Abstract: A condensate separator for an exhaust gas measuring system. The condensate separator includes a housing with condensate discharge opening, an inlet opening arranged in the housing, a cooled inlet line which introduces a fluid into the housing, and a gas outlet port with a gas entrance and a gas exit. The cooled inlet line opens into the inlet opening. The gas outlet port opens into a gas outlet line. A cross-sectional area of the gas entrance of the gas outlet port is larger than a cross-sectional area of the gas exit of the gas outlet port.

Abstract: There is described a method of processing biomass which comprises the steps of: (i) processing biomass material in an aqueous system in the presence of an oxalic acid catalyst to produce a slurry; (ii) subjecting the slurry to an acidified organosolv liquor and optionally de-aerating the resulting mixture before exposing the mixture to ultrasound in a pretreatment step; and (iii) completing the fractionation process using thermal digestion, followed by separation of the constituents into lignin, hemi-cellulose (monosaccharides) and cellulose with the addition of water.

Abstract: A de-aeration device that de-aerates hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic system. The hydraulic fluid is controllably supplied to the de-aeration device in response to one or more sensed parameters. Consequently, the de-aeration device can de-aerate fluid at strategic times during operation of the hydraulic system to prevent a decrease in system performance and prevent cavitation.

Abstract: A device for phase separation of a multiphase mixture with at least one gas and at least two fluid phases may include a vessel including a tangential inlet via which the multiphase mixture is conveyed to the vessel, a tangential gas outlet above the inlet, via which a gas phase of the multiphase mixture separated from the multiphase mixture can be taken out of the vessel, and at least two outlets below the inlet at different vertical heights, via which one of the at least two fluid phases of the multiphase mixture respectively separated from the multiphase mixture can be taken out of the vessel. Further, a method for phase separation of a multiphase mixture using such device may include imparting an upwards-directed eddy flow to the multiphase mixture, during which fluid droplets are separated from the multiphase gas mixture, collecting the fluid droplets, and separately removing all phases formed.

Abstract: Provided is a de-aeration device that de-aerates hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic system (10). The hydraulic fluid is controllably supplied to the de-aeration device (28) in response to one or more sensed parameters. Consequently, the de-aeration device can de-aerate fluid at strategic times during operation of the hydraulic system to prevent a decrease in system performance and prevent cavitation.

Abstract: A separator comprises a separation chamber (1) with at least one inlet (11a) in its upper part, a solids outlet (12) in its lower part and two outlet pipes (2 and 3) for fractions of gas. Also described is a method which the separator uses, with the fractions of gas being sucked out in two separation zones generated inside the chamber, one with reverse flow and the other with unidirectional flow.

Abstract: Assembly to separate a multiphase flow, comprising at least one compact separation unit chosen among an in-line deliquidiser and an in-line phase splitter, said compact separation unit is arranged to receive the multiphase flow for separation thereof to a gas flow and a mainly liquid containing flow, an outlet for gas, arranged to receive the gas flow from the compact separation unit and possible additional gas flows, one or more conduit separators, arranged to receive the mainly liquid containing flow from the compact separation unit and any additional liquid containing flows, having an outlet for liquid from the at least one conduit separator in a low-lying part thereof.

Abstract: Reactive diluent fluid (22) is introduced into a stream of synthesis gas (or “syngas”) produced in a heat-generating unit such as a partial oxidation (“POX”) reactor (12) to cool the syngas and form a mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid. Carbon dioxide and/or carbon components and/or hydrogen in the mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid is reacted (26) with at least a portion of the reactive diluent fluid in the mixture to produce carbon monoxide-enriched and/or solid carbon depleted syngas which is fed into a secondary reformer unit (30) such as an enhanced heat transfer reformer in a heat exchange reformer process. An advantage of the invention is that problems with the mechanical integrity of the secondary unit arising from the high temperature of the syngas from the heat-generating unit are avoided.

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 pump is disclosed which has a housing with a upper end and a lower end. A conduit is defined through the housing between the upper and the lower ends. The pump includes an impeller within the housing, an inlet from the conduit to the impeller and an outlet from the impeller. Portions of the impeller may be distributed around the conduit. The pump may also include a motor coupled to the impeller. Portions of motor may also be distributed around the conduit. The outlet from the impeller may be independent of the conduit.

