Abstract: A separation system includes an elongated separator vessel having an inlet, a heating section which is located downstream of the inlet, an oil accumulation section which is located downstream of the heating section, and an oil outlet which is connected to the oil accumulation section. The heating section includes an immersed plate heater which is fluidly connected to a heating medium heater that is located externally of the separator vessel. In operation, a heating fluid which is heated in the heating medium heater is circulated through the immersed plate heater to heat the multiphase fluid.

Abstract: A fluid separation system for separating fluids within a container includes an inlet pipe arranged within the container to receive an incoming fluid stream including first, second, and third fluids. The fluid separation system further includes a fluid distribution device coupled to the inlet pipe and including first and second distribution components for respectively separating the incoming fluid stream into first internal fluid streams and second internal fluid streams within the container. The first and second internal fluid streams each include the first, second, and third fluids. The fluid separation system further includes one or more walls arranged to guide the first and second internal fluid streams towards an outlet of the container. The fluid distribution device and the one or more walls together cause the first, second, and third fluids of the first and second internal fluid streams to separate from one another other upstream of the outlet.

Abstract: A modularized gas wellpad apparatus and an expansion module, that is repeatable on a per-well or multi-wells basis and can be pre-manufactured. Tie-in points may be limited to a junction box and group and test headers only. The apparatus comprises gas handling components located close to the wellhead, and a heated, standalone enclosure for housing environmentally sensitive components. Various embodiments provide for a compact wellpad apparatus having a particular layout. Various embodiments include a built-in capability to mate-up to wellhead as-built locations and dimension deviations without field rework, even for multiple-wells modules.

Abstract: A gas-liquid separation apparatus suitable for gas hydrate slurry, comprising an upper chamber, a middle chamber, and a lower chamber; a gas-phase outlet and a pressurizing unit are disposed in a top of the upper chamber, the middle chamber is provided with a material inlet and a wire mesh demister, and the lower chamber is provided with a liquid-phase outlet and a plurality of deflector baffles. The arrangement of divided chambers can reduce the degree of hydrate dissociation in the slurry (i.e., loss of the sought gas) and improve the separation efficiency. With the pressurizing unit, it facilitates the setting of the required pressure for gas-liquid separation without introducing a pressure maintaining valve in the subsequent separation process, prevents the hydrate in the slurry from dissociating in the apparatus, and allows rapid separation between the slurry and the gas.

Abstract: A steam supply apparatus (1) for enhanced oil recovery from an oil field (10). The steam supply apparatus includes a water circulating portion (50) providing a continuous flow of water to a water heater (4) for the production of a mixture of steam and water, and a separator (5) for directing the steam to the oil field. Water returned from the oil field is purified in a water treatment apparatus (3) to provide make-up water to the water circulating portion. A buffer volume (3b) is provided in fluid communication between the water treatment apparatus and the water circulating portion. The buffer is sized to provide a time lag between a degradation of the quality of the purified water and an occurrence of an unacceptable scale production in the water heater, thereby allowing continued safe system operation until the water quality problem is corrected.

Abstract: A separation system including a horizontal separation vessel having a gas separation chamber defined by an upper wall of the separation vessel, a gas dome extending above the upper wall, a baffle plate disposed within the separation vessel, and a level of a lower surface of the baffle plate. The lower surface of the baffle plate is disposed below a level of an upper surface of a liquid weir disposed within the separation vessel. The upper surface of the liquid weir may set a liquid level within the separation vessel. The gas separation chamber may include a hydrostatic pressure seal zone between the level of the upper surface of the liquid weir and the level of the lower surface of the baffle plate. Liquid within the hydrostatic pressure seal zone may prevent a gas disposed within the gas separation chamber from escaping into a remainder of the separation vessel.

Abstract: A method of treating flowback fluid comprising: introducing the flowback fluid into a first stage vertical separator to produce a first gas stream, a liquid stream, and a solids stream; passing the first gas stream from the first stage vertical separator to a sales line; passing the liquid stream from the first stage vertical separator to a second stage horizontal separator with the pressure in the second stage horizontal separator being less than the pressure in the first stage vertical separator but greater than atmospheric pressure to produce a second gas stream, a water stream; and a liquid hydrocarbon stream; passing the second gas stream from the second stage horizontal separator to a combustor or flare nozzle; passing the water stream from the second stage horizontal separator to a water storage tank; and passing the liquid hydrocarbon stream from the second stage horizontal separator to a liquid hydrocarbon storage tank.

