Abstract: A spout, system, and method for producing a foam from a pressurized mixture of a liquid containing gas bubbles, e.g., air bubbles. The spout consists of a spout enclosure defining the body of the spout, and which receives the pressurized mixture and conveys the foam out of the spout enclosure. The spout enclosure houses a plurality of screens disposed in series that successively screen the pressurized mixture. Each screen is separated from a consecutive screen by a screen spacing. The screening of the pressurized mixture progressively transforms the gas bubbles in the liquid into foam bubbles of a smaller and generally uniform size. The system uses a manifold having a plurality of intakes which introduce under pressure into a chamber gas, and a solute, solvent or liquid, thereby generating the pressurized mixture containing gas bubbles. This mixture is conveyed out of the chamber via an outtake to the spout enclosure.

Abstract: A gas-liquid separator includes a housing which encloses a separation chamber, an inlet port for feeding the multi-phase flow into the separation chamber, a liquid outlet port for discharging the liquid dominated flow from the separation chamber and a gas outlet port provided at a position above both the inlet port and the liquid outlet port for discharging the gas dominated flow from the separation chamber. Both the inlet port and the liquid outlet port are positioned adjacent to an elongated lower bottom wall of the housing and define a flow direction into the and out of the separation chamber approximately aligned along the bottom wall. The separation chamber extends above the bottom wall in between the inlet port and the liquid outlet port. The liquid outlet port is provided with a gas seal to prevent entrainment of free gas from the separation chamber into the liquid outlet port.

Abstract: A system and process for an improvement to a gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (“GLCC”) separator to reduce gas carry-under to the liquid outlet of the separator is described. The means for reducing gas carry-under is arranged within the interior space of the separator and below the inclined inlet of the separator to affect the tangential flow of the incoming liquid-and-gas mixture stream into the interior space. The reducing means may be a vortex locator, preferably in the form of a horizontal plate, arranged coaxial with the separator vessel and located at a vortex formation point within the interior space. The reducing means may also be a plurality of vertical baffles located at a lower end of the separator vessel and extending radially inward from the wall of the vessel. The reducing means may also be a combination of the horizontal plate and vertical baffles.

Abstract: Phase separator comprising a housing with a main inlet and a main outlet and one or more secondary outlets, the main inlet arranged for allowing the multiphase mixture to enter the phase separator and the main outlet arranged for allowing the treated multi-phase mixture to leave the phase separator, i.e. after separation of phase entities from the multi-phase mixture, the one or more secondary outlets arranged for allowing the separated phase entities to leave the phase separator, characterized in that the phase separator further comprises compartmentalization means.

Abstract: A gas separator is configured to separate gas from a two-phase fluid. The gas separator includes a rotatable shaft and one or more separation stages. At least one of the one or more separation stages includes a rotor connected to the rotatable shaft and a channeled compression tube, wherein the channeled compression tube includes a compression tube hub and a plurality of channels. The channels are configured to isolate abrasive solid particles from the rotary components within the gas separator. The gas separator may optionally include a streamer upstream from the separation stage that reduces rotational currents upstream from the rotor.

Abstract: A removal device for removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from a liquid in a conduit system includes a housing (12) with an entry (14) and an exit (16) and a inter space (18) which is defined by the housing (12), wherein in the inter space a number of plates (20) are provided which extend substantially transversally to a main flow direction (58), wherein the plates (20) define a main ongoing flow channel (22), and wherein the plate define branch flow channels (21) which end in at least one quiet zone (44;48), and wherein at least one plate (50) defines a merge flow channel for a merge flow which merges with the main flow (22) at a merge point which is located downstream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit (3) for deaeration of drainage water from a paper machine, said unit comprising an inlet (8) for receiving the drainage water in a first flow direction, an outlet (39) for removing the drainage water to a subsequent deaeration channel, and a first chamber (5) that is arranged downstream of the inlet, said first chamber comprising a first chamber part (18), which comprises a guide wall portion (37) for redirecting the drainage water in a second flow direction that differs from the first flow direction, said guide wall portion being formed by a plurality of curved guide walls (10, 23) which interact with the drainage water so that the drainage water is decelerated and air is forced out of the drainage water, and two end walls (25, 26) which are arranged on respective sides of the guide walls, wherein each end wall of at least one of the flow channels exhibits an opening (27) that communicates with the flow channel for removing air that has been released from the drainage water in