Abstract: A liquid/gas separator device for separating the liquid and gaseous phases of a fluid, the device having first and second vertically-disposed elongate reservoirs. The first reservoir has a first bottom orifice connected to an arrival pipe for the fluid that includes a pressure-lowering device, at least one first top orifice, and a plurality of first intermediate orifices. The first reservoir is connected to a plurality of second reservoirs via a plurality of first transfer pipes, and via at least one second transfer pipe. Each of second reservoirs has a second top orifice connected to a common gas discharge pipe, and a second bottom orifice connected to a common degassed fluid discharge pipe.

Abstract: A device for separating liquid from gas in a well flow when compressing the well flow comprises a liquid separator having an inlet for the well flow, an outlet for gas and an outlet for liquid. According to the invention separated liquid from the liquid separator is fine-divided in connection with the liquid outlet, and fine-divided liquid is supplied into the gas outlet at a mixing point downstream the liquid separator and upstream a compressor.

Abstract: The invention is a method and cyclonic separator for degassing a fluid mixture comprising a carrier liquid and gaseous or vaporizable components. In this method, the fluid mixture is accelerated in a throat section of a vortex tube such that the static pressure of the fluid mixture is decreased and vaporizable components evaporate into a gaseous phase and the fluid mixture flows as a substantially homogeneously dispersed gas-liquid mixture through the throat section; the accelerated fluid mixture is induced to swirl within a tubular mid section of the vortex tube such that the fluid mixture is separated by centrifugal forces into a degassed liquid fraction and a gas enriched fraction; the degassed liquid fraction is induced to flow into an annular liquid outlet conduit; and the gas enriched fraction is induced to flow into a central gas outlet conduit.

Abstract: A method and cyclonic separator are disclosed for degassing a fluid mixture comprising a carrier liquid and one or more gaseous and/or vaporizable components, wherein: —the fluid mixture is accelerated in a throat section (6) of a vortex tube (1) such that the static pressure of the fluid mixture is decreased and vaporizable components evaporate into a gaseous phase; —the accelerated fluid mixture is induced to swirl within the vortex tube such that the fluid mixture is separated by centrifugal forces into a degassed liquid fraction and a gas enriched fraction; —the degassed liquid fraction is induced to flow into a liquid outlet conduit (4) which is located at or near the outer circumference of the vortex tube (1); and—the gas enriched fraction is induced to flow into a gas outlet conduit (3) which is located at or near a central axis of the vortex tube (1).

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 degasser having a flapper opening including a hinge. The hinge may permit purging of any liquids and solids without regular human intervention. There may be a fixed opening at the base of the degasser, such that there is a constant emptying from the bottom of the tank. The separation of gas from liquid may be involved in applications pertaining to pulping and oxygen delignification.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exhausting gas from a coating material. The coating material is fed in the bottom part area of a drum (3) rotating around an essentially vertical axis inside a vacuum tank (1), whereby the rotating motion of the drum causes the coating material to rise up the inner wall of the drum and to discharge from the upper edge of the drum as a thin film against the inner wall of a vacuum tank, wherefrom the coating material flows downwards. The coating material is arranged to rise up the wall of the drum stepwise, so that the coating material will form a thin veil-like film on at least two different step levels (10-12), whereupon the gas bubbles in the coating material will break and be discharged from the coating material.

Abstract: A gas-liquid separator separates free water at a downhole position of a gas well. The separator includes a centrifugal separator within a tubular portion defining a gas inlet and a gas outlet. Upstream of the centrifugal separator, the tubular portion is provided with a plurality of drain holes through which free water which was centrifugated to the tubular portion enters an annular duct allowing the collected water to flow off due to gravity. Upstream of the drain holes, a jet pump is arranged. The jet pump is driven by the gas stream to create underpressure in the duct and to suck back gas which has entered the annular duct through the drain holes. The gas-liquid separator has no moving parts and avoids monitoring or controlling of the separating process.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) for removing gas bubbles from a liquid to be infused to a patient wherein a gas trap (42) is located at the upper end of a vertical column (38, 40, 40a) having a lower inlet (44) and an upper outlet (56). A bracket (39) supports the column above the patient, and a bubble-separator (46, 39a, 47, 66, 63), positioned between the inlet and the outlet, causes gas bubbles to move toward the column axis as they rise so that they are captured in the gas trap (42). Liquid to be de-gasified is supplied from a vertical level above the column outlet and is delivered through the side outlet (56) to the patient below.

