Abstract: Apparatus and method disclosed herein related to first stage gravity separation of liquid and sand from a gaseous fluid stream in an upper portion of a desanding vessel, sand separating from gas along an annular path about a shell, the sand-free gas directed back down into the shell to a fluid outlet for removal as a product stream. A second stage gravity separation of sand from accumulated liquid occurs in a lower section of the vessel. An optional final or polishing stage of the liquid is conduct using a filter. A stacked-plate filter can extend an intake opening of the fluid outlet into the accumulated liquid. Further, the filter plates can be configured with parallel filtering of gas/liquid separation for gas intake above, and with liquid/sand separation below including pressure management of the filter operation.

Abstract: Described is a stacked-plate apparatus having a plurality of plates stacked along an axis and having gaps between adjacent plates, each of which act as flow passageways for flow of fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet. Pairs of adjacent plates comprise one and optionally two lips, which extend axially into the flow passageway at the fluid inlet, thereby narrowing an inlet gap between the plates at the fluid inlet. The lips enhance the flow of fluid towards the fluid outlet of the flow passageway, for at least a working distance downstream thereof, as compared to a pair of adjacent plates that does not have the lips.

Abstract: A stacked-plate apparatus and method for separating a first fluid from a multiphase fluid, the apparatus having pairs of adjacent plates spaced apart from one another to form gaps, or flow passageways, between the plates. At a selected pressure, the first fluid of the multiphase fluid can flow along the gaps between the plates, to be collected when it exits the gaps. The other fluids of the multiphase fluid cannot flow along the gaps, and thus the first fluid is separated from the second fluid. The method and apparatus can be used to separate fluids that have different rheological properties, such as air and water, or water and oil.

Abstract: A desanding system has an elongated vessel that is tilted at a non-zero inclination angle. The vessel has an upper end that tilts downwardly towards a distal end and has a diverging bounding wall so as to define a top wall having a first inclination angle and a bottom wall having a second inclination angle greater than the first inclination angle. A fluid inlet interface at the vessel's upper end discharges a gas stream, having entrained liquids and particulates, into a freeboard portion formed adjacent the top wall above a gas/liquid interface formed below the fluid outlet. A cross-sectional area of the freeboard portion causes precipitation of the entrained liquids and particulates therefrom for collection in a belly storage portion formed below the interface. A desanded gas stream, being free of a substantial portion of the particulates is removed from the vessel through a fluid outlet adjacent the distal base.

Abstract: A particulate-accommodating fluid flow directing apparatus comprises a failure detection housing containing a flow directing insert, the housing serving as a pressure boundary; failure at any location along the insert being detectable by means associated with the housing. The insert can be manufactured of erosion resistant materials, including non-ductile materials such as ceramics. The insert is sealed to the housing at an inlet and a discharge forming a pressure chamber between the insert and housing. The pressure chamber can be maintained at a pad pressure complementary to the process pressure, the pad pressure being maintained and monitored for indication of insert failure.

Abstract: A desanding system has an elongated vessel that is tilted at a non-zero inclination angle. The vessel has an upper end that tilts downwardly towards a distal end and has a diverging bounding wall so as to define a top wall having a first inclination angle and a bottom wall having a second inclination angle greater than the first inclination angle. A fluid inlet interface at the vessel's upper end discharges a gas stream, having entrained liquids and particulates, into a freeboard portion formed adjacent the top wall above a gas/liquid interface formed below the fluid outlet. A cross-sectional area of the freeboard portion causes precipitation of the entrained liquids and particulates therefrom for collection in a belly storage portion formed below the interface. A desanded gas stream, being free of a substantial portion of the particulates is removed from the vessel through a fluid outlet adjacent the distal base.