Wetted wall vapor/liquid separator

A method for separating the vapor and liquid phases of a mixture of hydrocarbon and steam comprising the steps of:

• flowing said mixture through the inlet of a vessel;
• centrifuging said mixture by means of a centrifuge located at the head end of said vessel;
• eliminating stagnant flow areas in the inlet zone of said vessel;
• controlling the recirculation and splashing of said mixture as said mixture falls on said centrifuge;
• flowing said liquid phase down the walls of said vessel;
• directing said vapor phase toward an outlet pipe for collecting said vapors;
• directing any liquid dripping from said centrifuging means away from the entrance of said vapor outlet pipe;
• directing said vapor phase from said vessel and to means for further processing;
• and
• directing said liquid phase from said vessel and to means for further processing.

A vapor/liquid separator comprising:

• a vessel having an inlet for receiving a vapor/liquid mixture;
• a hub axially located within said vessel at a position below said inlet wherein said hub supports a plurality of vane elements at its proximal end for centrifuging said mixture as said mixture proceeds through said vessel;
• a vapor outlet axially spaced from the distal end of said hub for withdrawing the vapor phase of said mixture from said vessel;
• an outlet located below said vapor outlet for withdrawing the liquid phase of said mixture from said vessel;
• and
• a screen covering the distal end of said hub for preventing any coke within the interior of said hub from falling therethrough.