US4522218A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for splitting two-phase flow at pipe tees
Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co
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Filing: 1983-09-29
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Granted: 1985-06-11
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Expires: 2003-09-29
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for diverting into a branch line a portion of a gas-liquid flow stream from a two-phase flow trunk line. Each of two or more takeoff pipes withdraw a two-phase portion of the trunk line flow stream and transmit it to a single common branch line. The takeoff pipes are oriented to produce branch line flow of predetermined quality. The quality of branch line flow may be monitored and control valves positioned in one or more takeoff pipes and in the branch line to facilitate branch line flow of variable quality and rate.
Inventors
- 👤 A. Riza Konak
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 18:51
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L41/00; F16L41/02; F17; F17D; F17D3/00; F17D3/03; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/0318; Y10T137/0324; Y10T137/0329; Y10T137/2496; Y10T137/2499; Y10T137/2501; Y10T137/8593; Y10T137/87265
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A process for diverting a stream of a flowing fluid having at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase from a pipeline into a branch line, which comprises: (a) withdrawing a first portion of said fluid from said pipeline in a generally upward and radially outward direction, and at a first flow rate; (b) simultaneously withdrawing a second portion of said fluid from said pipeline in a generally downward and radially outward direction, and at a second flow rate; (c) combining said first and second portions into said branch line; and (d) regulating said first and second flow rates so that said first and second portions combine to form a stream of fluid in said branch line at a predetermined, desired quality.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A process for diverting a stream of a flowing fluid having at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase from a pipeline into a branch line, which comprises: (a) withdrawing a first portion of said fluid from said pipeline in a generally upward and radially outward direction, and at a first flow rate; (b) simultaneously withdrawing a second portion of said fluid from said pipeline in a generally downward and radially outward direction, and at a second flow rate; (c) combining said first and second portions into said branch line; and (d) regulating said first and second flow rates so that said first and second portions combine to form a stream of fluid in said branch line at a predetermined, desired quality.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process according to claim 1 wherein said fluid is wet steam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said fluid has a given quality in said pipeline and said predetermined, desired quality is substantially equivalent to said given quality.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The process of claim 1 wherein step (d) further includes positioning a control valve in at least one of said first and second flow portions and adjusting said control valve to adjust said first flow rate relative to said second flow rate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
58 words
The process of claim 4 further comprising the steps of measuring the quality of said stream flowing through said branch line; comparing said measured quality with a reference value representing said predetermined desired quality; and automatically adjusting at least one of said first and second flow rates to make said measured quality substantially equal to said reference value.
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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) | 1988-06-10 | 1988-12-10 | 1989-06-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-06-10 | 1992-12-10 | 1993-06-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-06-10 | 1996-12-10 | 1997-06-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |