In-line separator for crude oil
OwnerCarl L. Gillinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device for the continuous separation of crude oil into its major constituent phases has no moving parts and is adapted for attacment to a pressurized conduit conveying said crude oil. The device, which operates in a substantially vertical orientation, is comprised of two concentric cylindrical chambers and an internal tube which conjointly define inner and outer annular spaces. A helical surface disposed within the outer annular space achieves isolation of a water/sand mixture which is expelled from the device. A series of contact surfaces located within the inner annular space separates oil from gas. The gas phase emerges from the internal tube. The oil phase exits from a lower region of the device.
Claims9
A device for the continuous separation of crude oil into its major constituent phases comprising
- (a) a cylindrical outer envelope having an upstream upper extremity provided with a port for the inlet of a fluid stream, and a downstream lower extremity provided with ports for the egress of fluid streams,
- (b) a cylindrical interior chamber concentrically disposed within said outer envelope so as to form therewith an outer annular space, said interior chamber being closed at its upper extremity and provided adjacent its lower extremity with inlet and outlet means permitting passage of fluid streams,
- (c) a spiralled vane positioned within said outer annular space,
- (d) block-off means associated with the lowermost extremity of said vane adapted to route fluid adjacent said outer envelope out of said device via one of said ports for egress, and to route more centrally located fluids into said interior chamber via said inlet means,
- (e) a cylindrical tube coaxially centered within said interior chamber and defining therewith an inner annular space,
- (f) a series of contact discs in spaced apart relationship within said inner annular space, said discs having openings to permit passage of fluid streams, and
- (g) separating means disposed within said interior chamber adjacent the lower extremity thereof which causes gas to emerge from the oil phase and travel upwardly through said inner annular space, whereby
- (h) a stream of crude oil entering the device is divided into streams comprised of substantially gas, oil and water which separately emerge from said outer envelope.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.