Abstract: A vertical distillation column for vacuum distillation having a feed inlet, a gas outlet and a de-entrainment device which comprises a downstream chamber and an upstream chamber separated from each other by an inclined permeable wall comprising coalescence means and flow controlling means restricting fluid flow through the upper part of the coalescence means.

Abstract: Horizontal gas/liquid separator comprising a vessel having a gas inlet with a gas inlet channel and a gas outlet with a gas outlet channel. The channels are separated from one another by a horizontal gas/liquid separation zone provided with swirl tubes. To obtain a uniform gas/liquid distribution over the swirl tubes, these swirl tubes are provided with primary gas outlet tubes with different cross sectional areas depending on their location relative to the gas outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating gas/liquid mixtures comprising an outer vessel having an inlet and separate gas and liquid outlets. A plurality of gas/liquid separating units are mounted in a horizontal tubesheet disposed in the vessel. Each separating unit has a vertical tubular member that defines an inner and outer space with the lower end of the tubular member communicating with the inlet. A swirl vane is mounted in each of the tubular members for imparting a swirl to the gas/liquid mixture to separate the gas and liquid. A primary gas outlet tube extends into each of the tubular members for removing the gas while the liquid is removed through discharge openings in the tubular members. Secondary gas outlets are positioned outside the tubular members while a demister mat is provided for removing any remaining liquid coming from the primary gas outlet tubes.