Patent ID: 7785400
Filing Date: 2010-08-31
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for separating natural gas from high pressure, high velocity production streams comprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, and natural gas, said separator comprising: (a) a vessel having an interior surface defining a spherical interior space, said interior space allowing a production stream comprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, and natural gas introduced therein to experience a velocity drop sufficient to allow separation of said natural gas from said sand and water components; (b) a stream inlet port in said vessel; (c) a liquid drain in the lower end of said vessel; (d) a gas outlet port at the upper end of said vessel remote from said stream inlet port; and (e) a baffle mounted in the interior of said vessel in the path of said production stream between said stream inlet port and said gas outlet port; said baffle effective to spread and direct said production stream introduced into said interior space via said stream inlet port downward toward said liquid drain and to encourage the flow of said sand and water components therethrough.