Abstract: A process for purification of waste from zootechnical sources or from small agri-food companies is provided. A plant for carrying out the wastewater treatment process is also provided.

Abstract: A separator apparatus is described for separating liquids and solids from a gas. The separator apparatus includes a reverse flow cyclone comprising a cylindrical section, a conical section, and a top, the cylindrical section having a feed inlet, the top having a gas outlet, and the conical section having a reject outlet at the bottom thereof. An axial cyclone is disposed in the cylindrical section, the axial cyclone oriented with a first end located proximate to the top of the apparatus and a second end opposite the first end, the axial cyclone having a tapered entrance fixture at the second end thereof and having a wall with a plurality of openings located between the first end of the axial cyclone and a midpoint of the axial cyclone. A drain plate is coupled to the cylindrical section below the openings of the axial cyclone.

Abstract: A centrifugal gas-liquid separator wherein a tubular casing houses a central tubular duct, which is provided with a first free end and with a second end that communicates with a gas-outlet duct and carries a transversal annulus-shaped plate having a perimetral edge that faces the inner wall of the tubular body to define an annular gap. The plate divides the space inside the tubular casing into a first chamber and into a second chamber that communicate with each other through the annular gap. A liquid-outlet duct communicates with the second chamber and a liquid-phase/gas-phase inlet duct extends tangentially from the tubular casing and discharges into the first chamber through an inlet nozzle. A regulation device is provided, which is designed to modify the section of the inlet nozzle in order to modify the rate of entry of the liquid phase and gas phase into the first chamber and to adapt the operation of the centrifugal gas-liquid separator following variations of flow rate.

Abstract: Method for removal of oxygen from seawater includes leading a stream of seawater and a pressurized stripping gas to a first mixer, mixing the seawater with stripping gas, leading the combined stream to a first gas/liquid inline separator, separating the stream into a liquid rich and a gas rich phase, leading the liquid stream and a stripping gas stream to a second mixer, mixing the liquid stream with the gas stream, leading the combined stream to a second stage inline separator, separating the combined stream into a liquid- and gas-rich phases, mixing the gas stream with a fresh water stream, leading this combined stream to a first stage scrubber, removing a portion of the salt entrained in the combined stream from the scrubber, and leading the salt depleted gas stream from the first scrubber via a heat exchanger or electrical preheater together with a fuel stream to a catalytic deoxidizer.

Abstract: A gas production line including: an inlet; an outlet; and a wet gas condenser connected between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the wet gas condenser includes: a condensing chamber; a condensing surface; and a collecting chamber, wherein, in use, water vapour in wet gas passing over the condensing surface is condensed into liquid water, the liquid water flowing along a predetermined flow path into the collecting chamber.

Abstract: This development proposed adding a catalyst to an oxygen stripper. The oxygen stripper would be run at a temperature just below or at coking temp. The oxygen stripper includes a catalyst containing Group VI or VII metals to remove free radicals. Most preferably, the catalyst is a nickel-molybdenum catalyst.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for stripping a gas from a gas-rich liquid. The apparatus includes a desorption unit (10) to desorb a gas from the gas-rich liquid to form a first product stream (13) including the gas and a vapor, and a second product stream (14) including a gas-lean liquid. The desorption unit (10) includes a gas-rich liquid inlet (25), a first product stream outlet, and a second product stream outlet. The apparatus further includes at least one of a membrane condenser (22) and/or a membrane (evaporator 17). The membrane condenser (22) includes a membrane interface (26) permeable to the vapor through which vapor transfers from the first product stream to the gas-rich liquid stream and the membrane evaporator (17) includes a membrane interface (18) permeable to the vapor through which vapor transfers to separate a vapor portion from the second product stream (14), and an outlet for a vapor reduced second product stream.

Abstract: A process for treating a crude and natural gas stream, which at least comprises the steps of: (a) passing a crude and natural gas stream (10) through an inlet (12) into a stabilization unit (14) to provide a stabilizer content (20); (b) passing an overhead gaseous stream (30) separated from the stabilizer content (20) through a first outlet (16); and (c) passing a bottom stream (40) comprising crude liquid hydrocarbons separated from the stabilizer content (20) and free water through a second outlet (18).