Abstract: A pump is disclosed which has a housing with a upper end and a lower end. A conduit is defined through the housing between the upper and the lower ends. The pump includes an impeller within the housing, an inlet from the conduit to the impeller and an outlet from the impeller. Portions of the impeller may be distributed around the conduit. The pump may also include a motor coupled to the impeller. Portions of motor may also be distributed around the conduit. The outlet from the impeller may be independent of the conduit.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for reducing the oxygen content of seawater, where the seawater is introduced into the upper part (14) of a downcomer (12), particularly for treatment of ballast water in a ballast tank (4) of a ship (1). A seawater intake pipe (6) runs from the outside of the ship to a ballast pump (8) that is designed to pump the water on through a pump pipe (10) and up to the upper part of the downcomer. The downcomer extends mainly vertically down to the ballast compartment of the ship, where the ballast water can be distributed between several ballast compartments by means of distribution headers and valves. One aim of the invention is to neutralize organisms in the ballast water.

Abstract: A method and cyclonic separator are disclosed for degassing a fluid mixture comprising a carrier liquid and gaseous and/or vaporizable components, wherein: the fluid mixture is accelerated in a throat section (6, 21) of a vortex tube (1, 20) such that the static pressure of the fluid mixture is decreased and vaporizable components evaporate into a gaseous phase and the fluid mixture flows as a substantially homogeneously dispersed gas-liquid mixture through the throat section; the accelerated fluid mixture is induced to swirl within a tubular mid section of the vortex tube such that the fluid mixture is separated by centrifugal forces into a degassed liquid fraction and a gas enriched fraction; the degassed liquid fraction is induced to flow into a annular liquid outlet conduit (4, 21); and the gas enriched fraction is induced to flow into a central gas outlet conduit (3, 24).

Abstract: A method and cyclonic separator are disclosed for degassing a fluid mixture comprising a carrier liquid and one or more gaseous and/or vaporizable components, wherein: —the fluid mixture is accelerated in a throat section (6) of a vortex tube (1) such that the static pressure of the fluid mixture is decreased and vaporizable components evaporate into a gaseous phase; —the accelerated fluid mixture is induced to swirl within the vortex tube such that the fluid mixture is separated by centrifugal forces into a degassed liquid fraction and a gas enriched fraction; —the degassed liquid fraction is induced to flow into a liquid outlet conduit (4) which is located at or near the outer circumference of the vortex tube (1); and—the gas enriched fraction is induced to flow into a gas outlet conduit (3) which is located at or near a central axis of the vortex tube (1).

Abstract: A water stream is treated to remove oxygen before injecting the water into an underground hydrocarbon reservoir. The water-oxygen mixture is separated by centrifugal action using fixed spin blades (20). Oxygen is removed from the center of the conduit through a gas pipe (30) coupled to a vacuum pump (50). Nitrogen may be introduced upstream of the centrifuge to dilute the water-gas solution to improve the efficiency of the gas-liquid separation.

Abstract: Plant and process for cleaning and degassing a fibrous suspension. The plant includes a plurality of hydrocyclones, in which each hydrocyclone includes an intake connection, an accepts connection, and a rejects connection and at least two supply lines for feeding liquids into the plurality of hydrocyclones. At least two accepts lines, coupled to the accepts connections of the plurality of hydrocyclones, are structured and arranged to combine liquids cleaned of contaminants in the plurality of hydrocyclones, and at least one accepts draining pipe coupled to the at least two accepts lines is structured and arranged to open directly into a further line downstream. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A multi-phase separation system utilized to remove contaminants from fluids includes a pre-filtering module for filtering a contaminated fluid to provide a filtered contaminated fluid. A condenser module receives the filtered contaminated fluid and a contaminated gas phase for condensing the contaminated gas phase to a contaminated liquid. A phase reaction chamber converts the filtered contaminated fluid to a contaminated mist wherein the mist is subjected to a low energy, high vacuum environment for providing a first change of phase by separating into a contaminated gas phase and a liquid mist phase. The contaminated gas phase is carried out of the phase reaction chamber by a carrier air. A vacuum pump provides the low energy, high vacuum environment in the phase reaction chamber and delivers the contaminated gas phase to the condenser module for condensation providing a second change of phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a degassing centrifugal apparatus such as a pump and to a process for pumping and degassing a fluid. The apparatus has a rotatable hollow rotor connected to a stationary fluid inlet at one end and a stationary liquid outlet at the opposite end and a gas exhaust in the center thereof. The rotor has at its inlet end a bladed wheel with arcuate blades. The bladed wheel accelerates a fluid flow in said rotor inlet end and causes the fluid to rotate at a peripherical velocity higher than the peripherical velocity of said rotor inlet end. The apparatus is especially useful for pumping and degassing backwater in the production of paper or board in a paper machine.

Abstract: System and apparatus to accelerate solution of gas into liquid. The system includes an aspirating injector to bring the gas into the pressurized system, a collider, a reactor, and an optional gas/liquid separator. The collider and reactor provide for prompt renewal of the interface in the bubble with the liquid as the consequence of abrupt changes of direction of flow.

Abstract: A system for producing and maintaining high purity degassed layup water for use in a power plant system during a layup period is disclosed. The liquid degassing system includes a degassing assembly for removing a predetermined amount of the undesired gases under vacuum pressure from the layup solution such that the amount of desired gases within the layup solution remains at or below standard values.

Abstract: Undesirable dissolved gas is removed from a liquid by pressurizing the liquid containing the undesirable dissolved gas therein. The liquid is then directed into a hydrocyclone having an inlet optimized for liquid particle movement through a liquid vortex stream created by the hydrocyclone. A preferred gas is injected into an evacuated central area of the liquid vortex stream for absorption therein. The pressure of the liquid is then lowered, such as by directing the liquid to a discharge tank, in order to remove a proportional amount of absorbed preferred gas and the undesirable dissolved gas from the liquid.

Abstract: The device for regulating a flow rate of an air-liquid centrifuge separator includes a gas outlet pipe, an outlet pipe for separated liquids and an inlet pipe through which a fluid to be separated enters the separator. The device includes a by-pass pipe, arranged between the liquid outlet pipe and the fluid inlet pipe, which removes liquid from the liquid outlet pipe and transfers it to the fluid inlet pipe when a pressure of the liquid in the liquid outlet pipe exceeds a predetermined level. The device is particularly useful in separators for dental aspiration plants.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating dissolved gasses from a fluid to produce de-aerated fluid which includes a fluid pump, a gas separator, and a vacuum pump for removing liberated dissolved gasses from the gas separator. In one particular embodiment, a unified pump/meter unit is used to both pump fluid, as well as volumetrically measure the amount of de-aerated fluid pumped.

