Abstract: A highly efficient vapor/liquid separation apparatus for treating a flow of vapor/liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons and steam comprises a substantially cylindrical vertical drum having an upper cap section, a middle section comprising a circular wall, a lower cap section, a tangential inlet to introduce hydrocarbon/steam mixtures, an overhead vapor outlet, and a bottom outlet for liquid. The vessel also comprises an annular structure located in the middle section, comprising i) an annular ceiling section extending from the circular wall and ii) a concentric internal vertical side wall to which the ceiling section extends. The annular structure blocks upward passage of vapor/liquid mixtures along the circular wall beyond the ceiling section, and surrounds an open core having sufficient cross-sectional area to permit vapor velocity low enough to avoid significant entrainment of liquid.

Abstract: A process for decoking of a process that cracks hydrocarbon feedstock containing resid and coke precursors, wherein steam is added to the feedstock to form a mixture which is thereafter separated into a vapor phase and a liquid phase by flashing in a flash/separation vessel, separating and cracking the vapor phase, and recovering cracked product. Coking of internal surfaces in and proximally downstream of the vessel is controlled by interrupting the feed flow, purging the vessel with steam, introducing an air/steam mixture to at least partially combust the coke, and resuming the feed flow when sufficient coke has been removed. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: A process for cracking a hydrocarbon feedstock containing salt and/or particulate matter, wherein said hydrocarbon feedstock containing salt and/or particulate matter is heated, then separated into a vapor phase and a liquid phase by flashing in a flash/separation vessel, separating and cracking the vapor phase which comprises less than about 98% of the hydrocarbon feedstock containing salt and/or particulate matter, and recovering cracked product. The salt and/or particulate matter are removed in the liquid bottoms stream from the flash/separation vessel.

Abstract: A process for decoking of a process that cracks hydrocarbon feedstock containing resid and coke precursors, wherein steam is added to the feedstock to form a mixture which is thereafter separated into a vapor phase and a liquid phase by flashing in a flash/separation vessel, separating and cracking the vapor phase, and recovering cracked product. Coking of internal surfaces in and proximally downstream of the vessel is controlled by interrupting the feed flow, purging the vessel with steam, introducing an air/steam mixture to at least partially combust the coke, and resuming the feed flow when sufficient coke has been removed. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: A highly efficient vapor/liquid separation apparatus for treating a flow of vapor/liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons and steam comprises a substantially cylindrical vertical drum having an upper cap section, a middle section comprising a circular wall, a lower cap section, a tangential inlet to introduce hydrocarbon/steam mixtures, an overhead vapor outlet, and a bottom outlet for liquid. The vessel also comprises an annular structure located in the middle section, comprising i) an annular ceiling section extending from the circular wall and ii) a concentric internal vertical side wall to which the ceiling section extends. The annular structure blocks upward passage of vapor/liquid mixtures along the circular wall beyond the ceiling section, and surrounds an open core having sufficient cross-sectional area to permit vapor velocity low enough to avoid significant entrainment of liquid.