air and water. Fluid may be drawn from an ambient environment into a neutralization chamber. Within the neutralization chamber, particles in the fluid may be agglomerated. An acoustic field may be applied to the fluid to agglomerate the particles. The agglomerated particles may be exposed to light. The light may denature or deactivate the agglomerated particles. The agglomerated and inert particles maybe passed through a filter. After agglomeration and neutralization, the fluid may be released back into the ambient environment.

Abstract: An environmental enclosure is disclosed. The environmental enclosure may include sidewalls defining an enclosure volume, each of the sidewalls having an internally facing surface and an externally facing surface, and a solar shield comprising a reflective surface. The solar shield is spaced a first distance externally from the enclosure volume and is connected to a sidewall. The first distance defines a portion of a flow area that is configured to produce stack effect draft. Further specialized civil works are also disclosed. Additional devices, systems, and methods are contemplated in the patent disclosure herein, including panel soiling detection and mitigation, cathodic protection, thermal management features, each including unique automation so that they may be used unattended in remote regions.

Abstract: A cyclonic separation apparatus includes an outer wall, an inner wall and a cyclonic chamber defined between the outer wall and inner wall. A section of the surfaces of both the outer wall and the inner wall are flattened. The inner wall and the outer wall are also concentrically arranged. During use a fluid moving around the cyclonic chamber flows between a curved passage and a flattened passage of the cyclonic chamber.

Abstract: A cyclone separation device includes a cyclone chamber and an airflow guiding member. The cyclone chamber includes an air inlet, an annular sidewall forming an air receiving region therein communicating with the air inlet and guiding an airflow to flow spirally in the air receiving region, and a dust collecting region and an air outlet disposed at two ends of the cyclone chamber along an axis of the cyclone chamber. The dust collecting region communicates with the air receiving region. The airflow guiding member is disposed at the dust collecting region, and includes an airflow guiding chamber, at least one airflow entry opening communicating with the dust collecting region and airflow guiding chamber, and an airflow discharge opening communicating with the airflow guiding chamber and disposed on the axis of the cyclone chamber to face the air outlet and output the airflow to form an air discharging region.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator and a vacuum cleaner which efficiently separates dust, collect the dust without re-scattering it and make low noise are provided. In a primary cyclone portion 10, a primary swirl chamber 12 swirls air containing dust sucked from a primary inlet 11, and thereby, separates a first dust and a second dust from the air containing dust to collect them respectively in a zero-order dust case 114 which is provided at a side of the primary swirl chamber 12 and communicates with a zero-order opening portion 113 provided at a side wall, and a primary dust case 14 provided at a lower side of the primary swirl chamber 12.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator and a vacuum cleaner which efficiently separates dust, collect the dust without re-scattering it and make low noise are provided. In a primary cyclone portion 10, a primary swirl chamber 12 swirls air containing dust sucked from a primary inlet 11, and thereby, separates a first dust and a second dust from the air containing dust to collect them respectively in a zero-order dust case 114 which is provided at a side of the primary swirl chamber 12 and communicates with a zero-order opening portion 113 provided at a side wall, and a primary dust case 14 provided at a lower side of the primary swirl chamber 12.

Abstract: A device includes a gas-liquid separator that receives and separates a biphasic pressurized flow stream and delivers flow to at least one exit port enriched in vapor phase composition and at least one exit port enriched in liquid phase composition. The device further includes a low restriction inlet conduit in communication with the separator exit port enriched in liquid phase composition, and a positive displacement pump having an inlet port in communication with the inlet conduit to receive flow from the gas-liquid separator and an outlet port in communication with an outlet conduit.

Abstract: A cyclone system for a gasifier having two or more cyclones arranged in series sharing a combined loop seal and dipleg is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for capturing and recycling fines with the cyclone system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for separating volatiles from particulates are provided. The apparatus includes a separator having an internal volume and a fluid discharge outlet, a particulate discharge outlet, a particulate inlet, and a fluid inlet disposed on the separator and in fluid communication with the internal volume. The particulate inlet is disposed toward a first end of the separator and the fluid inlet is disposed toward a second end of the separator. The fluid inlet includes one or more openings disposed through a sidewall of the separator.