Abstract: A combined arterial-venous blood flow set comprises connected lengths of flexible tubing for receiving blood from a patient, for conveying the blood to a blood processing device such as a dialyzer or an LDL filter, and for returning the blood to the patient. An optional first bubble trap chamber is connected in series flow between two of the lengths of tubing at a flow position downstream from the patient and upstream from the blood processing device. A second bubble trap chamber is connected in series flow between two of the lengths of tubing at a flow position downstream from the blood processing device and upstream from the patient. A first portion of the tubing which is in a flow position upstream from the blood processing device extends by the second bubble trap chamber, and is physically, laterally connected to it without direct flow connection. This helps to stabilize the positioning of components of the flow set and to reduce confusion in set-up and priming.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for use in well drilling, for separating rock cuttings, gas, water, drilling mud, gases, or foam which may be part of the drilling fluid returning from a bore hole. The apparatus has a plurality of compartments through which the drilling fluid flows. The first compartment makes use of a degasser to extract gases from the fluid, as well as break down foam. Subsequent chambers involve the use of shale shakers, centrifuges, and flocculants to aid in the separation of liquids from solids. The invention also employs a deduster unit which eliminates the spread of dust common in air drilling operations. Through the use of these various devices, the invention eliminates the need for venting the drilling fluid to the environment surrounding the well site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for degassing gas-containing fluid media in a container with the apparatus including a centrifugal pump for pumping the gas-containing fluid medium from the container, an ejector including a suction side, an ejector inlet for a drive fluid, and an ejector outlet for the drive fluid, whereby at least a portion of the pump fluid medium is fed to the suction side of the ejector for removing the gas therefrom, a diversion conduit for diverting a separate portion of the pump fluid medium from the centrifugal pump to the ejector inlet, and a return conduit for returning the separate portion of the fluid medium from the ejector outlet to the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for separating oil/water/gas from a marginal field by using a combination of a coarse separator with short treatment duration which separates into three flows where one obtains an oil concentration of over 70%, a water concentration of over 70% and a gas quality for burning off, where the oil and water flows are treated in cyclone systems having defined geometric proportions and a gas portion is reinjected into the water injection flows without the use of a compressor. Gas/liquid cyclones may also be used before the choke valve so that the gas pressure is kept, or optionally reinjected or used for injector pump operation of low pressure wells.

Abstract: The method of operating rotating separator apparatus, to which fluid, including gas and liquids is supplied in a fluid jet via a nozzle, which includes separating the liquids from the gas in the stream, at a first zone within the rotating apparatus, and separating the liquids into liquids of differing density at a second zone within the apparatus. The separated liquids are removed via two open weirs which isolate the liquids in the separating zones from the shear forces from scoops within the weir passages. Longitudinal ribs may be provided for structural support, coalescence promotion and fluid recirculation inhibition.

Abstract: A tubular set for the conveyance of blood includes flexible set tubing and a bubble trap chamber connected to the tubing for any desired extracorporeal blood transport process. The bubble trap chamber includes a housing defining an outer wall, a flow inlet to the interior of the housing, and a flow outlet at or near the bottom of the housing. The housing also includes an inner wall adjacent to its top. The inner wall is radially inwardly spaced from the outer wall within the chamber, extending circumferentially and generally parallel to the outer wall for at least about 90.degree. of the circumference of the outer wall and preferably at least 180.degree., to define a circumferential passageway between the inner and outer walls. The flow inlet communicates with the circumferential passageway, so that blood can be directed to flow from the inlet horizontally and circumferentially through the passageway to a pair of passageway outlets.

Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a compressor, a condenser, a receiver and an evaporator, each having an inlet and an outlet, and a separator having an inlet and a first and second outlet, connected to each other conventionally. The separator is positioned laterally of the evaporator and closer thereto than to the compressor. A controller ensures overfeed of the evaporator by regulating the feed rate of liquid refrigerant from the receiver such that the separator is feeding the evaporator with liquid refrigerant in proportion to demand and safeguarding the desired overfeed. The separator comprises a cylindrical container having two outlets and an inlet for separating the vapor and liquid components of a refrigerant. The inlet is directed tangentially into the cylindrical container.