Abstract: A separator tank (1) for separating oil and gas from water, and comprising an essentially cylindrical vertical tank casing (3) with a plurality of separator tank units (2). The separator tank units (2, 2?, 2?) are arranged on top of one another within a central area in an inner annular enclosure (4) that divides the separator tank into an annular outer area (5) and the central area. The flow paths of fluids to inlets (7) in the separator tank units (2) and from at least one second outlet (9) in the separator tank units are arranged at least in the annular outer area.

Abstract: A separator tank (1) for separating oil and gas from water, and comprising separator tank units (2, 2?, 2?) arranged on top of one another within an annular enclosure (4). An inlet pipe (14) is connected with the inlet for fluid in a first of the at least two separator tank units. A second outlet (9) in the first separator tank unit (2) is connected with the inlet (7) for fluid in a second of the at least two separator tank units (2?). A pressure control device controls the pressure downstream of the first outlets for oil and gas (8) so that the pressure at the first outlets (8) is lower than the pressure at the water outlet (26) on the separator tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a first fluid from a fluid mixture. In one embodiment water containing methane is passed through an agitation chamber with a plate at the chamber's proximal and distal ends. Both plates have orifices permitting the mixed fluid to pass into and out of the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid rotates about its axis of flow through the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid passes through a separation chamber having a plurality of baffles that promote separation of the methane from the methane/water mixture. In one embodiment, the separated methane is removed from the water in a collection chamber that facilitates gravity separation of the mixed fluids.

Abstract: A controlled flow drain having an upper flange coupled to a lower flange. The upper flange defines an inlet cavity and the lower flange defines a swirl chamber. The inlet cavity and swirl chamber are in fluid communication via a swirl nozzle defined within a swirl nozzle plate that separates the inlet cavity from the swirl chamber. After separating debris within the drain fluid, the drain fluid is accelerated through the swirl nozzle and discharged into the swirl chamber, and more debris is thereby separated and eventually settles into an annular groove. The drain fluid may then exit the lower flange via an exit control passage. The swirl chamber may be flushed with a series of flushing liquid injection ports symmetrically-arrayed about the annular groove. Flushing the swirl chamber removes fluidized debris and also remove any built up fouling present on the swirl nozzle and exit control passage.

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: A fluid storage tank including an entrained air removal mechanism is provided. The entrained air removal mechanism assists in consolidating small air bubbles entrained within the fluid into larger bubbles such that the air bubbles have sufficient buoyancy to escape the fluid flow. The entrained air removal mechanism may be in the form of a plurality of saw toothed slots communicating different chambers within the fluid storage tank. The fluid storage tank can also be configured to direct fluid flow towards the sidewalls of the fluid storage tank as the fluid transitions from one chamber to another to promote heat transfer out of the fluid storage tank and to avoid the fluid within the tank acting as a thermal insulator.

Abstract: A beverage production device comprises a beverage production chamber designed to have a liquid interact with a beverage ingredient contained in a capsule, a liquid supply member for supplying liquid to the beverage production chamber, a heating member provided in the liquid supply member for heating the liquid, and an air separating compartment provided in the liquid supply member after the heating member for separating any air or other gas contained in the liquid. The air separating compartment comprises an inlet for introducing liquid into the air separating compartment, a member for breaking the kinetic energy of the liquid introduced through the inlet, a liquid outlet for evacuating liquid from the air separating compartment, and an air outlet for evacuating air from the air separating compartment.

Abstract: A subsea system includes a multiphase pump, configured to transfer a multiphase fluid and a multiphase separator, configured to separate the multiphase fluid into solid, liquid, and gaseous phases. The multiphase separator includes a solid-liquid separation device, which is configured to facilitate separation of the solid phase and the liquid phase from the multiphase fluid. The multiphase separator includes a gas-liquid separation device, which is configured to facilitate separation of the gaseous phase and the liquid phase from the multiphase fluid. The multiphase separator includes a liquid reservoir, which is configured to contain a volume of the liquid phase to be used as a lubricant for the multiphase pump. Finally, the multiphase separator includes a liquid outlet, which is configured to transfer the liquid phase from the liquid reservoir to the multiphase pump.

Abstract: An air eliminator including a housing having first and second portions, the housing defining: a chamber, an inlet in fluid communication with the chamber; an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber; and an axis extending from the first portion to the second portion, a float assembly connected to the first portion of the chamber for releasing air from the chamber, and degassing disks stacked within the chamber along an axis, wherein each disk includes a plurality of rings such that the degassing disks cause micro gas pockets in water passing through the chamber to combine into relatively large and buoyant air pockets that collect and pass along the axis to the float assembly for release.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a first fluid from a fluid mixture. In one embodiment water containing methane is passed through an agitation chamber with a plate at the chamber's proximal and distal ends. Both plates have orifices permitting the mixed fluid to pass into and out of the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid rotates about its axis of flow through the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid passes through a separation chamber having a plurality of baffles that promote separation of the methane from the methane/water mixture. In one embodiment, the separated methane is removed from the water in a collection chamber that facilitates gravity separation of the mixed fluids. In one embodiment, liquid hydrocarbon is removed from water.

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: This invention provides a mixer without a rotational or similar structure, capable of mixing quickly several liquids including at least one liquid being prone to gel or solidify, a mixing device with the mixer incorporated, and a medical component-measuring unit capable of reducing the formation of thrombi and accurately measuring the concentration of glucose, and with a small time constant, which unit can be incorporated into medical support devices, such as artificial endocrine pancreas devices. The mixer has an air bubble-trapping structure for temporarily trapping air bubbles supplied to a surface of a mixing channel through which liquids to be mixed flow. The mixing device has the mixer, an air bubble supplier or generator to make air bubbles exist in the mixing channel, and a liquid supplier for supplying liquids to be mixed to a liquid inlet. The medical component-measuring unit has the mixer or the mixing device.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a dialysis fluid cassette is disclosed. The cassette includes a plurality of walls defining at least one valve chamber, a dialysis fluid inlet, a dialysis fluid outlet and a dialysis fluid pathway. The cassette further includes a baffle extending from a first one of the walls to an opposing second one of the walls. The baffle includes an end fixed to a third one of the plurality of walls and a free end. The fixed end separates the dialysis fluid inlet from the dialysis fluid outlet and the baffle and the plurality of walls are constructed and arranged such that the flow of dialysis fluid along the pathway defined in part by the baffle slows as the flow approaches the free end of the baffle.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a wafer cleaning apparatus that reduces the amount of dissolved oxygen, without using hydrogen peroxide, to be able to reduce the deformation, etc. of a wafer and to reduce silicon consumption and a wafer cleaning method using the same.

Abstract: A bubble reduction system for a fluid flowing system is provided. The bubble reduction system can include a vat containing a fluid, a pump operable to pump the fluid into the vat, a moat containing a portion of the fluid and a bubble trap also containing a portion of the fluid. The bubble trap can have an upstream section and a downstream section with a panel located between the two sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density. The device comprises an inlet for the medium mixture to be separated, which connects to first separating means for separating the flowing mixture in at least a first and a second fraction, and that connect to first and second outlet means for discharging the first and second fractions. The device further comprises a feedback loop comprising second separating means between the second outlet means and the inlet means of the first separating means. The invention also relates to a method for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density, using the claimed device. The device and method allow to obtain a more selective separation, particularly in purifying natural gas.

Abstract: A pressurized container (10, 20) for containing oil and a gas dissolved therein at a constant overall average pressure at a pressure above atmospheric pressure comprising a means (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) for introducing a local area of reduced pressure within the oil. Preferably the local area of reduced pressure result in the gas dissolved in the oil evolving from the oil. This enables gas to be evolved from the oil without needing to reduce the pressure of the entire volume of oil which the gas is to be evolved from. The evolved gas and remaining oil occupy a greater volume than did the gas containing oil and consequently the pressure in the vessel will increase. This will allow the gas to be drawn off while the overall pressure of the container (10, 20) is maintained.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oil-gas-water multi-phase flow adjusting apparatus, which mainly comprises an inlet accelerating pipe section, a vortex flow guide spiral pipe, a gas circuit exit connection pipe section, a liquid receiving cone, a mixed liquid relief exit connection pipe section and a sampler exit connection pipe section, and which has the function for changing at intervals the flow pattern, the flow state and the components of the oil-gas-water multi-phase flow. The invention also relates to an oil-gas-water multi-phase flow rate measuring apparatus and its measuring method. The measuring apparatus comprises a blind three-way mixing means, a pressure differential type flow measuring device, a single-? phase volume fraction meter, a dual-? phase volume fraction meter, an oil-gas-water multi-phase flow adjusting apparatus and a computing system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a first fluid from a fluid mixture. In one embodiment water containing methane is passed through an agitation chamber with a plate at the chamber's proximal and distal ends. Both plates have orifices permitting the mixed fluid to pass into and out of the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid rotates about its axis of flow through the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid passes through a separation chamber having a plurality of baffles that promote separation of the methane from the methane/water mixture. In one embodiment, the separated methane is removed from the water in a collection chamber that facilitates gravity separation of the mixed fluids. In one embodiment, liquid hydrocarbon is removed from water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for improved separation or clarification of solids from a solids-laden liquid. Entrained gasses can also be removed. A liquid to be treated is introduced into the inlet of a solid-liquid separator modified to include one or more sources of vibrational energy. The liquid to be treated is directed through a conduit within the separator. Preferably the conduit within the separator is configured into a tortuous flow path to assist in the separation of solids from the liquid. Vibrational energy is applied to the flow path, preferably through the flow path conduit. As solids fall out of solution, they are collected. The clarified liquid is also collected. A vacuum can be applied to the system to assist in moving the solid-liquid mixture through the system and to provide vacuum clarification. Electrocoagulation electrodes and gas sparging can also be employed.

Abstract: A dialysis fluid cassette includes a rigid portion defining at least one valve chamber, the rigid portion further defining an air separation chamber, the air separation chamber when in an operating position including an inner surface, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and configured to cause a dialysis fluid to spiral around the inner surface toward the fluid outlet, such that air is removed from the dialysis fluid.

Abstract: A fluid chamber having an inlet and an outlet at the top of the chamber. The inlet is arrange so that fluid entering the chamber at the inlet sweeps the top of the chamber so as to direct any air bubbles naturally collecting at the top of the chamber or which may be trapped in the entering fluid stream toward the outlet.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional air bubble trapping apparatus includes a plurality of chambers, each having an inflow and outflow channel at both ends, and which traps air bubbles in a material introduced through the inflow channel, wherein the chambers are divided into a previous chamber and a next chamber based on a moving direction of the material in the chamber, and wherein the outflow channel of the previous chamber is connected to the inflow channel of the next chamber, and wherein a face perpendicular to an outflow direction of the material in the outflow channel of the previous chamber is not disposed parallel with a face perpendicular to the outflow direction of the material in the outflow channel of the next chamber, whereby air bubbles in the material are trapped without being affected by an angle defined by a gravity direction and vibration of the apparatus.

