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: An apparatus and method for removing particulates from a multiple-phase fluid stream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a treatment chamber having a fluid inlet for receiving the multiple-phase fluid stream. The apparatus also comprises a recovery chamber having a gas channel and a liquid channel in fluid communication with the treatment chamber at a gas and a liquid port, respectively. The gas and liquid channels converge at an intake port of a fluid outlet for discharging particulate-removed gas and liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing particulates from a multiple-phase fluid stream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a treatment chamber having a fluid inlet for receiving the multiple-phase fluid stream. The apparatus also comprises a recovery chamber having a gas channel and a liquid channel in fluid communication with the treatment chamber at a gas and a liquid port, respectively. The gas and liquid channels converge at an intake port of a fluid outlet for discharging particulate-removed gas and liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing particulates from a multiple-phase fluid stream is disclosed. The apparatus has a vessel enclosed by walls, and the vessel has a fluid inlet for receiving the multiple-phase fluid stream, a fluid outlet spacing from the fluid inlet for discharging gas phase matter, and a passage, such as a spiral path, in the vessel extending from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The length of the passage is longer than the distance between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

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.

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. A fluid inlet at the vessel's upper end discharges a gas stream having entrained liquids and particulates and a fluid outlet into a freeboard portion formed adjacent an upper portion of the vessel above a gas/liquid interface formed below the fluid outlet. A belly storage portion is formed below the interface. The freeboard portion of the vessel has a freeboard cross-sectional area that diminishes along the interface from the fluid inlet to a fluid outlet spaced away from and lower than the fluid inlet. The cross-sectional are of the freeboard portion causes precipitation of the entrained liquids and particulates therefrom and collect in the belly portion of the vessel. A desanded gas stream, being free of a substantial portion of the particulates is removed from the vessel through the fluid outlet.

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.