US3778977A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gas instrument liquid separator
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-05-22
•
Granted: 1973-12-18
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Expires: 1992-05-22
Abstract
Abstract A separator for removing liquid hydrocarbons from a gas instrument line is disclosed. The miniature and compact separator utilizes impingement and centrifugal action for primary removal of entrained liquids, as well as a shredded coalescing material for further separation. The outlet chamber utilizes a probe to further prevent liquid carryover. Straightening vanes and a float chamber are provided for removal of the liquids.
Inventors
- 👤 A Conn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 05:51
CPC Classifications
B; B04; B04B; B04B5/00; B04B5/04; B04B5/0442; B01; B01D; B01D50/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S55/00; Y10S55/25
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
215 words
A liquid hydrocarbon separator for use with a gas instrument line including: an elongate hollow body having an internal cylindrical wall, a substantially horizontally disposed Gas inlet nozzle arranged adjacent the cylindrical wall of the body, whereby gas and liquid hydrocarbons entering the body are tangentially impinged against the wall, a coalescing material situated above the nozzle, straightening vanes situated below the nozzle and spaced from the coalescing material, the space between the straightening vanes and coalescing material defining a centrifugal chamber, a top closure member sealing the top of the body, the space between the top closure member and the coalescing material defining a discharge chamber, an outlet probe extending into the discharge chamber, a gas outlet conduit leading from the outlet probe, a bottom closure member sealing the bottom of the body, the space between the straightening vanes and the bottom closure member defining a float chamber, a cup-like float cage mounted in the float chamber, said cage having a damper outlet in the bottom thereof, a float floatably situated in the float cage, a liquid hydrocarbon outlet conduit leading from the bottom of the float chamber, a liquid valve situated in the outlet conduit, and means for actuating the liquid valve when the float floats adjacent the top of the float cage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
215 words
A liquid hydrocarbon separator for use with a gas instrument line including: an elongate hollow body having an internal cylindrical wall, a substantially horizontally disposed Gas inlet nozzle arranged adjacent the cylindrical wall of the body, whereby gas and liquid hydrocarbons entering the body are tangentially impinged against the wall, a coalescing material situated above the nozzle, straightening vanes situated below the nozzle and spaced from the coalescing material, the space between the straightening vanes and coalescing material defining a centrifugal chamber, a top closure member sealing the top of the body, the space between the top closure member and the coalescing material defining a discharge chamber, an outlet probe extending into the discharge chamber, a gas outlet conduit leading from the outlet probe, a bottom closure member sealing the bottom of the body, the space between the straightening vanes and the bottom closure member defining a float chamber, a cup-like float cage mounted in the float chamber, said cage having a damper outlet in the bottom thereof, a float floatably situated in the float cage, a liquid hydrocarbon outlet conduit leading from the bottom of the float chamber, a liquid valve situated in the outlet conduit, and means for actuating the liquid valve when the float floats adjacent the top of the float cage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the inlet nozzle is inclined downwardly into the centrifugal chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the probe tube extends vertically into the discharge chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention of claim 3 wherein the probe tube extension into the discharge chamber is cut at an acute angle with respect to the tube axis.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the coalescing material is shredded Teflon.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention of claim 5 including a lower screen and an upper screen confining the coalescing material, said lower screen having a gasket about its periphery engaging the cylindrical wall.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the float cage includes a perforated top, and a dampening hole in the bottom.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
73 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the means for actuating the liquid valve includes: a magnet situated in the float, a sensor tube extending into the float cage, a magnetically actuatable switch in the sensor tube arranged to be actuated by the float magnet when the float floats adjacent the top of the float cage, the liquid valve being electrically actuatable, electrical means for actuating the liquid valve when the switch is actuated.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention of claim 8 including an electrically actuatable gas outlet valve situated in the gas conduit, said gas valve actuated when the liquid valve is actuated.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-17 | 1977-06-18 | 1977-12-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-17 | 1981-06-18 | 1981-12-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-17 | 1985-06-18 | 1985-12-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |