Phase separator
AssigneeExxon Research & Engineering Co.
InventorPatrick H. Terry
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides an improvement in separating a mixture of two distinct fluid phases of the same or different materials, one dispersed in the other, by ejecting a flowing stream of the mixed fluid phases from a conduit and then deflecting the ejected stream radially outwardly whereby centrifugal and gravitational forces cause the flowing stream to separate with the less dense phase of the two phases forming a top layer and the more dense phase forming a bottom layer and thereafter directing the more dense phase to flow into a conduit leading to a separate chamber.
Claims11
A method of separating a mixture of two distinct fluid phases, one dispersed in the other, comprising:
- ejecting a stream of the mixed fluid phases from a conduit;
- deflecting the ejected stream radially outwardly by means of a substantially flow streamlining deflector, thereby imparting centrifugal and gravitational forces to the stream of mixed fluid phases to form a stream having a less dense phase top layer and a more dense phase bottom layer;
- hydrodynamically preventing the less dense phase from penetrating the more dense phase;
- and
- directly the less dense phase to flow upwardly into a first chamber and the more dense phase to flow downwardly into a second chamber.
An apparatus for separating a mixture of two distinct fluid phases comprising:
- a vessel having a first chamber and a second chamber;
- conduit means for introducing a flowing stream of a mixture of two distinct fluid phases into the vessel;
- a flow streamlining deflector for directing the flowing stream introduced into the vessel radially outwardly to form a stream having a top layer of a less dense phase and a bottom layer of a more dense phase;
- a sealing ring which hydrodynamically seals the less dense from more dense phase and which directs the more dense phase to flow downwardly into the second chamber;
- and, a baffle which directs the less dense phase to flow into the first chamber.
An apparatus for separating a mixture of two distinct fluid phases comprising:
- a vessel having a cylindrical body including a first chamber and a second chamber;
- a conduit introducing a flowing stream of a mixture of two distinct fluid phases into the vessel;
- a flow streamlining lining deflector for directing the flowing stream radically outwardly to form a stream having a top layer of a less dense phase and a bottom layer of a more dense phase, the deflector being substantially conical in shape and having an apex, concave side walls and a base, the apex positioned at the opening of the conduit at the centerline thereof, the base having a diameter equal to or 20% greater than the diameter of the conduit;
- a horizontally disposed platform on which the deflector is mounted, the platform having a diameter equal to or up to three times the diameter of the conduit but less than the diameter of the vessel;
- a concentrical cylindrical member within the vessel below the platform;
- a first baffle ring extending downwardly and outwardly from the platform to the cylindrical member;
- a second baffle ring extending upwardly and outwardly from a first end positioned at a point spaced above the base of the deflector to a point spaced from the cylindrical body of the vessel;
- a sealing ring extending downwardly and outwardly from the first end of the second baffle ring to a point beyond the platform and defining a passageway therebetween.
An apparatus for separating a mixture of two distinct fluid phases comprising:
- a vessel having a cylindrical body including a first chamber and a second chamber;
- a cylindrical conduit vertically disposed in the vessel for introducing a flowing stream of a mixture of two distinct phases upwardly into the vessel;
- means for reversing the flowing stream to a downward direction;
- a flow streamlining deflector for directing the downwardly flowing stream radially outwardly to form a stream having a top layer of a less dense phase and a bottom layer of a more dense phase, the deflector being an annular ring with a top and a base, the ring extending from the top downwardly and outwardly from the conduit in substantially concave fashion and facing radially outwardly at the base, the base having a diameter of from about 10% to about 20% greater than the diameter of the conduit;
- a horizontally disposed platform below the streamlining deflector through which the conduit passes, the diameter of the platform being less than that of the vessel diameter;
- a concentrical cylindrical member within the vessel below the flow streamlining deflector;
- a first baffle ring extending downwardly and outwardly from the platform to the cylindrical member;
- a second baffle ring extending upwardly and outwardly from a first end positioned at a point spaced above the base of the deflector to a point spaced from the cylindrical body of the vessel;
- a sealing ring extending downwardly and outwardly from the first end of the second baffle ring to a point beyond the platform and defining a passageway therebetween.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.