Abstract: A vessel for use in settling particulate matter from a fluid stream is provided. Fluid is introduced to the vessel through an angled inlet, with flow into the vessel both disrupted and deflected by an inlet baffle, to redirect the fluid stream parallel to a horizontal axis of the vessel. The velocity of the fluid stream is reduced within the vessel, allowing the particulate matter to settle along the bottom of the vessel.

Abstract: A desanding system has an elongated vessel that is tilted at a non-zero inclination angle. A fluid inlet at the vessel's upper end discharges a gas stream having entrained liquids and particulates and a fluid outlet into a freeboard portion formed adjacent an upper portion of the vessel above a gas/liquid interface formed below the fluid outlet. A belly storage portion is formed below the interface. The freeboard portion of the vessel has a freeboard cross-sectional area that diminishes along the interface from the fluid inlet to a fluid outlet spaced away from and lower than the fluid inlet. The cross-sectional are of the freeboard portion causes precipitation of the entrained liquids and particulates therefrom and collect in the belly portion of the vessel. A desanded gas stream, being free of a substantial portion of the particulates is removed from the vessel through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: Electrocoagulation effluent treatment apparatus and methods are disclosed, the apparatus including a primary electrocoagulation reactor chamber having treatment electrodes maintained therein and an effluent inlet and treated effluent outlet. An integrated flotation chamber is located above the reaction chamber, a vacuum device connectable with a vacuum source being received in the flotation chamber and including a foam intake and an output. A sludge chamber is defined below and integrated with the primary reaction chamber and has a settled sludge output.

Abstract: Electrocoagulation and sludge control apparatus and feed controller assembly for effluent treatment are disclosed, the apparatus including a primary reaction chamber having electrodes mounted therein and a treated effluent output. A sludge chamber is defined below and integrated with the primary reaction chamber and has a selectively openable outlet. The feed controller assembly is intermediate the primary reaction chamber and the sludge chamber and has a length selected for distribution of all effluent feed water across substantially an entire length of the primary reaction chamber.

Abstract: A separator is disclosed. The separator includes a gas/liquid separator vessel, an enclosure, a coalescer and a demister. The gas/liquid separator vessel has a first end, a second end, a first inlet, a first outlet, and a first separation chamber. The first inlet can be adjacent to the first end. The enclosure is positioned within the first separation chamber of the liquid separator vessel. The enclosure has a second inlet, a second outlet, a drain positioned therebetween, and a second separation chamber. The second inlet can be directed towards the first end of the gas/liquid separator vessel. The second separation chamber defines a flow path for a gas stream in which the flow path passes sequentially through the second inlet, second separation chamber and the second outlet. The coalescer is positioned in the second separation chamber to intercept the flow path of the gas stream.

Abstract: A large diameter subsea gravity separator for ultra deep water conditions of 2000 to more than 4000 m includes a vessel having a shell which defines a cylindrical tubular portion and closure portions at axially both ends of the tubular portion. The shell is a sandwich shell which is dimensioned to provide for a predetermined collapse resistance of at least MPa and includes an inner steel layer, an outer steel layer and a concrete layer completely filling the space between the inner steel layer and the outer steel layer.

Abstract: A high pressure horizontal vessel separator for separating petroleum mixtures. An inlet on one end of the vessel and gas, water, and oil outlets provided on an opposite end, with each outlet having a vortex breaker. The inlet communicating with a momentum absorbing, flow distributing inlet diverter that causes the gas to separate into the top of the main section of the vessel and the fluids to flow to the bottom of the main section. Sediment collects in the bottom of the main section and is removed via a sand trap. Water remains at the bottom of the vessel, and the fluids flow through a perforated baffle then through a bent lamella demister before entering a settling portion of the vessel where gas and water exit via the gas and water outlets and oil flows over an oil weir and exits downstream of the weir via the oil outlet.

Abstract: A horizontal heater treater tank for separating petroleum mixtures. An inlet on one end of the tank and gas, water, and oil outlets provided on an opposite end, with each outlet having a vortex breaker. The inlet communicating with a c-shaped inlet diverter where gas separates into the top of a heating section and the fluids flow to the bottom of the heating section. Sediment collects in the bottom of the heating section and is removed via a sand trap. Water remains at the bottom of the tank, and oil completely surrounds a horizontally oriented u-shaped firetube which heats the oil. The fluids flow through a perforated baffle then a bent lamella separator before entering a settling portion of the tank where gas and water exit via the gas and water outlets and oil flows over an oil weir and exits via the oil outlet downstream of the weir.