Abstract: A cyclone for separating solid particles from an exhaust gas flow includes a housing with a jacket area that is cylindrical at least in some sections, with a cover area, and with a bottom area. An exhaust gas line opens into an inlet opening and is for an exhaust gas flow mixed with solid particles. A discharge opening is for the solid particles separated from the exhaust gas flow. An immersion pipe has a penetration area passing through the housing and has an open end area protruding into the interior of the housing and used as an outlet opening for the purified exhaust gas flow from the housing. At least one pure gas line supplies pure gas, creating a second boundary layer flow to replace a first boundary layer flowing having an increased concentration of solid particles.

Abstract: A downhole tool to separate liquid from a drilling fluid includes a multi-vein cyclonic separator disposed within a housing, the cyclonic separator including at least two veins extending in a spiral along the length of the cyclonic separator, holes in the housing positioned adjacent to edges of veins of the cyclonic separator to allow liquid accelerated from the drilling fluid to exit the housing, and wherein the cyclonic separator is configured to provide high centrifugal forces to the drilling fluid downhole.

Abstract: A hydrocyclone including an inflow region with a tangential inlet for a feed slurry and having a separating region which adjoins the inflow region and which has an underflow nozzle for discharging coarse materials or coarse granules. At least one additional inlet for feeding a blocking fluid flow is provided in the region of the tangential inlet, the blocking fluid flow and the feed slurry being separated from each other by a lamella at least in the upper region of the hydrocyclone. A method for operating the hydrocyclone is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-cyclone collector includes a suction port for sucking an air flow including contaminating particles, a cyclone accommodation chamber allowing the air flow sucked through the suction port to be guided thereinto, a plurality of cyclones each accommodated in the cyclone accommodation chamber, for transforming the air flow taken in to a downward swirl flow, separating the contaminating particles, then reversing the swirl flow to the upward swirl flow and releasing the upward swirl flow as a purified air flow, a cyclone exit chamber provided above the cyclone accommodation chamber, that allows the purified air flow from the cyclones to be guided thereinto, and a drain discharge chamber provided below the cyclone accommodation chamber, for collecting the contaminating particles separated by the cyclones.

Abstract: Cyclones for gas-solid separators are provided, which are especially applicable for use in a downflowing third stage separator (TSS) for the removal of dust particles, such as solid catalyst fines, from the flue gas streams exiting the catalyst regenerator in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes. A cyclone comprises a barrel and a central hub disposed within the barrel to provide an annular section between the outer diameter of the central hub and the inner diameter of the barrel. Swirl vanes extend radially into the annular section. A shield is disposed at least partially within the annular section and at least partially within the swirl vanes. The shield radially divides the annular section into an inner annular portion and an outer annular portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for centrifugal separation of solid and/or liquid particles from a flow of gas, wherein two or more rotors (12) provided with conical separation surface elements (16) are located in a surrounding stationary casing (14), which delimits a common chamber (15) for collecting particles separated in the rotors. Each rotor has a fan (26) rotating together therewith. The fans (26) of the rotors are located in a common fan housing (30) that is separate from and adjacent to the casing (14) defining the collection chamber (15).

Abstract: Systems and methods for gasifying a feedstock are provided. A gasifier can include a transfer line having a first leg and a second leg. A first end of the first leg can be adapted to be coupled to a cyclone and a second end of the first leg can be coupled to a first end of the second leg. The second end of the second leg can be adapted to be coupled to a standpipe. A centerline through the first leg can be oriented at an angle with a centerline through the second leg of from about 40° to about 140°.

Abstract: A vortex finder for a cyclone separator, comprising a plurality of superposed rings each including a plurality of suspended plate segments. Each of the plate segments includes a main plate having radially offset upper and lower end portions, opposite inner and outer faces, an upper support member integrally formed with the upper end portion to protrude from the outer face, and a lower support member integrally formed with the lower end portion to protrude from the inner face. The upper support member of the plate segments of the one of the rings engages and is supported by the lower support member of the plate segments of another of the rings positioned above the one of the rings. The lower support member defines an open-bottom pocket having at least one pass-through opening for fluidly connecting a space inside the vortex finder with a space outside the vortex finder.

Abstract: A cyclone comprises a second or lower portion that is pivotable with respect to a first or upper portion about an articulation between a first position and a second position; the second portion being aligned with the first portion along a first or vertical axis when the second portion is in the first position, and the second portion being aligned on a second axis that is different from the first axis when the second portion is moved from the first position to the second position. In various additional embodiments, the second axis may be normal to the first axis, for example, in the first position the lower portion is horizontal and in the first position the lower portion is vertical and aligned with the upper portion. The second position may be used as a cleaning position. When the lower portion is pivoted away from the upper portion, the vortex is interrupted. In the second position, the lower portion may also interface with a suction mechanism.

Abstract: A substance detection device, including a chemical substance analyzer, including an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS), a desorber, a conduit, and a membrane. The membrane extends across a cross-section of the conduit, and the membrane is positioned to have a desorber side in gas communication with the desorber and an analysis side opposite the desorber side. The substance detection device can be configured to direct a portion of a chemical substance to the desorber through the conduit so that at least a portion of the entrained chemical substance is transferred to the membrane by interacting with the desorber side of the membrane. The membrane is adapted to diffuse at least a portion of the chemical substance transferred to the membrane through the membrane to the analysis side. The device also includes a particle separator including a protuberance extending into a collection chamber of the particle separator.

Abstract: A particle separator capable of enhancing the collection efficiency while minimizing an augmentation of auxiliary machinery power and an increase of the device size is provided. A particle separator that separates powder being transported on an air flow in a state of a solid-gas two-phase flow from the air flow and collects the powder is provided with a drift generating portion provided in the vicinity of a main body connecting portion of a solid and gas supply tube for letting the solid-gas two-phase flow stream inside a separator main body from the circumferential direction and configured to concentrate a high powder particle concentration of the solid-gas two-phase flow on the outer peripheral side of the separator main body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating a flowing liquid into at least two fractions with differing mass density, comprising: a main tube in the form of a cylinder jacket and having an infeed opening and an outfeed opening; a first swirl element arranged in the main tube for imparting a rotating movement to the fluid flowing through the main tube; a first auxiliary tube placed in the main tube at a distance from the first swirl element; and first discharge means connecting to the jacket of the main tube for discharging a heavier fraction of the fluid. The invention also relates to a method for separating into fractions a fluid comprising several fractions.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for recycling ash fines emanating from fluidized bed reactor to ash classifier thereof. The fluidized bed reactor comprises a reaction vessel, a conical gas distribution grid positioned therein which defines the bottom surface of the fluidized bed, a first venturi connected to the bottom of the gas distribution grid, and a classifier connected to the bottom of the first venture. The method comprises separating the fine ash particles from the exit gas stream, and using a transport gas stream to deliver the fine ash particles collected into the classifier wherein the transport gas is used as all or part of classifier gas.

Abstract: Methods and separator suitable for separating a gas from a liquid within a gas-liquid mixture. The separator includes a tank having a sidewall and oppositely-disposed endwalls that enclose an interior of the tank. An inlet to the tank directs a gas-liquid mixture against the sidewall of the tank within a first primary separation section to impart a circumferential flow direction to the mixture along the sidewall and initiate separation of a gas and liquid from the mixture. A reservoir located in a lower region of the tank collects the liquid separated from the mixture. A passage within a second primary separation section receives the gas separated from the gas-liquid mixture through an entrance thereof located in an upper region of the tank, and the passage directs flow of the gas into a secondary separation section, from which the gas exits the tank through an outlet.

Abstract: Highly efficient particulate collectors, such as for dust and street debris collected by a mobile street cleaning vehicle, with very low pressure loss are disclosed. One embodiment uses a specially contoured passage to separate the solid particles from particulate-laden gas stream by rapid directional change at a throat region. By using the Venturi effect at the accelerating zone communicating with a gas return channel from the particulate retaining chamber, a small amount of the gas will be recirculated from the deposit zone to help move and retain the separated particles in a confined collection receptacle.