Abstract: A process for recovering hydrogen during hydroprocessing, where the process includes providing a pressure increasing device to a hydroprocessing unit, wherein the pressure increasing device utilizes a high pressure stream from a separator for increasing pressure; introducing a hydrogen containing stream to the pressure increasing device, thereby increasing the pressure of the hydrogen containing stream; and routing the hydrogen containing stream from the pressure increasing device to a vapor-liquid separator. The process also includes separating the hydrogen from the hydrogen containing stream in a hydrogen purification unit to produce a recovered hydrogen stream; and then preferably using the recovered hydrogen stream from the hydrogen purification unit within the hydroprocessing unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for separation of high volume flows of mixtures provided with at least two immiscible phases, especially for the first separation steps of flows of water/oil/gas/sand mixture that enter the apparatus as a wellstream mixture. The invention also relates to a method for separation of high volume flows of mixtures provided with at least immiscible phases.

Abstract: Sludge from an anaerobic digester is treated to recover one or more of fibers, or solids or liquids with a high nutrient content. The solids or liquids can be used as a fertilizer. The fibers can be used in a plant growing medium. Solids are separated from liquids in the sludge and dried. The solids may be dried to produce a flake or pellet. Ammonia in the liquids is recovered and used to produce a concentrated acidic ammonium salt solution. This solution may be mixed with the solids to produce a nitrogen enhanced solid. The fibers and solids or liquids can also be used in combination to produce an enhanced plant growing medium. A device and process for removing ammonia from a liquid can be used in the system or separately.

Abstract: A two-phase working fluid, having a liquid phase and a gas phase, is purged of non-condensable gas prior to being used to charge a closed thermal management system, improving the heat transfer performance of the thermal management system. The liquid phase of the two-phase working fluid is exposed to conditions that cause non-condensable gas to separate from the two-phase working fluid. The non-condensable gas is vented, and two-phase working fluid that vaporizes under the conditions is captured.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a catch tank for drilling operations. The catch tank is located between a mud-gas separator and a flare. The catch tank has an inlet port with a closed end baffle which allows a drilling fluid-gas mixture to be separated and gas to proceed to the flare without entrained drilling fluid.

Abstract: A compact inertial gas-liquid separator including: a stratification mechanism including a first horizontal pipe and a second pipe having a larger diameter possibly slightly tilted with respect to the horizontal, for example of ?10°, connected to each other by a suitable connection gate; a cylindrical body with a vertical development, on which the stratification mechanism is tangentially inserted, wherein the inertial gas-liquid separation is performed, in whose upper part an arrangement of finishing elements can be optionally inserted for further separation of drops of liquid entrapped in the gaseous stream; two outlets for the liquid stream and for the gaseous stream.

Abstract: A method of recovering liquid petroleum gases (LPGs) from a wellbore includes: performing a well treatment operation by injecting the LPGs into the wellbore to increase the wellbore pressure; flowing a fluid stream from the wellhead into a separation vessel, the fluid stream comprising the LPGs; reducing the pressure of the fluid stream from the wellbore pressure to a separation vessel pressure, the fluid stream in the separation vessel comprising the LPGs in liquid form and in vapour form; separating the vapour form from the liquid form; transferring the liquid form of the LPGs to a pressure vessel; and passing the vapour form through a condenser to condense the vapour form, and depositing the condensed vapour form into the pressure vessel.

Abstract: First and second multi-phase streams are processed in first and second trains that are structurally different from each other such that the first and second trains have different operating conditions. The first and second trains produce first and second gaseous hydrocarbon streams and first and second liquid hydrocarbon component streams. The first and second gaseous hydrocarbon streams are combined downstream of the first and second trains to provide a combined gaseous hydrocarbon component stream.

Abstract: A fluid trap apparatus includes an inlet configured to receive a flow of composite fluid into the apparatus. The composite fluid contains at least a first fluid and a second fluid. An outer wall defines an interior chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed within the interior chamber. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid to circulate through the interior chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid separate as the composite fluid circulates through the interior chamber. A method of separating a first fluid from a second fluid includes introducing a flow of composite fluid into a separate chamber. A pressure gradient is created within the separation chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed in a flow path between an inlet and an outlet. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid within the separation chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid are separated.

Abstract: A two phase gas-liquid separation apparatus is provided that shapes the flow in a flow shaping line. Shaping the two-phase flow allows centrifugal force to send the heavier, denser liquid to the outside wall of the flow shaping line and allows the lighter, less dense vapor or gas to occupy the inner wall of the flow shaping line. With the gas positioned on the inner wall of the flow shaping line, an exit port on the inner wall will allow for the majority, if not all, of the gas, along with a low amount of liquid, to be sent to a conventional separator. A high ratio of vapor/liquid at a flow rate much lower than the total flow rate within the flow shaping line is sent to the conventional separator. This allows for efficient separation of the vapor from the liquid with the use of a smaller conventional separator.

Abstract: The system is provided for continuously separating landfill gas in a raw multi-phase stream coming from a landfill gas collector. The system includes an atmospheric tank and an elongated separator vessel mounted substantially upright above the tank bottom. The elongated separator vessel includes a mid-level inlet that is configured and disposed to be in fluid communication with the landfill gas collector pipe, an upper gas outlet located vertically above the mid-level inlet, and a bottom-opened discharge end that is located vertically below the mid-level inlet. A method of pretreating a raw multi-phase stream captured from a landfill site is also disclosed. The proposed concept provides a relatively simple arrangement that can be made sufficiently rugged to perform a pretreatment of the raw multi-phase stream in a continuous manner and with a very minimal intervention from landfill operators under almost any weather and operating conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the separation and capture of carbon dioxide from water are generally described. In some embodiments, a vapor stream containing carbon dioxide and water is separated using a cascade of at least two flash drums. Additional flash steps may be incorporated to remove atmospheric gases, such as nitrogen and argon, from the feed. Carbon dioxide may be condensed and pressurized at purities suitable for pipeline transport and eventual storage in geological formations. In addition, water may be recovered at high purity. In some embodiments, fuel cells may be used in combination with fuel reforming or gasification to produce syngas. Certain aspects of the invention involve innovations related to the combined reforming and fuel cell process, that, in certain embodiments, do not depend upon water and carbon dioxide separation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two stage process to control the butanol concentration from fermentation broth.

Abstract: A method of introducing flue gas, from a flue stack in a steam-assisted production facility, into a heat exchanger. The flue gas comprises boiler combustion products selected from at least one of commercial pipeline gas and produced gas. The method begins by cooling a portion of the water vapor in the flue gas in the heat exchanger to produce flue gas water. This flue gas water is then collected and removed as make-up water.

Abstract: A two phase gas-liquid separation apparatus is provided that shapes the flow in a flow shaping line. Shaping the two-phase flow allows centrifugal force to send the heavier, denser liquid to the outside wall of the flow shaping line and allows the lighter, less dense vapor or gas to occupy the inner wall of the flow shaping line. With the gas positioned on the inner wall of the flow shaping line, an exit port on the inner wall will allow for the majority, if not all, of the gas, along with a low amount of liquid, to be sent to a conventional separator. A high ratio of vapor/liquid at a flow rate much lower than the total flow rate within the flow shaping line is sent to the conventional separator. This allows for efficient separation of the vapor from the liquid with the use of a smaller conventional separator.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating multi-phase fluids, comprising a cyclonic separator (40) having an inlet (42) for multi-phase fluids, a cyclonic separation chamber, a first outlet (44) for relatively high density fluids and a second outlet (46) for relatively low density fluids, and a secondary separator (52) comprising a separation vessel in which fluids are separated primarily by gravity, a first inlet (96) connected to receive the relatively high density fluids, a second inlet (94) connected to receive the relatively low density fluids, a first outlet (54) in the upper part of the vessel for a separated gas phase and a second outlet (56) in the lower part of the separation vessel for a separated liquid phase.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator for separating fluids comprises an inlet chamber (6) having means for inducing fluids flowing through the chamber to swirl around an axis, a cyclonic separation chamber (10) connected to receive fluids from the inlet chamber, and an outlet chamber (8) connected to receive fluids from the cyclonic separation chamber. The outlet chamber (8) has a tangential outlet (22) for relatively dense fluids and an axial outlet (24) for less dense fluids. The separation chamber is elongate and has a length L and an inlet diameter D, where L/D is in the range 1 to 10.

Abstract: A two phase gas-liquid separation apparatus is provided that shapes the flow in a flow shaping line. Shaping the two-phase flow allows centrifugal force to send the heavier, denser liquid to the outside wall of the flow shaping line and allows the lighter, less dense vapor or gas to occupy the inner wall of the flow shaping line. With the gas positioned on the inner wall of the flow shaping line, an exit port on the inner wall will allow for the majority, if not all, of the gas, along with a low amount of liquid, to be sent to a conventional separator. A high ratio of vapor/liquid at a flow rate much lower than the total flow rate within the flow shaping line is sent to the conventional separator. This allows for efficient separation of the vapor from the liquid with the use of a smaller conventional separator.

Abstract: A combined machine for pumping and separating into two distinct and purified phases a two-phase liquid/gas mixture or fluid, is provided. A first stage of the combined machine is equipped with an intake for the two-phase fluid, in which the two-phase fluid is sucked, pumped and partially separated into two distinct phases. One phase is mainly liquid and the other phase is mainly gaseous. A second stage of the combined machine includes two zones, which includes a first zone and a second zone. In the first zone, the mainly liquid phase extracted from the first stage is degassed. In the second zone, the mainly gaseous phase extracted from the first stage is dried. In a third stage of the combined machine, the degassed liquid is forced back and pressurized.

Abstract: A compact inertial gas-liquid separator including: a stratification mechanism including a first horizontal pipe and a second pipe having a larger diameter possibly slightly tilted with respect to the horizontal, for example of ?10°, connected to each other by a suitable connection gate; a cylindrical body with a vertical development, on which the stratification mechanism is tangentially inserted, wherein the inertial gas-liquid separation is performed, in whose upper part an arrangement of finishing elements can be optionally inserted for further separation of drops of liquid entrapped in the gaseous stream; two outlets for the liquid stream and for the gaseous stream.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing an oxygenated fluid. In accordance with various embodiments, a flow of pressurized fluid is established. A flow of oxygen is injected into the flow of pressurized fluid to provide a fluid/oxygen mixture. The mixture is passed through a venturi assembly in the presence of a magnetic field established by an adjacent magnetic assembly. The mixture is next flowed from the venturi assembly to a gas/liquid separation tank, where a liquid component of the mixture is passed downstream with a selected dissolved oxygen content and a gas component is directed back for injection into the pressurized fluid flow.

Abstract: In the co-production of propylene oxide and styrene monomer, there is produced a sodium-containing heavy residue stream previously suitable only as a low grade fuel. In accordance with the invention, the heavy residue stream is mixed with a hydrocarbon and an aqueous acid, and the resulting mixture is separated into an aqueous sodium salt-containing slurry phase and an organic phase reduced in sodium.

Abstract: A method of processing a multiphase well effluent mixture comprises: transferring the multiphase well effluent mixture (G+L) via a multiphase well effluent flowline (3, 23) to a gas liquid separator (5, 24) in which the multiphase well effluent mixture is separated into substantially gaseous and liquid fractions; transferring the substantially liquid fraction L into a liquid flowline (7, 25) in which a liquid pump (8, 29) is arranged; transferring the substantially gaseous fraction into a gas flowline (6, 26) in which a gas compressor (10, 30) is arranged; protecting the gas compressor (10, 30) against pressure and/or liquid surges by recirculating a recycled gas stream (Ghot) via a gas recycling conduit (14, 44) through the gas compressor in response to detection of a pressure and/or liquid surge in the multiphase well effluent mixture; cooling the recycled gas stream by injecting cooled recycled liquid (Lcold) from the liquid flowline (7, 25) into the recycled gas stream (Ghot) which recycled liquid is cool

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and plant for energy-efficient removal of CO2 from a gas phase by means of absorption. The invention is particularly suitable for use in connection with thermal power plants fired by fossil fuels, and is also well-suited for retrofitting in existing thermal power plants. A processing plant according to the invention comprises three sections: a primary CO2-generating process that serves as main product supplier; a CO2-capture and separation plant based on absorption and desorption of CO2 respectively by/from at least one absorbent; and a second CO2-generating process where combustion of carbonaceous fuel in pure oxygen atmosphere serves as energy supply to at least a part of the thermal energy necessary to drive the regeneration of the absorbent in the desorption column(s).

Abstract: A vortex separator for drawing a substantially moisture-free airstream from a waste stream having an annular channel defining a first vortex flow path for separating liquid and solid waste from this waste stream and preferably a filter unit with an inverted conical cavity between nested inverted cones defining a second vortex flow path that is isolated from the first vortex flow path for separating additional liquid and solid waste from the waste stream before it exits the vortex separator. In preferred embodiments, the separator includes a removable filter unit cartridge positioned within the outer cone and a helix isolator to respectively make use of the separator more convenient to use and more efficient.

Abstract: A multiple vortex separator for drawing a substantially moisture-free airstream from a waste stream having an annular channel defining a first vortex flow path for separating liquid and solid waste from this waste stream and an inverted conical cavity between nested inverted cones defining a second vortex flow path that is isolated from the first vortex flow path for separating additional liquid and solid waste from the waste stream before it exits the vortex separator.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for purifying a waste fluid stream. The system includes a recirculation pump having an inlet for a recirculation stream and an outlet to expel a pressurized stream. The system includes a compressor having an inlet for an evaporation stream and an outlet for a pressurized evaporation stream. A primary heat exchanger has inlets for the pressurized stream and the pressurized evaporation stream, an internal surface area for heat transfer from the evaporation stream to the pressurized stream, and outlets for a cooled product stream and a heated pressurized stream. The heated pressurized stream is formed by heating the pressurized stream and the cooled product stream is formed by cooling the evaporation stream. The system includes an evaporation unit having an inlet for the heated pressurized stream and outlets for an evaporation stream and the recycled liquid bottoms stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid is provided and includes a fluid storage tank for partially containing a fluid and a gas, wherein the fluid storage tank includes a fluid inlet pipe and a fluid outlet pipe. The fluid treatment apparatus also includes a first aeration device, wherein the first aeration device is configured to be in flow communication with the fluid inlet pipe and the fluid portion of the tank cavity. The fluid treatment apparatus further includes a pumping device, wherein the pumping device is configured to cause the fluid portion of the tank cavity to flow through the fluid outlet pipe and a second aeration device, wherein the second aeration device is configured to be in flow communication with the fluid outlet pipe and the fluid portion of the tank cavity.

Abstract: A dehydration method of a water-containing substance using a liquefied matter, including a step (1) of contacting a liquefied matter of a substance which is in a gas phase under a condition at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure with the water-containing substance, to dissolve contained water in the water-containing substance into the liquefied matter, for obtaining the liquefied matter containing a large amount of water; and a step (2) of vaporizing the substance out of the liquefied matter containing a large amount of water, to thereby separate the substance as the gas from water.

Abstract: A method for treating an aqueous effluent comprising at least one dissolved gaseous compound, by partially separating said compound from said effluent, in order to obtain a treated aqueous phase. In the method, an upflow liquid column of the aqueous effluent is established by injecting and distributing into said column, at the bottom, a gas phase less rich in said compound than the aqueous effluent, for example air or oxygen, said gas phase being distributed in the column in the form of bubbles where the volume increases upward. A mixed liquid/gas stream is obtained at the top. The mixed liquid/gas stream is then separated into a liquid stream constituting the treated aqueous phase, and an offgas stream enriched with said gaseous compound, where the mixed liquid/gas stream is later separated under vacuum by establishing a gas headspace between the liquid stream and the gas stream, and by aspirating the latter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a process fluid that includes assembling a modular system, flowing the process fluid through the modular system, the flowing the process fluid through the modular system including degassing the process fluid, neutralizing the process fluid, reducing an amount of one of the group consisting of entrained gases, oil and solids in the process fluid, monitoring and analyzing the process fluid for at least one of the group consisting of engrained gases, oil, and solids, and flowing the process fluid out of the modular system for disposal.

Abstract: The present invention has as an object to render a photochromic coating layer free from air bubbles and obtain a uniform layer without film thickness unevenness in the coating layer. In the prevent invention, entrained air in a coating fluid stored in a vessel of a coating unit comprising the vessel, a check valve for preventing back-flow of the coating fluid connected to the vessel, and optionally an ejection nozzle connected to the check valve; air existing inside of the check valve; and optionally air existing inside of the ejection nozzle are removed by plugging an outlet of the coating fluid existing downstream of the check valve and then rotating the coating unit on an axis of the vessel and orbiting the coating unit on a revolution axis simultaneously.

Abstract: A fluid separator device allows for introducing air entrained in a liquid flow to a centrifugal pump in a manner that will not allow the pump to become gas bound. One example device designed according to this invention includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet downstream of the inlet. An air chamber is positioned on an opposite side of the inlet from the outlet. An air flow passage allows air from the air chamber to be introduced near a rotor assembly input of a centrifugal pump such that relatively small air bubbles are introduced to the liquid flow through the rotor assembly in a manner that prevents the air bubbles from recollecting into a larger bubble that would otherwise interfere with the centrifugal pump operation.

Abstract: A system for processing of multi-phase fluid, comprising a plurality of portable proximately arranged modules disposed over and spaced from a working pad where each module contains at least one separate processing element of a system for producing degassed and dehydrated crude oil and having a plurality of fluid carrying pipes interconnecting the processing elements in the said modules, including quick connect/disconnect joints in the pipe disposed between the said modules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for degassing an aqueous solution containing a hydroformylation product and separating a volatile metal species from gaseous stream to inhibit or prevent deposition of a solid material from the gaseous stream. To separate the volatile metal species from the gaseous stream, the gaseous stream is either 1) contacted with a liquid that separates the volatile metal species, or a reaction product thereof, from the gaseous stream; 2) passed through a microfilter having a pore size of 2 ?m or less; or 3) contacted with an adsorbent material.

Abstract: A spinning impingement multiphase contacting device and method for heat or mass transfer are disclosed. A first fluid, from which the transfer is to occur, is caused to impinge and be entrained in a spinning permeable element, creating a highly dispersed phase. The highly dispersed phase contacts the second fluid to cause the desired heat or mass transfer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improve aeration system. The aeration system of the present invention more efficiently removes contaminates, such as hydrogen sulfide, from water. The increased efficiency is achieved by adjusting the pH level of the water in between sequential mass transfer media stages within the aerator. The present invention also relates to an aeration system wherein the forced or induced air is used to strip contaminants from the processed water is reutilized by one or more aeration towers connected in series.

Abstract: A rotary filter is disclosed, comprising filtering cells rotating in a circular movement, including a fixed collector portion comprising at least two compartments each having arc-shaped upward opening and a central separator chamber, including a downward opening communicating the separator chamber with each of said compartments, said downward opening being arranged at a level lower than said upward opening of each of the compartments, the downward opening of the central separator chamber and the upward opening of each compartment of the collector portion partly overlapping in vertical projection.

Abstract: A system for removing and purifying a carbon dioxide-containing stream from a batch process tool is provided. A multi-phase contaminated stream containing at least carbon dioxide and one or more co-solvent is removed from a process tool and conveyed to at least one intermediate pressure separator. The contaminant-containing stream is separated into an intermediate pressure carbon dioxide-enriched vapor stream and an intermediate pressure solvent and contaminant-enriched stream in the intermediate pressure separator.

Abstract: A gas liquid separator comprising at least two containers, a first container for separating gas from a gas liquid mixture and a second container for receiving gas reduced or gas free liquid. The first container has an outlet port to the second container below the level of the gas for the gas reduced or gas free liquid and a separate outlet port for the separated gas. The second container has a height taller than the height of the first container to enable it to hold enough volume of the gas reduced or gas free liquid that can exert pressure on the liquid inside the first container so that the separated gas is forced to escape from the gas outlet port of the first container while allowing the gas reduced or gas free liquid to exit at a separate outlet port of the second container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing condensables from a natural gas stream, at a wellhead, downstream of the wellhead choke thereof. In accordance with the invention there is provided a method for removing condensables from a natural gas stream at a wellhead, the method comprising the steps of: (A) inducing the natural gas stream to flow at supersonic velocity through a conduit of a supersonic inertia separator and thereby causing the fluid to cool to a temperature that is below a temperature/pressure at which the condensables will begin to condense, forming separate droplets and/or particles; (B) separating the droplets and/or particles from the gas; and (C) collecting the gas from which the condensables have been removed, wherein the supersonic inertia separator is part of the wellhead assembly downstream of the wellhead choke.

Abstract: A method and system for sea-based handling/treatment of fluid hydrocarbons (oil) with associated gas include a first separation step in a high-pressure separator (18) installed on the sea bed, from which is output an oil flow containing an essentially predefined percentage of residual gas. The oil containing residual gas is carried through a riser (22) up to a surface vessel/production ship (12), where it is subjected to a second separation step in a second separator (24) incorporated in a low-pressure surface plant on board the vessel (12), this separated residual gas being used as fuel for direct/indirect generation of electric power for the operation of the underwater and above-water sections of the system. Water and gas produced in the first separation step is returned to a suitable reservoir by the use of a multiphase pump.