Method of and arrangement for separating fluid mixtures

Abstract

A device for intercepting liquid obtained from a stream of mixed fluids contains an enclosure having an upper opening and a lower opening. The upper opening is connectible to a source of suction while the lower opening is connectible to a source of the mixed fluids. A partition between the openings divides the enclosure into a liquid collecting section which includes the upper opening and a liquid discharging section which includes the lower opening. The partition has a liquid flow passage at the lower end thereof and an orifice at the upper end thereof, and the orifice provides a pressure drop between the two openings. A liquid collecting basin is formed at the bottom of the enclosure, and the lower opening is provided with an overflow for the basin. In operation, the suction source draws a stream of mixed fluids from the mixed fluid source. Liquid is derived from the stream in or above the liquid collecting section and forms a pool in the liquid collecting basin. When the pool covers the liquid flow passage, the pressure drop between the liquid collecting section and the liquid discharging section causes the liquid level in the liquid discharging section to decrease and the liquid level in the liquid collecting section to increase. The drop in level within the liquid discharging section prevents the backflow of liquid to the mixed fluid source while the suction source operates.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.