Systems and methods for separating a multiphase fluid

US7905946B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Mark M. Weislogel · Portland, US
• Evan A. Thomas · Houston, US
• John C. Graf · Houston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 12, 2008
• Grant date: Mar 15, 2011
• Expiry date: Jul 2, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S55/14
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for separating a fluid are provided. The apparatus can include a separator and a collector having an internal volume defined at least in part by one or more surfaces narrowing toward a bottom portion of the volume. The separator can include an exit port oriented toward the bottom portion of the volume. The internal volume can receive a fluid expelled from the separator into a flow path in the collector and the flow path can include at least two directional transitions within the collector.