Patent ID: 8286805
Filing Date: 2012-10-16
Classification: B01D,B04C,E21B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for separating a multiphase fluid stream including a heavier fluid component and a lighter fluid component, the apparatus including: a feed conduit; a first conduit in communication with the feed conduit and including a helix forming a first helical flowpath around a central conduit bounded on the outside by a wall of the first conduit, the first helical flowpath being configured to retain all of the fluid stream in the first helical flowpath and out of the central conduit and including a first pitch, the first helical flowpath being of sufficient length to establish a stabilised rotating fluid flow pattern for the fluid stream; a second conduit including a second helical flowpath, the second helical flowpath including a second pitch, wherein the second pitch is greater than the first pitch; and means for removing the lighter fluid from a radially inner region of the second helical flowpath.