Abstract: A device in connection with a pipe separator. The pipe separator comprising an extended tubular body (1) with a diameter that is principally the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the inlet pipe (3) of the pipe separator. A gas manifold (2) is arranged in connection with the inlet pipe. The manifold (2) includes a number of vertical degassing pipes (7), which are connected to the supply pipe (3) immediately ahead of the inlet to the separator and which end in an overlying, preferably slightly inclined gas collection pipe (6). The manifold is designed so that the gas will be diverted up through the vertical degassing pipes and collected in the gas collection pipe (6) for return to the outlet pipe after the separator or transported onwards to a gas tank or gas processing plant or the like.

Abstract: A dialysis fluid cassette includes a rigid portion defining at least one valve chamber, the rigid portion further defining an air separation chamber, the air separation chamber when in an operating position including a first sidewall and a second sidewall, a first fluid opening, a second fluid opening, and a separation wall extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, the separation wall having a free edge residing within the air separation chamber, the separation wall forcing the dialysis fluid to flow from one of the fluid openings around the free edge of the separation wall to the other of the openings.

Abstract: A dialysis fluid cassette includes a rigid portion defining first and second valve chambers, the rigid portion further defining an air separation chamber in fluid communication with the first and second valve chambers, the air separation chamber including a baffle and structured such that when the cassette is placed in a dialysis instrument, (i) the baffle extends upwardly from a bottom of the air separation chamber and (ii) first and second openings to the air separation chamber, communicating fluidly and respectively with the first and second valve chambers, are located near the bottom of the air separation chamber, such that the dialysis fluid is forced up one side of the baffle and down the other side of the baffle when flowing through the air separation chamber.

Abstract: A sand separation system includes a first separator (2) that is constructed and arranged to receive a first mixture of gas, sand and liquid, and separate gas at least partially from the first mixture to leave a second mixture of sand and liquid. A second separator (22) comprising a uniaxial cyclonic separator is constructed and arranged to receive the second mixture and separate liquid at least partially from the second mixture to leave a third mixture of sand and liquid. A third separator (34) comprising a gravity separator is constructed and arranged to receive the third mixture and separate liquid at least partially from the third mixture.

Abstract: Coating material is fed into a vacuum container inside which are apparatus for separating gas from the coating material. The degassing apparatus (10) has two separate compartments (11, 12) so that degassing is carried out in two different stages by using a single apparatus.

Abstract: A dialysis fluid cassette includes a rigid portion defining at least one valve chamber, the rigid portion further defining an air separation chamber, the air separation chamber when in an operating position including an inner surface, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and configured to cause a dialysis fluid to spiral around the inner surface toward the fluid outlet, such that air is removed from the dialysis fluid.

Abstract: A fuel system for an energy conversion device includes a deoxygenator system with a multitude of flow impingement elements which are interleaved to provide a fuel channel with intricate two-dimensional flow characteristics. The flow impingement elements break up the boundary layers and enhance the transport of oxygen from the core of the of the fuel flow within the fuel channel to the oxygen permeable membrane surfaces by directing the fuel flow in a direction normal to the oxygen permeable membrane. The rapid mixing of the relatively rich oxygen core of the fuel with the relatively oxygen-poor flow near the oxygen permeable membrane enhances the overall removal rate of oxygen from the fuel. Because this process can be accomplished in fuel channels of relatively larger flow areas while maintaining laminar flow, the pressure drop sustained is relatively low.

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: Bubble traps for removing bubbles from a stream of liquid and flexible containers comprising such bubble traps are disclosed. The bubble trap includes a containment chamber fluidly coupled to an outlet conduit. At least one grate is disposed between the containment chamber and the outlet conduit. The at least one grate includes a plurality of grate inlets formed in a grate wall and fluidly coupled to the outlet conduit with a plurality of grate conduits such that the containment chamber is fluidly coupled to the outlet conduit. The grate traps bubbles entrained in the stream of liquid flowing from the containment chamber to the outlet conduit in the containment chamber when the bubbles are greater than or equal to a diameter of the grate inlets.

