Liquid transfer manifold system for maintaining plug flow

An improved liquid transfer manifold system for maintaining an interface between liquid phases within a large scale separator system, including:

• a cell of a large scale separator system into which liquid is introduced as separated discrete phases at an inlet zone occupying a first approximately transverse cross-sectional region of said cell whereby to develop a discrete liquid phase plug which migrates approximately longitudinally in a direction normal said first cross-sectional region towards an outlet zone occupying a second approximately transverse cross-sectional region of said cell;
• said improved manifold system comprising:
• a center well, positioned approximately at the center of one of said transverse cross-sectional regions;
• a plurality of approximately hydraulically identical primary conduits, each including a proximal end in open liquid flow communication with said center well and a remote end;
• a plurality of intermediate plenums, corresponding in number to said primary conduits, each said intermediate plenum being in open liquid flow communication with a respective said remote end of a respective said primary conduit;
• a plurality, corresponding in number to said intermediate plenums, of sets of approximately hydraulically identical secondary conduits, each of said secondary conduits within each respective said set including a proximal end in open liquid flow communication with a respective said intermediate plenum;
• and
• a plurality of groups of liquid passage devices, each said group including a plurality of individual said devices, the total population of said devices being approximately evenly distributed at a plurality of distances from said center well throughout a cross-sectional region of said cell, each said device within each said group being connected through approximately hydraulically identical liquid distribution means to a respective said intermediate plenum;
• wherein said manifold system provides a multiplicity of approximately hydraulically identical flow paths between said center well and said cell constructed and arranged for simultaneously providing a nearly identical flow rate in each said liquid passage device and maintaining an interface between liquid phases in passage through said manifold system.