Abstract: The group of inventions relates to the technology for purifying liquids and gases by removal of contaminating multicomponent ingredients. The device comprises a housing comprising at least one hollow spiral element with a conical shape, with separation openings being formed in at least some of the turns of the spiral element, each of the openings communicating with a corresponding separation chamber. Arranged opposite the separation opening is a nozzle, which is intended for compensating for the mass and centrifugal moment of the fluid medium. A guide element around which a flow passes is mounted on the wall of the nozzle. The cross-sectional area and the radius of each successive turn is selected from the condition for maintaining an estimated value for the centrifugal moment of the substance to be purified. The method consists in that a flow of medium to be purified is spun by the above-described device. Contaminating components in each turn are positioned by coaxial layers.

Abstract: A powder cyclone separator for use in a powder coating system is contemplated that is formed in two separate and separable sections. An upper section of the cyclone is mounted on a first frame and remains stationary. A lower section of the cyclone is mounted on a second frame that is movable laterally away from the first frame so that an operator has more ready access to clean interior surfaces of the upper section. Optionally, actuators may be provided to vertically raise and lower the cyclone lower section with respect to the cyclone upper section. Various optional alignment means are presented for aligning the cyclone upper and lower sections. Preferably, a control mechanism is mounted on the second frame which includes a switch that is manually operated by the user to raise and lower the lower section with respect to the upper section. This design allows an operator to see, and therefore verify, that virtually all internal surfaces of the cyclone have been effectively cleaned.

Abstract: Systems and methods to improve the separation of drill cuttings from drilling fluids using cyclone devices are described. Specifically, a system for separating three phases of a gas/liquid/solid mixture is described. The system includes a cyclone for separating the gas/liquid/solid mixture into a solids component and a gas/liquid mixture; a gas/liquid separator for separating the gas/liquid mixture into a gas component and a liquid component; and a vacuum system for providing a motive force for moving the gas/liquid/solid mixture into the cyclone, moving the separated gas/liquid mixture into the gas/liquid separator and for removing the gas component from the gas/liquid separator.

Abstract: A dual-stage cyclonic separator is provided for separating debris from air in a bagless surface cleaning apparatus, along with a bagless surface cleaning apparatus incorporating such a cyclonic separator. A debris collection device used with a bagless surface cleaning apparatus is also provided, along with a method of separating debris from air using a bagless surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus, for separating liquid droplets out of a feed gas stream, includes a delay vessel for preliminary separation of some of the liquid droplets out of the feed gas stream under gravity, with an inlet line for the feed gas stream and an outlet line for the gas stream which has been depleted of liquid droplets and which flows out of the delay vessel and a tangential supply thereof into a centrifugal droplet separator. The outlet line is arranged in the upper region of the delay vessel and spaced apart from the inlet line to such an extent that the delay time of the gas stream in the delay vessel is at a maximum, and with an outlet line for the liquid separated in the delay vessel at the base thereof.

Abstract: Regenerator for catalytic cracking unit comprising a first part occupied by a dense fluidized bed of catalyst and a second part positioned above the first part and occupied by a fluidized bed of low solid particles density, the said second part comprising one internal device covering, by projection onto the plane of the cross section of the said vessel of the regenerator, at least 80% of the said cross section, the said regenerator being equipped with at least one cyclone for separating gases/solids in the mixture derived from the low-density bed, the said cyclone being placed outside the vessel of the regenerator.

Abstract: An air filter cartridge is provided including an air filter media construction having a first, outlet end, flow face and an opposite, second, inlet end, flow face. The filter media construction has fluted media secured to a facing media sheet. The filter media is closed to flow of unfiltered air completely therethrough. A centerboard is provided. The centerboard has a media portion embedded within the media construction. The centerboard has first and second opposite sides. The media portion that is embedded within the media defines an aperture arrangement extending completely through the centerboard from the first side to the second side. An adhering sealant secures the centerboard to the media construction. At least some adhering sealant extends through the aperture arrangement.

Abstract: A method for agglomerating dust particles in a cyclone dust apparatus which includes providing a cyclone dust removal apparatus that includes a housing; depositing a plurality of objects having affinity for particulate matter within said housing; directing a fluid stream having particulate matter disposed therein into the cyclone dust removal apparatus; and operating the cyclone dust removal apparatus whereby agglomeration of ambient particulate matter on respective objects occurs.

