Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating the components of a feed material prior to or simultaneously with at least partially vaporizing one of the components is described. The apparatus comprises at least one inlet (8) for admitting the feed material (10) containing the two components to the apparatus (2) wherein a device for introducing a first movement to the feed material is located, such as, for example, an in-line swirl generator (14), which imparts a swirling movement to the feed material to partially separate the components into two swirling flows. The partially separated material on emerging from the in-line swirl generator (14) is in an evaporation tube (20) in which the more volatile component is vaporized to further assist in separating the two components into a liquid component and a gaseous or vapor component. The liquid component and the vapor phase are discharged from the apparatus in two streams through the same outlet (36).

Abstract: A swirl generator is described for use in a cyclonic evaporator to receive fluid axially and discharge the fluid tangentially through one or more outlets. The swirl generator is moveable so as to be separated from the evaporation tube so as to facilitate clean in place practices overcoming the need to remove the evaporation tube which can in some instances be up to twelve meters long. Movement of the head allows relatively fast and efficient cleaning of the cyclonic evaporator.

Abstract: A co-simulation design system to simulate on a host an electronic system that includes target digital circuitry and a target processor with an accompanying user program. The system includes a processor simulator to simulate execution of the user program by executing host software that includes an analyzed version of the user program. The system further includes a hardware simulator to simulate the target digital circuitry and an interface mechanism that couples the hardware simulator with the processor simulator. The user program is provided in binary form. Determining the analyzed version of the user program includes decomposing the user program into linear blocks, translating each linear block of the user program into host code that simulate the operations of the linear block, storing the host code of each linear block in a host code buffer for the linear block, and adding timing information into the code in the host code buffer on the time it would take for the target processor to execute the user program.

Abstract: A separation apparatus, particularly for separating two fluids having different densities or specific gravities, is described. The apparatus is provided with a baffle arrangement (22) located within cylindrical housing (3) comprising a plurality of conical-shaped baffles having sloping wall surfaces (24). The conical baffles may be arranged in a nested or stacked relationship or may be connected together to form a continuous helix. A convection current is set up within the apparatus such that one part of the flow is through the baffles in the direction from the base of the conical baffles to the centrally located aperture and the other part of the flow is along the interior walls of the apparatus in a gap between the peripheral edge of the base of the conical baffles and the interior wall. The material to be separated is discharged from the apparatus through a high level outlet acting as an overflow weir.

Abstract: A hydrocyclone separator and components for use in such separator. The hydrocyclone separator includes an axial feed inlet (1). The feed inlet (1) may further contain an outlet orifice (4) surrounded by a plurality of flexible sectors (5) which are, in turn, composed of resilient material. When relaxed, the sectors extend across a portion of the overflow outlet. The separator may include a separating chamber (14) composed of a flexible resilient material. The separating chamber may further contain riffles or grooves (13, 13a, 13b, 210).

Abstract: A method of startup of oil production in a gas-lift well in which inlet flow (22) of gas is controlled (46, 42) while means (34, 28) controlling fluid flow from the well is progressively opened. Preferably, fluid flow rate from the well is monitored and valve means (28) opening rate reduced on detection of a greater than predetermined increase in flow rate. A method of controlling the oil production is also provided wherein flow rate from the well is monitored and a flow regulating device (28) in the flow path from the well controlled in accordance with that monitored flow rate which is indicative of the onset of slugging.

Abstract: A cyclone separator for separating components of a liquid mixture including oil and water phases has oppositely disposed separating chambers with a common intermediate portion positioned between the separating chambers which provides a common inlet and in one embodiment, a common overflow outlet. The oppositely directed underflow outlets can be curved to meet at a common discharge point.

Abstract: A generally self-supporting structure made from a number of interlocking components which can be assembled together, and optionally if desired disassembled. The structure may vary in size from quite small playthings for young children to very large buildings. The structure, in one form, is composed of wall elements alternatively arranged with interlocking elements on either side continuously around the periphery of the structure. The wall elements are provided with a first part of a generally curved engaging means which engagingly interlock with a complementary second part of the engaging means provided on the interlocking elements so as to securely locate the two elements together and permit slight relative movement. The engaging means is characterized by being substantially curved whereas at least one edge of side of each element is rectilinear.