Abstract: A separator which includes a vessel with a horizontal section defining a horizontal chamber and a vertical section defining a vertical chamber. The vertical section extends upwardly from the horizontal section. A tubular member is positioned in the vertical section in such a way that the tubular member provides a fluid passage between the horizontal chamber and the vertical chamber and cooperates with the vertical section and the horizontal section to define a liquid receiving space. A deflector plate is spaced from the upper end of the tubular member in such a way that fluid passing up through the tubular member is deflected into the liquid receiving space and returned to the horizontal chamber.

Abstract: Provided herein is a conditioning apparatus that includes a geometrical configuration having an inlet flow deceleration conduit and a cyclonic tube to effectuate both liquid-gas separation and droplet coalescence. The apparatus is typically positioned at the inlet of a separator vessel used for removing water and gas from extracted crude oil containing entrained water and gas. The apparatus promotes droplet coalescence and gas separation for mixed fluids flowing into an existing water and oil separation device.

Abstract: A liquid/gas separator device for separating liquid and gaseous phases of a fluid, in particular crude oil, the device comprising a network of first and second separator pipes disposed horizontally, said first and second separator pipes being connected together by vertical link third pipes. The first separator pipes are fed from and connected upstream to a horizontal cylindrical diffuser and are connected downstream to a first horizontal cylindrical manifold. The second separator pipes are connected upstream to the same diffuser and downstream to a second horizontal cylindrical manifold.

Abstract: A tank system for capturing fluids from an oil or gas well. The system comprises a trailer, a tank body supported on the trailer, a separator supported on the trailer, and a sand trap supported on the trailer. The tank includes a gas buster line and a flare line. The tank body has a main inlet port at a top of the tank body and a vent port on a top of the tank body. The gas buster line is disposed in the tank body and is connected to the main inlet port. The gas buster line has multiple lengths of pipe sections, each pipe section increasing in length and diameter. The last section of the gas buster is characterized by a plurality of slots cut in a circumference of the pipe section to allow fluids in the gas buster line to disperse into the tank. The flare line is operatively connected to the vent port and includes an igniter to burn gases before they are vented to the atmosphere. The sand trap and the separator can be used as conditions require to treat fluids from a well before the fluids enter the tank.

Abstract: A process and a device implementing the process, for separating fluids in emulsion and/or in solution, and/or for low pressure distillation, in particular of water and/or gaseous hydrocarbons dissolved in crude petroleum, and/or for separation of crude petroleum droplets emulsified in water, to obtain water with necessary characteristics for its injection without pollution of underground aquifers, and/or when the mixture is dominant in crude petroleum, acceleration of settling of the water in the lower part of the mixture, and/or for low pressure distillation of crude petroleum. The method creates a localized zone of reduced pressure on part of the free surface of a liquid to be processed, within a closed processing tank, without the overall pressure inside the closed processing tank being affected.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating natural gas from production streams comprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, and natural gas is provided for. The separator comprises a vessel having an interior surface defining a spherical interior space. The interior space allows a production stream introduced therein to experience a velocity drop sufficient to allow separation of the natural gas from the sand and water components. The separator also comprises a stream inlet port in the vessel, a liquid drain in the lower end of the vessel, and a gas outlet port at the upper end of the vessel remote from the stream inlet port. A baffle is mounted in the interior of the vessel in the path of the production stream between the stream inlet port and the gas outlet port. The baffle is effective to spread and direct a high pressure production stream introduced into the interior space via the stream inlet port downward toward the liquid drain.

Abstract: A system (1) for separating a fluid stream (2) comprising gas, a light liquid and a heavy liquid, the system comprising a separation vessel (5) that is arranged to define a downwardly extending separation space and comprises a downwardly sloping tube (8), the separation space having an inlet (10) for the fluid stream at a first height, an outlet (20) for heavy liquid at a second height below the first height, an outlet (30) for light liquid at a third height between the first and second heights, an outlet (70) for gas above all outlets for liquid, wherein a further outlet (51, 56) for light liquid is provided at a fourth height between the first and third heights, and wherein at least the outlet at the third height is provided with a control valve (33) that is operative to open and close in dependence of the type of liquid in the pipes at that level, and a method of separating a fluid stream comprising gas, a light liquid and a heavy liquid in such a system, wherein an indication of height of an interface bet

Abstract: A mobile separator system for oil and gas well production fluids consisting of a sled supporting a horizontal three phase separator vessel having an upright vessel or blowcase, with an upper section open to a lower section through a check valve, and a vertical two phase vessel mounted beside each other and seated within the horizontal vessel. A direct fired heater in the horizontal vessel provides the required heating for all three vessels. Production fluids tangentially enter the upper section of the upright vessel with gas rising and the fluid descending through a check valve to the lower section and then transferred into the horizontal vessel. The rising gas outlet is connected to the suction of a compressor and discharged under pressure to the intake of the vertical vessel. Separated gas from the horizontal vessel also is directed to the intake of the compressor. Oil and water separated in the horizontal vessel are transferred into storage or pipelines.

