Shale-gas separating and cleanout system

A shale-gas separator, comprising:

• a vessel into which a shale-gas-liquid mixture is adapted to be communicated, the vessel comprising a top and a bottom,
• a first port disposed through the top and adapted to communicate from the vessel a gas;
• a second port disposed through the bottom and adapted to communicate from the vessel a shale debris and fluid separated from the shale-gas mixture;
• and
• an internal aerated cushion system (IACS) pipe disposed within the vessel and adapted to provide a fluid cushion within the vessel, the IACS pipe extending towards the second port in the bottom, the IACS pipe comprising at least one discharge nozzle.

A shale-gas separator, comprising:

• a vessel into which a shale-gas-liquid mixture is adapted to be communicated, the vessel comprising a top and a bottom,
• an intake pipe connected to the vessel and via which the shale-gas-liquid mixture is adapted to be communicated into the vessel;
• a first port disposed through the top and adapted to communicate from the vessel a gas;
• a second port disposed through the bottom and adapted to communicate from the vessel a shale debris and fluid separated from the shale-gas mixture;
• a flare stack feedline in fluid communication with the first port;
• an overflow line disposed in the vessel to communicate away from the vessel any excess fluid buildup within the vessel, the overflow line comprising an intake port oriented towards the bottom of the vessel, the intake port of the overflow line being vertically positioned between the second port and the intake pipe;
• an internal aerated cushion system (IACS) pipe disposed within the vessel and adapted to provide a fluid cushion within the vessel, the IACS pipe extending towards the second port in the bottom, the IACS pipe comprising at least one discharge nozzle, the IACS pipe being vertically positioned between the second port and the intake port of the overflow line, the intake port of the overflow line being vertically positioned between the IACS pipe and the intake pipe;
• a jet assembly in fluid communication with the second port in the bottom to receive the shale debris and fluid separated from the shale-gas-liquid mixture;
• and
• a jet extending into the jet assembly and adapted to provide a motive force to the shale debris and fluid separated from the shale-gas-liquid mixture.