Abstract: A device and process for separating liquid and gas phases in a flowstream containing a liquefied gas or supercritical fluid under pressure mixed with a liquid. A splitter vessel separates the liquid from gas phases and transfers liquid to a collection container while conducting the gas phase out of the splitter. Separation of liquid phase out of the flowstream is provided without additional pressure schemes or solvent extractions imposed on the stream.

Abstract: A splitter for a pressurized primary flowstream of a mobile phase is provided. The splitter comprises a first splitting stage that divides the primary flowstream between a major split flowstream and a minor split flowstream by means of a first and a second restrictive flow element; a first dilution stage that combines a dilution flow source with the minor split flowstream to create a diluted minor flowstream; a second splitting stage that divides the diluted minor flowstream between a secondary major diluted flowstream and a secondary minor diluted flowstream by means of a third restrictive element in the secondary minor diluted flow stream; and a second dilution stage wherein a conditioning flow source conditions the secondary minor diluted flow stream after the third restrictive element prior to outlet of the secondary minor diluted flowstream from the splitter.