Abstract: The inlet device has a horn-shaped passage piece at a peripheral wall of a column that feeds a fluid tangentially into the column so that the fluid enters into a vortex flow that rotates around an axis adjacent to a central axis of the column. A middle zone and discharge zone of the passage piece are made in the manner of a diffuser and abut the peripheral wall to extends over less than one half of the wall. A discharge zone of the passage piece through which flow takes place presets a middle flow direction of the fluid which extends along the peripheral wall and is inclined against the main direction.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for separating particulate solids from a gas stream. The process can include regenerating a catalyst in a regenerator, separating particulate solids in first and second cyclone stages, passing the gas stream from the second cyclone stage to an external third stage separator, and passing the gas stream from the external third stage separator to a cyclone recirculator to obtain a clean gas stream.

Abstract: A filtration device for filtering air for use with a fuel vapor recovery system, the filtration device including a housing having a cover and a base. The cover defines an outlet and a plurality of inlets allowing air to enter the housing. The housing includes a plurality of internal walls defining a plurality of chambers. The plurality of internal walls define a plurality of inlets configured to direct air entering the device to flow along the inner circumference of a cylinder, thereby generating an air stream having a sufficient flow velocity such that centrifugal force forces contaminants to separate from the air.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator assembly for use with a vacuum cleaner includes a body having an inlet, an outlet, and an inner surface. The cyclonic separator assembly also includes a cyclone unit positioned within the body between the inlet and the outlet. The cyclone unit has an outer perimeter that is spaced apart from the inner surface of the body to define an inlet space therebetween. The cyclone unit includes a plurality of first cyclones in communication with the inlet space and arranged along an outer circle adjacent the outer perimeter. The cyclone unit also includes a plurality of second cyclones in communication with the inlet space and arranged along an inner circle that is spaced apart from the outer circle such that each second cyclone is nested between two adjacent first cyclones. The plurality of first cyclones and the plurality of second cyclones are arranged in parallel.

Abstract: A dual-cyclonic spray chamber apparatus is described. In one or more implementations, the dual-cyclonic spray chamber apparatus includes a first cyclonic spray chamber for receiving an aerosol and conditioning the aerosol to separate a first conditioned portion of the aerosol from a second portion of the aerosol. The first cyclonic spray chamber defines a first chamber interior and comprises an input port in fluid communication with the first chamber interior. The dual-cyclonic spray chamber apparatus also includes a second cyclonic spray chamber coupled with the first cyclonic spray chamber for receiving the first conditioned portion of the aerosol and further conditioning the first conditioned portion of the aerosol. The second cyclonic spray chamber defines a second chamber interior and comprises an output port for expelling a first further conditioned portion of the first conditioned portion of the aerosol from the second chamber interior.

Abstract: An inertial inlet particle separator system for a vehicle engine is provided. A separator assembly and collector assembly are coupled to the scavenge flow path and configured to receive the scavenge air. The collector inlet has a throat defining a cumulative throat area at each position along the throat length from the first throat end to the second throat end. The collector body defines a cross-sectional area associated with each position along the throat length between the first throat end and the second throat end. The collector outlet is coupled to the collector body such that scavenge air flows into the collector inlet, through the collector body, and out through the collector outlet. At a first position between the first throat end and the second throat end, the respective cross-sectional area of the collector body is greater than or equal to the respective cumulative throat area.

Abstract: A system for purifying as includes at least one housing (2) having a first chamber (6) into which the gas to be purified can flow, and a second chamber (10) forming a filter chamber, out of which the purified gas exits and with a filter device through which the gas can flow. The filter device has filter media (54) for separating out solid particles and for dehumidifying the gas for precipitating coalesced fluid. The first chamber (6) has a cyclone (60) for pre-dehumidifying the gas, from which dirt particles and fluids can be discharged into a third chamber (14) of the housing (2). The housing (2) is composed of an upper housing part (8) with the second chamber (10) forming the filter chamber, a middle housing part (4) with a first chamber (6) having the cyclone (60), and a lower housing part (12) forming the third chamber (14), that can be clamped together by at least one tensioning bolt (32), forming a closed pressure vessel.