Abstract: A slug flow separator facilitates the separation of a mixture flow into component parts. The separator includes an upper-tier elongate conduit, a lower-tier elongate conduit and a plurality of spaced apart connectors. Each of the upper and lower-tier elongate conduits has an outlet and at least one of the upper and lower-tier elongate conduits has an inlet for receiving the mixture flow. The upper and lower-tier elongate conduits also each have a plurality of openings such that one connector of the plurality of connectors may interconnect one of the upper-tier elongate conduit openings with a one of the lower-tier elongate conduit openings. The connectors enable communication of at least one of a liquid component and the at least one of another liquid component and a gas component of the mixture flow therebetween.

Abstract: A three phase separator to separate a fluid into three phases. A horizontal tank forms a fluid container having an inlet to the container in order to permit entry of a three phase fluid. An oil box within the fluid container includes a bottom and at least one baffle separating the oil box from the fluid container. A water box within the fluid container includes a bottom and at least one baffle separating the water box from the container. A water removal mechanism is in communication with the water box to draw water therefrom. An oil removal mechanism is in communication with the oil box to draw oil therefrom. A gas outlet permits removal of gas from the fluid container. A slot through the baffle of the water box permits entry of water from the fluid container into the water box in the event of a water surge.

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: A desanding vessel is inserted in a high velocity fluid stream containing entrained particulates. The vessel comprises an upper freeboard portion having a large cross-sectional wherein the fluid stream velocity drops and particulates fall from suspension. Preferably the fluid stream is introduced offset upwardly from an axis of a horizontally oriented cylindrical vessel, released particulates falling to accumulate in a lower belly portion. The freeboard portion is maintained using a depending flow barrier adjacent the vessel's outlet which sets the depth of accumulation in the belly portion. A cleanout enables periodic removal of accumulations.

Abstract: Virgin stock is conducted to a paper or board machine and further to a centrifugal cleaner installation (12) into its first centrifugal cleaner step (12a1). From the first centrifugal cleaner step (12a1) the accept is conducted into a multi-layer headbox (10) to form a layer of the web determined according to the concerned fraction. From a second step (12a2) and/or from lower steps (12a3, 12a4 . . . ) of the centrifugal cleaner installation (12) a second fraction or more fractions are conducted into the multi-layer headbox (10) to form a second layer or other layers of the web, which are determined according to the pulp fractionation taking place in the concerned second step or lower steps.

Abstract: A mixture of fluids is separated into at least two phases, one of which has a higher density than the other, passing the mixture through a normally horizontal supply pipe, by creating a stratified flow in the supply pipe, by passing the mixture through an inclined pipe, whilse maintaining a stratified flow in the inclined pipe, by extracting fluid with lower density (“lighter phase”) via a first discharge system and fluid with a higher density (“heavier phase”) via a second discharge system, wherein the interface between the lighter phase and the heavier phase is monitored in the inclined pipe by a level controller means that varies the flow of the fluid of higher density to keep the interface between set levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an installation for separating out an effluent made up of a multi-phase fluid mixture. According to the invention, said installation includes gravity separator means whose geometrical separation characteristics can be adjusted during said separation operation. According to the invention, the method makes it possible to adjust the geometrical separation characteristics of the separator as a function of how the multi-phase composition of the effluent varies over time.

Abstract: A device in connection with a separator for separation of a multiphase fluid, including a preferably cylindrical container (1) with an inlet (2), a first outlet (3) for liquid with a higher gravity (for example water), a second outlet (4) for liquid with a lower gravity (for example oil) and a third outlet (5) for gas. A pipe separator (6) is connected to the inlet (2) of the container (1). The pipe separator (6) constitutes a continuation of a supply pipe (7) for supplying the fluid to be separated and extends partially into the container (1).

Abstract: An integrated three phase separator for separation of natural gas, hydrocarbon liquids, and water or brine. The separator includes a cylindrical vertical separation unit having a closed top and an opposed, open bottom. A cylindrical horizontal separation unit has a pair of opposed ends, a first, closed end and a second, open end. A tubular elbow connection includes a pair of ends, one end connected to the open bottom of the vertical separation unit and another end connected to the open end of the horizontal separation unit so that the vertical separation unit and horizontal separation unit are in fluid connection with each other. A metering plate within the tubular elbow connection retains natural gas in the horizontal unit while permitting gentle release of liquid into the horizontal unit.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for use with a natural gas dehydrator. The apparatus and method of the invention provide for recirculation of gaseous or combustible materials so that they are not released into the atmosphere and to provide fuel for the process. Likewise, liquid hydrocarbons are collected. Various components, including separators, an absorber, wet glycol, dry glycol, an effluent condenser, heat exchangers, and a reboiler are utilized in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A desanding vessel is inserted in a high velocity fluid stream containing entrained particulates. The vessel comprises an upper freeboard portion having a large cross-sectional wherein the fluid stream velocity drops and particulates fall from suspension. Preferably the fluid stream is introduced offset upwardly from an axis of a horizontally oriented cylindrical vessel, released particulates falling to accumulate in a lower belly portion. The freeboard portion is maintained using a depending flow barrier adjacent the vessel's outlet which sets the depth of accumulation in the belly portion. A cleanout enables periodic removal of accumulations.

Abstract: A three-phase separator for separating off from a fluid gas and particles contained therein, includes at least one pair of two gas collection caps extending in a horizontal longitudinal direction (L) and each having a plate section. The plate sections converge in the downward direction. At the bottom ends the plate sections leave an inlet passage, elongated in the longitudinal direction, for the fluid containing particles and an outlet passage, elongated in the longitudinal direction, for settled particles. A discharge opening for fluid, opening into the settling chamber, is provided at a level higher than the inlet and outlet passages. The inlet passage and the outlet passage are located in the extension of one another, viewed in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for handling fluids returning from a well. The fluids are introduced into a separator and a separated gas stream is recovered or recycled. The gas stream may comprise more than one phase. The separated gas stream is urged through a multiphase pump before it is recovered. Alternatively, the return fluids may pass through a multiphase pump before it is introduced into the separator.

Abstract: Process for purification of a liquid, said liquid being contaminated by gas, other liquids and/or solid materials, thereby a) degassing the contaminated liquid in a degassing device where at least a part of the gas and possible solid materials are removed from the liquid, b) mixing the liquid in a mixing and coagulation device by way of utilizing the energy in the liquid flowing into the mixing and coagulation device, thereby to achieve coagulation respectively flocculation of the contaminants in the liquid, and c) the coagulated or flocculated contaminants as well as gas and other liquids thereafter being separated from the liquid to be purified in a flotation and separation device.

Abstract: A three-phase separator (1) comprising a normally horizontal vessel (3) defining a liquid separation space (5) and a gas space (7), which vessel (3) has an inlet end space (1) provided with a feed inlet (21) and an outlet end space (15) provided with separate outlets (25, 26 and 27) for the three phases, which vessel (3) further comprises an inlet device (31) comprising a primary separator (35) arranged in the gas space (7) and a tilted return tray (38) arranged in the gas space (7) having a lower end (39) that is located near the inlet end wall (13) such that a passage (41) is defined between the lower end (39) and the inlet end wall (13).

Abstract: A device for separating a mixture of fluids having a feed inlet, a gas outlet, an outlet for the lighter liquid and an outlet for the heavier liquid, which device comprises a normally horizontal supply pipe with the feed inlet at its upstream end, an inclined pipe having a closed lower end, a gas discharge system communicating with the gas outlet, a discharge system for lighter liquid communicating with the outlet, and a discharge system for heavier liquid communicating with the outlet, wherein the diameter of the supply pipe is selected such that during normal operation the velocities of the liquids are below a pre-determined value, wherein the ratio of the length of the supply pipe to its diameter is larger than 10 , and wherein the slope of the inclined pipe is selected such that during normal operations a stratified flow is maintained in the inclined pipe.

Abstract: A gravity separator including a vessel within which a mixture containing oil and water can separate under gravity to form vertically discrete oil and water layers, the vessel having an inlet assembly including a cyclone separator for separating an oil-containing inlet flow into gas and liquid phases, that assembly including ducting for receiving the underflow of cyclone separator and conducting that underflow into that region of the vessel which, in use, is above the water layer.

Abstract: Invention relates to methods for water removal from oil, oil products, gas condensate, and liquid hydrocarbons. The suggested invention aims at a more efficient water removal from the flows of hydrocarbons of different origin. Technical task of water removal is implemented via the selective filtration of hydrocarbons through a filtering element consisting of three tilted beds, wherein the first and the third beds are made of a porous-cellular metal or alloy with hydrophobic surface, while intermediate one is made of hydrophilic materials such as the porous-cellular metal or alloy with modified surface, celluloid foam or the cartridges filled with glass balls or glass fiber. The suggested method allows a high degree of water removal from the hydrocarbon medium under continuous regime without water phase settling. Apparatus for the implementation of this method is also described.

Abstract: A system and process for reducing the flowing bottom-hole pressure in a natural gas well has a first discrete fluid flow path extending from the surface well head through a valve to an inlet of a separator, the valve being actuable between a closed condition and an open condition, and a second discrete gas flow path extending from an outlet of the separator to an inlet of a compressor, the compressor maintaining a near or below zero PSIG pressure at the separator inlet. When the valve is in the closed condition, positive pressure builds on the well head side of the valve and, when the valve is in the open condition, the near or below zero PSIG pressure of the separator is applied to the well head.

Abstract: A separator apparatus for separating flush effluent from an oil and gas well following a fracture stimulation process, the separator having a vessel that maintains the effluent at a selected liquid level, an inlet is connected to the vessel at a location below the liquid level so that the effluent enters the vessel at a location therebelow. A plurality of baffles within the vessel slow the effluent so that solids settle out to a drain which is periodically opened to transfer the solids to an appropriate disposal. An upper outlet permits the venting of gases that percolate from the liquid constituent, a backpressure valve disposed in communication therewith to maintain a positive pressure within the vessel. A liquid drain withdraws the liquid constituent from the vessel at a rate determined by a level assembly.

Abstract: A motion insensitive phase separator for separating oilfield production fluid phases includes a tank having a pair of opposing inlets and three generally centrally arranged outlets for different phases of a production fluid mixture fed into the tank simultaneously through the inlets. Separation media is disposed in the tank for separating the different phases of the production fluid, The separation media include antifoam media at opposite ends of the tank and further includes demisting media proximately to the median plane, on opposite sides thereof. Flow regulators, such as perforated plates, are disposed substantially vertically in the tank between the antifoam media and the demisting media. The separation media and the flow regulators are disposed generally symmetrically about a central transverse plane, thereby providing for a symmetrical flow and weight distribution for motion insensitivity.

Abstract: A system for separation of fluids and drill cuttings received from a borehole during an under-balanced drilling procedure. The system is designed to cope with significantly varied pressures and flow rates, particularly in relation to gas content of drill fluids returned to the surface during the drilling process in a production zone, and to provide effective separation and to reduce the detrimental effect due to the presence of the drill cuttings in the returned drill fluids. In the present invention there is utilized a first stage, high pressure vessel in which a major portion of the gases ad drill cuttings are separated, and a second stage, horizontal low pressure vessel, preferably of greater volume than the high pressure vessel, in which further separating is achieved, including the separate removal of the drilling liquid to be returned to the drill tube.

Abstract: A system for separation of fluids and drill cuttings received-from a borehole during an under-balanced drilling procedure. The system is designed to cope with significantly varied pressures and flow rates, particularly in relation to gas content of drill fluids returned to the surface during the drilling process in a production zones and to provide effective separation and to reduce the detrimental effect due to the presence of the drill cuttings in the returned drill fluids. In the present invention there is utilized a first stage, high pressure vessel in which a major portion of the gases ad drill cuttings are separated, and a second stages horizontal low pressure vessel, preferably of greater volume than the high pressure vessel, in which further separating is achieved, including the separate removal of the drilling liquid to be returned to the drill tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating natural gas from production streams comprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, and natural gas is provided for. The separator comprises a vessel having an interior surface defining a spherical interior space. The interior space allows a production stream introduced therein to experience a velocity drop sufficient to allow separation of the natural gas from the sand and water components. The separator also comprises a stream inlet port in the vessel, a liquid drain in the lower end of the vessel, and a gas outlet port at the upper end of the vessel remote from the stream inlet port. A baffle is mounted in the interior of the vessel in the path of the production stream between the stream inlet port and the gas outlet port. The baffle is effective to spread and direct a high pressure production stream introduced into the interior space via the stream inlet port downward toward the liquid drain.