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

Abstract: Equipment for use in the physical refining and deodorization of edible oils and fats, including a shell containing a number of superimposed trays for degassing, heating, cooling and deodorization purposes. The equipment also includes a scrubber that is located at the lowest part inside the deodoriser shell.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating a fluid having at least one treating zone, with a fluid inlet and separation device in it for introducing a separated mixture of liquid and gas into the treating zone. The fluid inlet device has a series of coaxially disposed circumferential vanes, in which each circumferential vane curvedly extends between an intercepting part having a substantially axially directed leading edge and a deflecting part having a substantially radially outwardly extending trailing edge, and wherein the central axis of the inlet device extends parallel or coaxial with an upwardly extending axis of the treating zone. The invention further relates to a fluid inlet device, to a use of the fluid inlet device, and to a method for treating a fluid.

Abstract: The present invention refers to three or two phase separators provided with an inlet centrifugal device (40, 70) for the preliminary separation of the gas phase from the fluid mixture; the centrifugal separation device includes a first stage (40′, 70′) having a circular section delimited by a wall (42, 63) and by the external surface of the second stage plate and a second stage (40″, 70″), internal and coaxial to the first stage, realized by a plate rolled as an ‘Archimedean’ spiral around the vertical axis common to the two stages of the centrifugal separation device, in order to operate the separation of the gas phase from the liquids, obliging the flowing fluid to follow a circular path that brings the liquid and its droplets to adhere to the wall surface (42, 63) and to the internal surface of the spiral (47), obtaining their separation from the mixture.

Abstract: The invention is a stackable packing element for use in degassing liquid ophthalmic lens monomer, and to a modular degasser and process, including an in-line degassing process, employing same. The stackable packing element is comprised of a body module and a removable puck component.

Abstract: An apparatus for separation of the fluid flow flowing through a pipeline into a light fraction and a heavier fraction has a tubular casing (2) arranged to constitute a section of the pipeline proper, a spin element (5) for rotation of the fluid flow at the upstream end of the casing (2), and a discharge element (12) downstream of the spin element (5) having opening (13) for discharge of the light fraction and possibly entrained heavier fraction. The apparatus also has a control separator (25) connected to the discharged element (12) and arranged to separate entrained heavier fraction from the light fraction, and a control system including a level transmitter (42) indicating the level of separate heavier fraction in the separator, and a level control unit (43) connected to the level transmitter (42) and to a drain valve (40, 41) in a separator outlet (28) for the light fraction.

Abstract: The invention is a stackable packing element for use in degassing liquid ophthalmic lens monomer, and to a modular degasser and process, including an in-line degassing process, employing same. The stackable packing element is comprised of a body module and a removable puck component.

Abstract: A method and system for treating crude oil to improve its flowability includes operating an internal combustion engine to produce exhaust gas, reducing the temperature of the exhaust gas, injecting cooled exhaust gas into a separator in which water is extracted to provide dry exhaust gas, pumping crude oil at an elevated pressure into a treatment vessel, compressing the dry exhaust gas to provide pressurized exhaust gas that is introduced into the treatment vessel and intimately mixing the crude oil and the pressurized exhaust gas in the treatment vessel to provide treated crude oil having a substantial portion of the exhaust gas absorbed therein to thereby provide crude oil having improved flowability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for deaeration of treatment agents applied to webs of paper and board, having an inlet manifold (3), an accept-fraction manifold (4), and a reject-fraction manifold (5). For deaeration the assembly uses a plurality of air separator units (12) connected to the manifolds so as to allow admission of the treatment agent to the air separator units (12) from the inlet manifold (3) and discharge of the accept and reject fractions formed in the air separator units (12) respectively to the accept-fraction and reject-fraction manifolds (4, 5). A cut-off valve (18) is mounted on at least the inlet manifold (3), between two parallel-operating air separator units (12), so as to permit cutting off the flow through the manifold (3) at this location of the cut-off valve, dividing the plural air separator units (12) by the cut-off valve (18) into two groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating gas and liquid from a medium flowing in a line, and to a method for separating such a medium, in particular a gas-liquid mixture, in the device, which separates gas and liquid particles from one another at high and low flow speeds. High-quality phase separation that is independent of the flow speed is achieved in that both a surface tension of the liquid and different forces of inertia of the liquid and gas prevent a flow of the liquid through openings of a separator element.

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

Abstract: The present invention refers to three or two phase separators provided with an inlet centrifugal device (40, 70) for the preliminary separation of the gas phase from the fluid mixture; the centrifugal separation device includes a first stage (40′, 70′) having a circular section delimited by a wall (42, 63) and by the external surface of the second stage plate and a second stage (40″, 70″), internal and coaxial to the first stage, realized by a plate rolled as an ‘Archimedean’ spiral around the vertical axis common to the two stages of the centrifugal separation device, in order to operate the separation of the gas phase from the liquids, obliging the flowing fluid to follow a circular path that brings the liquid and its droplets to adhere to the wall surface (42, 63) and to the internal surface of the spiral (47), obtaining their separation from the mixture.

Abstract: A rotary phase separator includes an accumulator and a liquid outlet valve to separate the phases of a liquid/gas mixture. The separator includes a housing defining a radial accumulator chamber and supporting a shaft, and a motor to drive the shaft for rotation about a longitudinal axis. A plurality of disks and cylinders are attached to the shaft to create frictional contact with the mixture to drive the liquid outward against an inner wall of the separator, thereby displacing the gas to a central region about the shaft. A liquid outlet on the inner wall includes a valve seal held closed by a control springs until a predetermined differential pressure is reached. The gas exits through an opening in the hollow shaft to a gas outlet tube. A valve member actuated by a solenoid seals the gas outlet tube until sufficient gas has accumulated to allow separation.

Abstract: A centrifugal vapor/liquid separator separates the vapor and liquid in a flash of hydrocarbon and steam mixture, such that only the vapor stream is fed and processed further downstream. The design of the separator ensures that all partially wetted surfaces in the separator, except at the vapor outlet pipe, are well-wetted and washed by the non-vaporized liquid portion of the feed or by injection of external liquid thus ensuring that no coke deposition occurs inside the separator. The flash temperature in the separator therefore can be increased beyond the typical limit thus achieving a deeper cut into the feed and recovering a larger fraction of the feed as vapor for further downstream processing.

Abstract: The system removes contaminating gases, such as radon, from water using a bubbling action. Contaminated water is sprayed together with air through a duct to a bottom region of a bubbling container. The water and air move generally in the same direction through the system, allowing the flow rate to be varied while maintaining forced air/water contact. The aerated contaminated water bubbles upwardly through the bubbling container and passes through one or more diffusing or mixing plates causing the aerated contaminated water to further break out contaminating gases into the air. At the top region of the bubbling container, the contaminating gases are vented while the decontaminated water flows into a tank. The decontaminated water can then be pumped to a desired location, for example, to a house water system.

Abstract: A technique is described for producing fluids from a series of wells. Production fluids from production wells are raised from the wells and deposited in a separation unit. The production fluids typically include both liquid and gas phase components. The separation unit utilizes a plurality of separation stages to separate the gas and liquid phase components in the production fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing solvents, utilizing a solvent removal unit equipped with an upper liquid supporting member provided with a bottom portion which supports the solvent suspension and which is provided with an opened hole, and a lower liquid supporting member provided at a lower side and at a distance from said upper liquid supporting member, such that the solvent suspension is dropped from the upper liquid supporting member to the lower liquid supporting member, and that the solvent suspension is brought into contact with a gaseous phase while it is being dropped.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stripping a volatile compound from waste water comprises creating a high velocity spray of air and stream of water at a first inlet to a first expansion chamber to volatize the compound, recombining the water and air flow through a second and successive expansion chambers and recreating a spray at each such chamber, whereby additional volatile compounds are released from the water at each stage to steadily reduce the contamination of the water. The decontaminated water and volatile compound-laden air are separately collected after exiting the last expansion chamber.

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 longitudinally horizontal pressure vessel desalts a fluid mixture of oil, an emulsion of oil globules encapsulated in salt water casings, gas and/or free water. A vertical wall splits the vessel into a double length flow path extending from an inlet to separate outlets for discharging the gas, the free water and the oil. A plurality of vertical baffles at intervals between the inlet and the outlets are divided along horizontal lines into a lowermost perforated zone for passing free water, a lower central zone for blocking passage of the emulsion, an upper central perforated zone for stripping the salt water casing from the oil globules and for passing oil and an uppermost open zone for passing gas. The line dividing the lower and upper central zones of each baffle are higher than the corresponding line of each preceding baffle along the flow path extending from the inlet to the outlets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a submersible pumping system which includes a tapered flow gas separation system. The tapered flow gas separation system of the present invention includes at least a first and second gas separator. The first separator is configured to receive and process a first flow rate of production liquid. The first separator is adapted to draw production liquid from a production casing and to separate a first portion of gas from the production liquid. The second separator is configured to receive and process a second flow rate of production liquid which is less than the first flow rate received by the first separator. The second separator is adapted to receive the production liquid from the first separator and to separate a second portion of gas from the production liquid.

Abstract: A flow through bubble trap for fluid flow lines comprises a chamber having a substantially flat, lateral side, a first port tube, and a second, opposed port tube. A flow directing baffle system is positioned in the chamber to direct incoming fluid from one of the port tubes into a first, lateral flow direction to allow substantially horizontal fluid flow circulation in the chamber. Fluid flow from the circulating fluid in the chamber enters into the other of the port tubes in a lateral flow direction that is generally the same as the first lateral flow direction, while the baffle system prevents direct flow between the first and second port tubes. The chamber is adaptable to fit with a large variety of conventional dialysis machines and the like, having multi-purpose supplemental access ports, for a simplification of the number of codes necessary for product distribution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a first liquid phase from second liquid phase and entrained air and solids. More particularly, the apparatus removes tramp oil, metal shavings and other solids from coolant used in metal-working machines. The apparatus can also be used to remove air and solids from a single liquid phase. The apparatus is compact and simple to use. It overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art devices, including their tendency to become plugged with oily material.

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 multistage two-phase turbine having multiple stages to receive fluid, each stage having an inlet and outlet including nozzles at the inlet to each stage to accelerate the fluid that consists of a mixture of gas and liquid, to form two-phase jets; a rotating separator structure to receive and separate the two-phase jets into gas streams and liquid streams in each stage; the turbine having a rotating output shaft, and there being structure to convert the kinetic energy of the liquid streams into shaft power; structure to remove the separated liquid from at least one stage and transfer it to nozzles at the next stage; structure to remove the separated liquid from the last stage and transfer it to primary outlet structure; and structure to remove the separated gas from at least one stage and transfer it to a secondary outlet structure.

Abstract: A device and a method for the continuous degassing of casting resin. A housing (1) is provided which has an inlet (2) and an outlet (3) for passage of the casting resin and is connected to a vacuum source (4). In order to achieve with a compact design of the housing a complete continuous degassing of the casting resin material, several spatially connected areas (5) are provided in the housing (1), through which areas the casting resin is sequentially guided. A structure (6; 14; 16; 35) for applying the casting resin to a degassing surface (40) are provided in each of the areas. A brush or comb 42 is provided for slicing through the casting resin so that new surfaces in the casting resin are created which are sufficient to enhance any gas contained within the casting resin to surface and be removed from the vessel through the connection to the vacuum source. A transferring structure is provided for transferring the casting resin into the next adjacent area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spray degasser for removing gas from a liquid, comprising:i) a boiler having at least one sprayer compartment,ii) the sprayer compartment comprises a radial sprayer which is connected to a liquid feed for spraying the liquid for degassing as a spray screen over the liquid present in the boiler,iii) a feed pipe for feeding into the liquid present in the boiler vapour to create in the sprayer compartment a gas containing vapour,iv) an outlet in the sprayer compartment for venting the gas removed from the liquid, andv) an outlet in the boiler for degassed liquid.

Abstract: A liquid/gas separator has a pipe section receiving a liquid/gas mixture to be separated and discharging gas that is substantially free of liquid. A first drain (8) is coupled to the upstream end of the pipe section for draining liquid that has undergone preliminary separation from the gas. A plurality of fixed vanes (15,16) are arranged in a pair of vane sets positioned in the pipe section downstream of the first drain. The vane sets are concentrically mounted in the pipe section to form a radially inner vane set and a radially outer vane set. The vanes of each vane set are disposed about the axis of the pipe section and oriented to impart a swirl to the liquid/gas mixture causing further separation of the liquid from the gas. A second drain (9) downstream of the vanes drains liquid that is separated from the gas by the vanes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating the liquid phase and the gas phase of a liquid/gas mixture and for substantially eliminating slug flow is provided. The apparatus includes a housing containing a separation table positioned in an inclined position within the housing. The liquid/gas mixture flows into the housing through an inlet and spreads over the surface of the separation table. As the mixture spreads over the table, entrained gas is released and the liquid is decelerated. The separated liquid and gas then pass through orifices in the separation table and are separately discharged from the housing. In a second version, a plurality of separation tables may be contained in the housing.

Abstract: A tank for propellant in a space vehicle includes a trap defined by two walls which are substantially permeable to liquid but not to vapour. One wall (16) allows liquid to flow into the trap. The other (7,8) allows liquid to flow out via an outlet port. Vapour in the trap escapes via a vent (19,20). The wall (16) which allows liquid to flow to the outlet include a plurality of plates (1) clamped together. The surfaces (9) of the plates (1) are grooved such that plate surfaces engage to form fine passages (10) permeable to liquid but not vapour.

Abstract: A device and a method for the continuous degassing of casting resin comprising a housing (1) which has an inlet (2) and an outlet (3) for passage of the casting resin and is connected to a vacuum source (4). In order to achieve with a compact design of the housing a complete continuous degassing of the casting resin material, several separate but spatially connected areas (5) are provided in the housing (1), through which areas the casting resin is sequentially guided. A structure (6; 14; 16; 35) for applying the casting resin to a degassing surface (40) are provided in each of the areas. A stripping structure (7; 17; 35; 37) is provided in each of the areas for removing the casting resin from the degassing surfaces and simultaneously transferring the casting resin into the next adjacent area.

Abstract: A multiple, self-adjusting downhole gas separator includes an external decanting pipe having perforations about the periphery thereof, and a concentric inner suction pipe equipped with inverted L-shaped suction pipe by-passes extending outwardly and downwardly from the periphery of the inner suction pipe. A plurality of respective retention cups are resiliently supported on the inner suction pipe by elastic elements. The retention cups are located in the space between the external decanting pipe and the inner suction pipe and are vertically spaced from each other with a respective L-shaped suction cup by-pass extending into each retention cup. The lower end of the external decanting pipe is closed to define a decanting chamber into which the lower end of the inner suction pipe extends.

Abstract: A system for separating an air-liquid mixture in a low gravity environment is disclosed having a high speed separator to initially process the air-liquid mixture. A second, low-speed separator has its inlet connected to the liquid discharge outlet of the high speed separator in order to remove the entrained air bubbles from the liquid discharge of the high speed separator. The low speed separator has a stationary housing enclosing a rotating, paddle-type separator. The housing defines a liquid collector portion which communicates directly with a liquid discharge outlet. Air removed by the low speed separator may be vented to the ambient atmosphere, or may be returned to the air-liquid mixture inlet of the high speed separator.

Abstract: A modular air stripper apparatus comprised of a plurality of stacked air stripping chambers.