Abstract: A method and system for expanding, separating, and compressing a multi-phase fluid. An expander receives and expands the multi-phase fluid to generate a lower-pressure fluid which can more efficiently be separated in a separator. Expanding the fluid also drives a main shaft adapted to drive at least the separator and a compressor coupled thereto. The separator receives the lower-pressure fluid, separates any higher-density components from the lower-density components disposed therein, and provides a substantially dry gas to the compressor to be re-compressed and discharged from the system.

Abstract: A separator comprises a separation chamber (1) with at least one inlet (11a) in its upper part, a solids outlet (12) in its lower part and two outlet pipes (2 and 3) for fractions of gas. Also described is a method which the separator uses, with the fractions of gas being sucked out in two separation zones generated inside the chamber, one with reverse flow and the other with unidirectional flow.

Abstract: A cyclone for separating sticky particles from gas streams includes an inlet duct having an end in a direction of a particle outlet. The end has a flow cross-section including a triangular expansion that is formed laterally by a vertical of a cylindrical outer wall of the cyclone and by art outer boundary of the cyclone. An outer angle of inclination between the vertical and the outer boundary, proceeding from the end of the inlet duct, is reduced from 30° to 0° in a flow direction of gas streams. An immersion tube is disposed eccentrically in a direction of the inlet duct.

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 versatile compact air precleaner, air cleaning method and disposable air filter cartridge for air precleaner for separating heavier-than-air particulate debris from debris laden air to provide a clean airflow, wherein a flow path for air passing through a separator chamber of the air precleaner is retroflexed en route to the outlet. A plurality of independently rotatably adjustable housing sections of a housing provide utility with multiple clean air outlet configurations, freedom of direction of ejection of particulate debris from the ejector ports, different inlet configurations, mounting of the precleaner from different sides, accommodation of different sizes of filters, and different clean airflow rate capabilities. A separator chamber end section including the ejector ports is connected to the filter as a removable, disposable air filter cartridge to obviate ejector port clogging with change of filters.

Abstract: A powder cyclone separator for use in a powder coating system is formed in two separate and separable sections. An upper section is mounted on a first frame and remains stationary. A lower section is mounted on a second frame that is movable laterally away from the first frame so that an operator has more ready access to clean interior surfaces of the upper section. Optionally, actuators may be provided to raise and lower the cyclone lower section with respect to the cyclone upper section. Optional alignment means are presented for aligning the cyclone upper and lower sections. A control mechanism may be mounted on the second frame which includes a switch that is operable to raise and lower the lower section with respect to the upper section. This design allows an operator to see and verify that virtually all internal surfaces of the cyclone have been cleaned.

Abstract: A powder cyclone separator for use in a powder coating system is contemplated that is formed in two separate and separable sections. An upper section of the cyclone is mounted on a first frame and remains stationary. A lower section of the cyclone is mounted on a second frame that is movable laterally away from the first frame so that an operator has more ready access to clean interior surfaces of the upper section. Optionally, actuators may be provided to vertically raise and lower the cyclone lower section with respect to the cyclone upper section. Various optional alignment means are presented for aligning the cyclone upper and lower sections. Preferably, a control mechanism is mounted on the second frame which includes a switch that is manually operated by the user to raise and lower the lower section with respect to the upper section. This design allows an operator to see, and therefore verify, that virtually all internal surfaces of the cyclone have been effectively cleaned.

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 controlled flow drain having an upper flange coupled to a lower flange. The upper flange defines an inlet cavity and the lower flange defines a swirl chamber. The inlet cavity and swirl chamber are in fluid communication via a swirl nozzle defined within a swirl nozzle plate that separates the inlet cavity from the swirl chamber. After separating debris within the drain fluid, the drain fluid is accelerated through the swirl nozzle and discharged into the swirl chamber, and more debris is thereby separated and eventually settles into an annular groove. The drain fluid may then exit the lower flange via an exit control passage. The swirl chamber may be flushed with a series of flushing liquid injection ports symmetrically-arrayed about the annular groove. Flushing the swirl chamber removes fluidized debris and also remove any built up fouling present on the swirl nozzle and exit control passage.