Abstract: The inlet assembly is mounted within a separator vessel and comprises a housing similar in shape to that of a snail shell. This housing has a generally spiral side wall closed in by top and bottom end walls. A feed pipe delivers pressurized crude oil tangentially to the inner end of the spiral side wall so that it rotates outwardly, following the length of said wall, to an outlet communicating with the interior of the separator vessel. Gas is separated by centrifugation in the smaller radius central portion of the housing and then the liquid flow velocity is reduced by expansion of the stream in the larger radius outer portion. Improvements in gas separation and emulsion reduction have been observed from use of the assembly.

Abstract: The burner comprises a tubular flow conduit which is attached to the end of a flare line so that combustible gas passes therethrough. The end face of the conduit forms an annular valve seat. A tulip-shaped valve body seats in the valve seat and can be displaced axially by the gas to open the conduit outlet as required while maintaining a back pressure in the flare line. Minute passages, such as transverse notches extending across the valve seat, are provided to permit gas, flowing at a low rate, to escape from the flow conduit when the valve body is seated. The rounded shape of the valve body induces the gas to form an attached jet which clings to the valve body surface and creates a low pressure zone at said surface. Air is therefore drawn toward the surface to mix with the gas and form a mixture adapted to burn smokelessly. The burner is able to accomodate various rates of flow while maintaining a stable flame.