Abstract: Emergency lubrication systems and methods for an engine are provided. One system includes a primary lubrication system including a de-aeration oil tank configured to store de-aerated oil until the oil is de-aerated, a first oil supply line configured to provide de-aerated oil to the engine, and a first valve configured to control the flow of oil through the primary lubrication system. The system further includes a secondary lubrication system including a second valve coupled to the de-aeration oil tank and configured to control the flow of oil through the secondary lubrication system, and a second oil supply line coupled to the engine and to the de-aeration oil tank via the second valve. One method includes the steps of detecting a predetermined event in the engine, preventing the aerated oil from entering the primary lubrication system, and using the aerated oil in the secondary lubrication system to lubricate the engine.

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: Systems and methods to degas fluids are described herein. A fluid degassing treatment system may include a reservoir and/or one or more fluid treatment systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for treating a process fluid. The system includes a modular arrangement that includes ten modules for; reducing the amount of dissolved and entrained hydrogen sulfide gas in the process fluid; monitoring the pH of the process fluid; storing the process fluid; reducing an amount of oil from the process fluid; and flocculating the process fluid; measuring the amount of oil in the process fluid; providing ventilation supply air to at least one of the modules; removing hydrogen sulfide gas from a sour gas; delivering gases to a burner system; and controlling the processes of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stackable packing element for use in degassing liquid ophthalmic lens monomer and a lens resulting therefrom. One or more stackable elements can be used to form a modular degasser and implement an in-line degassing process, employing same. The stackable packing element is comprised of a body module and a removable puck component.

Abstract: A fluid separating vessel (1) comprises: a liquid outlet (3) near the bottom of the vessel; a gaseous fluid outlet (4) near the top of the vessel; a plurality of cyclones (5) arranged in an upper region of the vessel in which at least some liquid droplets that may be entrained in the substantially gaseous fluid stream flowing in upward direction from a fluid inlet (2) towards the gaseous fluid outlet (4) are coalesced, separated from the gaseous carrier fluid and induced to drip down towards the liquid outlet (3) via a liquid return conduit(7); and a plurality of rotating liquid coalescing centrifuges (8) that are arranged below the cyclones (5), in which liquid coalescing centrifuges (8) fluid fed to the cyclones (5) is pre-treated such that at least some liquid droplets that may be entrained in the substantially gaseous fluid stream flowing in upward direction from the fluid inlet towards the cyclones are coalesced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for removing bubbles from a process liquid. The process liquid can comprise a plating solution used in a plating tool. The process liquid is supplied to a tank. A plurality of streams of the process liquid are directed towards a surface of the process liquid from below. This can be done by feeding the process liquid to a flow distributor comprising a plurality of openings providing flow communication between an inner volume of the flow distributor and a main volume of the tank. Before leaving the tank through an outlet, the process liquid flows through a flow barrier.

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 portable degasser, flare tank and fluid storage system for use during oil well exploratory drilling which when connected to the fluid blow-out prevention hardware of an active drilling operation prevents the accidental spillage of liquid ejected under pressure from the drill bore hole.

Abstract: A gas separator is configured to separate gas from a two-phase fluid. The gas separator includes a rotatable shaft, a plurality of separation stages and an outer housing. Each of the plurality of separation stages includes a rotor connected to the rotatable shaft, a diffuser downstream from the rotor and a crossover downstream from the diffuser. Each crossover is configured to remove gas from its respective separation stage. The outer housing includes a separate group of discharge ports for each separation stage to permit the removal of gas from each separation stage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gas/liquid separation on an array of jets or streams of liquid is provided. Layers of substantially spherical aggregates of meshed material are provided to “quiet” high-velocity liquid flow with entrained gas to provide a uniform flow at moderate or low velocity from which the gas has been substantially separated from the liquid.