Sand separator with ceramic insert

A method for constructing a sand separator, the method comprising:

• positioning a first alignment ring in a first arm of a fixture;
• positioning a second alignment ring in a second arm of the fixture, wherein the fixture holds the first and second alignment rings in position relative to one another;
• casting an insert from a ceramic material at least partially within the first and second alignment rings;
• and
• receiving the insert, the first alignment ring, and the second alignment ring in a housing having an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, wherein the inlet, the first outlet, and the second outlet each communicate with a vortical flow chamber defined within the insert.

A sand separator, comprising:

• an insert defining a vortical flow chamber therein, wherein the insert comprises a cylindrical portion and a conical portion, and wherein the insert is made at least partially from a ceramic material;
• an inlet extending through the insert in the cylindrical portion and configured to introduce a mixed fluid into the vortical flow chamber;
• a first outlet extending through vertically upward from the cylindrical portion and configured to receive a first portion of the mixed fluid from the vortical flow chamber, the first portion having a reduced sand content as compared to the mixed fluid;
• a second outlet extending vertically downward from the conical portion and configured to receive a second portion of the mixed fluid from the vortical flow chamber, the second portion having an increased sand content as compared to the mixed fluid;
• a first alignment ring fixed to the insert and located proximal to a top of the insert, and wherein the inlet extends through the first alignment ring;
• and
• a second alignment ring fixed to the insert and located proximal to a bottom of the insert, wherein the second outlet extends axially through the second alignment ring.

A sand separator, comprising:

• an insert defining a vortical flow chamber therein, wherein the insert comprises a cylindrical portion and a conical portion, and wherein the insert is made at least partially from a ceramic material;
• an inlet extending through the insert in the cylindrical portion and configured to introduce a sand-laden fluid into the vortical flow chamber;
• a first outlet extending through vertically upward from the cylindrical portion and configured to receive a fluid portion of the sand-laden fluid from the vortical flow chamber;
• a second outlet extending vertically downward from the conical portion and configured to receive a sand portion of the sand-laden fluid from the vortical flow chamber;
• and
• an alignment ring fixed to the insert and located proximal to a bottom of the insert, wherein the second outlet extends axially through the alignment ring.