Patent US4376676A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4376676A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
In-line separator for crude oil
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-10-19
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Granted: 1983-03-15
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Expires: 2001-10-19
Abstract
Abstract A device for the continuous separation of crude oil into its major constituent phases has no moving parts and is adapted for attacment to a pressurized conduit conveying said crude oil. The device, which operates in a substantially vertical orientation, is comprised of two concentric cylindrical chambers and an internal tube which conjointly define inner and outer annular spaces. A helical surface disposed within the outer annular space achieves isolation of a water/sand mixture which is expelled from the device. A series of contact surfaces located within the inner annular space separates oil from gas. The gas phase emerges from the internal tube. The oil phase exits from a lower region of the device.
Inventors
- 👤 Carl L. Gill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 12:19
CPC Classifications
C; C10; C10G; C10G33/00; C10G33/06; B; B01; B01D; B01D17/00; B01D17/02; B01D17/0217; B01D19/00; B01D19/0042; B01D19/0052; B01D19/0057; E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
251 words
A device for the continuous separation of crude oil into its major constituent phases comprising (a) a cylindrical outer envelope having an upstream upper extremity provided with a port for the inlet of a fluid stream, and a downstream lower extremity provided with ports for the egress of fluid streams, (b) a cylindrical interior chamber concentrically disposed within said outer envelope so as to form therewith an outer annular space, said interior chamber being closed at its upper extremity and provided adjacent its lower extremity with inlet and outlet means permitting passage of fluid streams, (c) a spiralled vane positioned within said outer annular space, (d) block-off means associated with the lowermost extremity of said vane adapted to route fluid adjacent said outer envelope out of said device via one of said ports for egress, and to route more centrally located fluids into said interior chamber via said inlet means, (e) a cylindrical tube coaxially centered within said interior chamber and defining therewith an inner annular space, (f) a series of contact discs in spaced apart relationship within said inner annular space, said discs having openings to permit passage of fluid streams, and (g) separating means disposed within said interior chamber adjacent the lower extremity thereof which causes gas to emerge from the oil phase and travel upwardly through said inner annular space, whereby (h) a stream of crude oil entering the device is divided into streams comprised of substantially gas, oil and water which separately emerge from said outer envelope.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
251 words
A device for the continuous separation of crude oil into its major constituent phases comprising (a) a cylindrical outer envelope having an upstream upper extremity provided with a port for the inlet of a fluid stream, and a downstream lower extremity provided with ports for the egress of fluid streams, (b) a cylindrical interior chamber concentrically disposed within said outer envelope so as to form therewith an outer annular space, said interior chamber being closed at its upper extremity and provided adjacent its lower extremity with inlet and outlet means permitting passage of fluid streams, (c) a spiralled vane positioned within said outer annular space, (d) block-off means associated with the lowermost extremity of said vane adapted to route fluid adjacent said outer envelope out of said device via one of said ports for egress, and to route more centrally located fluids into said interior chamber via said inlet means, (e) a cylindrical tube coaxially centered within said interior chamber and defining therewith an inner annular space, (f) a series of contact discs in spaced apart relationship within said inner annular space, said discs having openings to permit passage of fluid streams, and (g) separating means disposed within said interior chamber adjacent the lower extremity thereof which causes gas to emerge from the oil phase and travel upwardly through said inner annular space, whereby (h) a stream of crude oil entering the device is divided into streams comprised of substantially gas, oil and water which separately emerge from said outer envelope.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 1 adapted to operate in an orientation wherein the center axis of said outer envelope is vertically disposed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said discs are of conical configuration having a central aperture adapted to permit passage of said cylindrical tube, and an outer perimeter adapted to fit within said interior chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 3 wherein the openings of said discs are located adjacent said central aperture and adjacent said outer perimeter centered on alternating radii about said central aperture.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 4 wherein said discs are sequentially arranged about said cylindrical tube in a manner such that the openings of adjacent discs are out of register.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said cylindrical tube extends through the bottoms of said interior chamber and outer envelope in a manner to conduct a gas stream out of said device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said vane is mounted about said interior chamber, and has sufficient width to extend into close-fitting contact with said outer envelope.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said separating means is a cascade system comprised of a series of open-topped compartments arranged about said cylindrical tube.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the port for the egress of oil is associated with said separating means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-03-14 | 1986-09-13 | 1987-03-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-03-14 | 1990-09-13 | 1991-03-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-03-14 | 1994-09-13 | 1995-03-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |