Multi-phase separator

Claim 1

In the method of separating multiple phases in a pressurized flow, and employing a nozzle and a rotor having a rotating surface, the phases including liquid petroleum and a gaseous component, the steps that include (a) passing the flow through the nozzle to expand the flow, causing the gaseous component to separate from the liquid petroleum, (b) receiving a portion of the flow on the rotor causing the rotor to rotate and said liquid petroleum to form a rotating ring urged toward said surface, (c) scooping liquid petroleum from the rotating ring on the rotor during rotation of the ring and rotor, and (d) confining the separated gaseous component in a zone within which the rotor rotates and removing the gaseous component from said zone, (e) there being a second nozzle and including the step of passing the removed liquid petroleum in the form of a second flow through said second nozzle to expand the second flow, causing a secondary gaseous component of the second flow to separate from the liquid petroleum, (f) there being a second rotor, and including the step of receiving a portion of the second flow on the second rotor causing the second rotor to rotate and said portion to form a second rotating ring urged toward a rotating surface of the second rotor, (g) scooping liquid petroleum from the rotating second ring, for removal, and (h) confining the separated secondary gaseous component in a secondary zone within which the second rotor rotates, and removing the secondary gaseous component from said zone.