Abstract: A crude oil feedstock or crude oil fractions containing pitch feedstock is pyrolyzed in a pyrolysis furnace.

Abstract: A portion of the feed line to a distilling column/flasher (or the like apparatus) is used as a flow-through cyclone to separate vapor and liquid components of the feed. Vortex flow is induced in the flasher feed line with a swirl vane assembly having drainage slots in the bottommost portion thereof for preventing entrapment of liquids therein. A shave-off device at the discharge end of the flasher feed line minimizes re-entrainment. The shave-off device includes a short cylinder, slightly smaller in diameter than the feed line and arranged coaxially therewith to form an annulus, which leads to a circular liquid collection chamber and collection chute draining into the flasher unit. Covers are removable for cleaning. The purpose of the shave-off device is to remove the liquids from the wall of the transfer (flasher feed) line in such a way that re-entrainment of liquids is minimized. The non-intrusive nature of the shave-off device minimizes vapor phase pressure drop.