Abstract: The efficiency of progressing cavity pumps is drastically reduced if the liquid being pumped contains large volumes of gas. To alleviate this problem a gas separator is provided which can be attached to the suction of a downhole pump to remove gas from the liquid being pumped prior to the liquid entering the pump inlet. The separator has an elongate housing having an annular chamber with guides which direct the liquid gas mixture to flow in an annular path from the inlet to the outlet end. During this flow centrifugal forces act to displace the gas content to the central region from which it is removed via a separate central gas outlet so that liquid delivered to the pump inlet is greatly reduced in its gas content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cyclone, mainly for separating liquid from gas/vapor, which is formed upon pressure reduction of spent cooking liquid in connection with pulp production. The cyclone includes an inlet arrangement connected to a supply line and a valve and the inlet arrangement includes an insertion pipe, the length of which preferably exceeds one meter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for removing gas from a fibre/liquid suspension in a fibre treatment line in a pulp mill, which line includes at least one stage in which the fibre/liquid suspension is treated and/or stored in a large container (2) before being conveyed for further treatment. The fibre/liquid suspension is conveyed to the large container via a vessel (15) which with its lower part communicates with the large container and has a significantly smaller horizontal sectional area than the large container, but extends upwards above the level (4) of the fibre/liquid suspension in the large container, with gas being removed from the fibre/liquid suspension (19) in the area (18) of the upper part of the smaller vessel by means of the area being subjected to a subatmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A system is described for rapidly removing dissolved permanent gasses or dissolved volatile contaminants from a liquid, in which the liquid is forced through a cavitating venturi, designed and operated in a fashion to produce micro-bubbles in the high-shear, converging flow section at its entry, to coalesce a significant fraction of these micro-air bubbles in a nominally straight section of maximum restriction following the inlet section, then in a final section, a diffuser, the steam bubbles condense, having during their lives caused coalescence of a significant fraction of the micro air bubbles, which are then, with the water carrying them separated from the remaining stream and its micro-bubbles. The stream separated carries large, easily broken air bubbles which then are broken in a suitable device (four are shown, each with a proposed best design for a specific size of system). The bubbles' contents, a mixture of air, volatiles and vapor are then sent to a vacuum system for processing to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A liquid-separating unit for dental purposes has, flange-mounted on a suction machine, a liquid-separating cyclone comprising a housing which surrounds a cyclone chamber (22) and into which a motor shaft (26) of the suction machine is passed. The latter carries at the end a pump impeller (42) for discharging liquid separated in the cyclone, and also a rotationally symmetrical air discharge part (28) the peripheral wall of which tapers at least in a portion (36) in the direction from the pump impeller (42) towards an outlet pipe (96) for cleaned air.

Abstract: A simplified vacuum sewer arrangement comprises a limited number of toilet bowls, preferably at the most 60 toilet bowls, which through a sewer pipe are connected to a common sewage collecting container, and a dry rotary vane pump for generating and maintaining a considerable partial vacuum in the sewer pipe and in the collecting container. The sewage collecting container is a relatively small reservoir which has to be frequently emptied and the volume of which is preferably at the most 100 liters. A liquid separator protects the pump from moisture. A rigidly installed tube and valve system connects the pressure side of the dry rotary vane pump periodically to the collecting container for emptying the container to another location by means of the pressure created by the dry rotary vane pump.

Abstract: A fluid centrifuge device for separating fluids and/or solids comprises a non-rotatable containment vessel (6) and a rotatable shroud (6A) of conical or other form within said vessel (6). The vessel (6) is located between an inlet assembly (2) including a manifold (8) which leads to the interior of a tubing housing (14) of a turbocharger and an outlet assembly (4) including two outlets (10, 10A) for respectively clean and dirty gases. The shroud (6A) is mounted on a drive shaft (20) for rotation therewithin. The shaft (20) and the shroud (6A) are driven by turbine blades (16) or by other drive.

Abstract: A vacuum waste containment system to operate in situations where limited water is available and discharge of liquid and waste is undesirable. The system is powered by an external vacuum source. The vacuum draws the waste into a holding tank through an air water separator. The majority of the liquid and waste is deposited into the tank while the residual water is separated and drained back into the tank before reaching the vacuum source. The system has been designed for low weight to be reliable and require minimum maintenance.

Abstract: A VASPS (vertical annular separation and pumping system) is integral with a floating production vessel such as a TLP. The head section of the VASPS is located at the deck level of the vessel. The tail section is located at or near the bottom of the body of water. The head and tail sections are in fluid communication by a riser having at least two fluid passageways (conductors). The invention constitutes an improvement on the VASPS unit described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,433.

Abstract: A vacuum waste containment system to operate in situations where limited water is available and discharge of liquid and waste is undesirable. The system is powered by an external vacuum source. The vacuum draws the waste into a holding tank through an air water separator. The majority of the liquid and waste is deposited into the tank while the residual water is separated and drained back into the tank before reaching the vacuum source. The system has been designed for low weight to be reliable and require minimum maintenance.