Patent Abstract:
This invention relates to the separation of shale, gas and fluid at a shale-gas well. The shale debris and water from a shale-gas well is tangentially communicated to a vessel where the cyclonic effect within the vessel facilitates the separation of the gas from the shale debris. The separated shale debris and fluid falls to a jet assembly whereby it encounters a jet communicating a fluid therethrough. A venturi provides a motive force to the shale debris and fluid sufficient to propel it into a collection bin. The shale-gas separator incorporates a fluid bypass overflow line to prevent a buildup of fluid within the vessel. The shale-gas separator also incorporates an internal aerated cushion system (IACS) pipe for further motivating the shale debris and into the jet assembly, to ensure the walls of the vessel are clean, and to provide an air cushion restricting gas migration to the jet assembly.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLIC 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/049,726, filed Oct. 9, 2013, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2011/032122, filed Apr. 12, 2011, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    During the drilling phase of well exploration, it is common to hit pockets of gas and water. When using an air drilling process in a shale formation, shale cuttings, dust, gas and fluid/water create a volatile mixture of hard-to-handle debris; especially when encountering previously fractured formations. Drilling operations and debris disposal account for the majority of the volatility and fire risk during the drilling process. Without limitations, these operations include fluid recovery, gas irrigations and debris disposal. 
         [0003]    As the number of wells drilled in a given area increase, the possibility of encountering a fractured formation within an active drilling operation, increases. This possibility presents the drilling operator with a problem of removing shale cuttings, along with dust, fluid/water and gas. There is no effective way to separate the shale cuttings, mute the dust, by-pass the fluid/water encountered, and control/burn the waste gas in the air portion of the drilling program. 
         [0004]    Air drilling is one method of drilling into shale formations, but it creates large volumes of dust. Unfortunately, the dust cannot be discharged into the environment due to the many governmental regulations related to dust control for shale-gas drilling operations. Thus, such drilling efforts must overcome this problem or face substantial penalties and fines. 
         [0005]    As gas is often encountered during the air drilling operation from a previously fractured formation, a combustible gas cloud may be created and linger near the ground. A similar gas cloud may exist and linger within and/or around the debris disposal pits. These combustible gas clouds create a fire hazard at the drilling site, and downwind therefrom. Accordingly, many additional governmental regulations for shale-gas drilling relate to the handling and processing of debris from such wells in order to avoid a volatile, combustible gas cloud. 
         [0006]    The foregoing issues show there is a need for an apparatus to separate the shale-gas-water mixture into non-volatile components, and provide environmentally safe collection and disposal of the shale debris, fluid and formation gas burned a safe distance from wellbore. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In one aspect, the following invention provides for a shale-gas separator. The shale-gas separator comprises a vessel and a jet assembly. The vessel has an intake pipe defined thereon, where the intake pipe is positioned to tangentially communicate a shale-gas-fluid mixture into the vessel. A gas release vent is defined on the vessel, and positioned to communicate gas therefrom. The jet assembly has a side opening connected to a port positioned on the bottom of the vessel. The jet assembly has a first end and a second end defined thereon. A jet is connected to the first end. A jet assembly outlet is secured to the second end. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, a shale-gas separator and clearing apparatus is provided. The shale-gas separator and clearing apparatus comprises a vessel, a jet assembly and internal aerated cushion system (IACS) pipe. The vessel has an intake pipe defined thereon. The intake pipe provides tangential communication of a shale-gas-fluid mixture into the vessel. The vessel has a top and a bottom, where the top and the bottom each have a port disposed therethrough. The jet assembly is secured to the bottom. The jet assembly has a jetted input and a venturi output. The IACS pipe is centrally disposed within the vessel, and extends towards the port in the bottom. The IACS pipe has at least one discharge nozzle defined thereon. 
         [0009]    In yet another aspect, a shale-gas separator dust eliminator is provided. The dust eliminator comprises a sidewall, an inlet and an outlet. There is at least one fluid jet disposed through the sidewall. There is a plurality of baffles positioned within the housing, where a first baffle is positioned beneath the fluid jet and oriented to deflect fluid towards the outlet. There is a second baffle complementarily positioned within the housing between the fluid jet and the outlet, wherein the baffles are positioned to interrupt the flow of fluid through the housing. 
         [0010]    Numerous objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the drawings, which illustrate such embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  depicts a simplified schematic elevational view of a wellsite in fluid communication with a shale-gas separator. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  depicts a simplified schematic plan view of a wellsite in fluid communication with a shale-gas separator. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  depicts a lower left perspective view of a shale-gas separator. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  depicts right side elevational view of a shale-gas separator. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  depicts a left side elevational view of a shale-gas separator. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  depicts a front elevational view of a shale-gas separator. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  depicts a rear side elevational view of a shale-gas separator. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is plan view of a shale-gas separator. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a sectional detail view taken from  FIG. 4  along line  9 - 9 , and illustrates a debris shield. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a sectional detail view taken from  FIG. 4  along line  10 - 10 , and illustrates an intake pipe having a tangential input and a wear plate. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is sectional view taken from  FIG. 6 , long line  11 - 11 , and illustrates an internal aerated cushion system (IACS) pipe. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  depicts a side view of a jet assembly. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13A  depicts a side view of a dust eliminator having spiraling baffles. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13B  is a sectional view taken from  FIG. 13A  along line  13 B- 13 B, and illustrates one of the spiraling baffles. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13C  is a sectional view taken from  FIG. 13A  along line  13 C- 13 C, and illustrates another of the spiraling baffles. 
           [0026]      FIG. 13D  is an elevational end view of a dust eliminator having spiraling baffles. 
           [0027]      FIG. 14A  is a bottom view schematic of slotted outlet muffler with the slot on one side. 
           [0028]      FIG. 14B  is a bottom view schematic of an outlet muffler having holes on one side. 
           [0029]      FIG. 15A  is a side view schematic of a slotted outlet muffler disposed within a housing. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15B  is a sectional view of a slotted outlet muffler disposed within a housing taken from  FIG. 15A  along lines  15 B- 1 B. 
           [0031]      FIG. 15C  depicts a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the collection bin, slotted outlet muffler without a housing and fluid overflow bypass line. 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  depicts a perspective view of a jet assembly and pressurized fluid input lines, and optional valve. 
           [0033]      FIG. 17  depicts a detail view of the vessel and fluid overflow bypass line. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the inventive shale-gas separator is illustrated and generally designated by the numeral  10 . As shown by the drawings and understood by those skilled in the art, shale-gas separator  10  and components thereof are designed to be associated with a well  12 . As discussed herein, shale-gas separator  10  is associated with well  12 , shale formations  14  and drilling strategies. The drilling strategies include air drilling in shale formations. However, the invention is applicable to multiple drilling techniques with cuttings, dust, debris, gas and fluid from wells  12  other than those associated with shale formations  14 . 
         [0035]    Shale-gas separator  10  is in air/fluid communication with well  12 .  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate shale debris, dust, gas and fluid being communicated to shale-gas separator  10  in pipe  16 . The fluid is typically water, mist, foam, detergent or aerated mud. Shale-gas separator  10  receives the shale-gas-fluid mixture at intake pipe  18 . Intake pipe  18  is secured to and protrudes through wall  20  of vessel  22 . Optional dust eliminator  24  is illustrated as being directly connected to intake pipe  18 . However, dust eliminator  24  may also be positioned in-line with pipe  16 . 
         [0036]    Shale-gas separator  10 , illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7  illustrates vessel  22  in fluid communication with intake pipe  18 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , intake pipe  18  flows into tangential input  26  through the sidewall  20  of vessel  22  and opens within vessel  22 , thereby defining the tangential flow and initiating the cyclonic effect with vessel  22 . 
         [0037]    Vessel  22  is generally circumferential with domed top  28  and conical bottom  30 . Domed top  28  has a port disposed therethrough. The port in domed top  28  functions as gas release vent  32 , which is in fluid communication with flare stack feedline  34  and is capable of communicating gas from vessel  22  to a flare (not shown) placed sufficiently far enough from the well to mitigate any threat of accidental ignition of gas, Although not shown, gas release vent  32  optionally includes one-way valves, splash-guards, and/or back-flow preventers placed in flare stack feedline  34  prior to igniting the flare. Conical bottom  30  has port  36  disposed therethrough. Port  36  is in fluid communication with jet assembly  38 . 
         [0038]    Interiorly disposed between tangential input  26  and gas release vent  32  is debris shield  40 . Debris shield  40  interiorly extends outward from wall  20  and covers about 40 percent to about 75 percent of the inner diameter of vessel  22 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 4-9 , debris shield extends across the inner diameter of vessel  22  about 4 feet (about 1.2 meters). Additionally,  FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate debris shield  40  as having downward angle  42  and being oriented towards conical bottom  30 . Downward angle  42  is between about −5° and about −60° below the horizon, and is illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5  as having an angle of about −15° below the horizon. Downward angle  42  provides for the downward deflection of shale debris and fluid, while allowing the separated gas to escape towards gas release vent  32 . Debris shield  40  has gas vents  44  penetrating therethrough along edges  46  to facilitate gas release. 
         [0039]    In operation, debris shield  40  receives the shale-gas-fluid mixture from intake pipe  18 , and working in concert with the cyclonic effect communicated by intake pipe  18  and tangential input  26 , causes the gas to separate from the shale-gas-fluid mixture. The separated gas rises towards gas release vent  32  where it is communicated from vessel  22 . The shale debris and fluid fall towards conical bottom  30 , where it is received by jet assembly  38 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 10  illustrates wear plate  48  secured to wall  20  and positioned to receive shale-gas-fluid mixture from intake pipe  18  and tangential input  26 . Wear plate  48  may be permanently affixed to wall  20 , or it may be removably affixed. As illustrated, wear plate  48  is interiorly welded to wall  20 . In the alternative, not shown, wear plate  48  is bolted, or otherwise secured to wall  20 . As illustrated, wear plate  48  is between about 18 inches to about 24 inches wide (about 0.46 meters to about 0.61 meters) and covers about one-half of the circumferential interior of wall  20 . As illustrated, wear plate  48  is about 0.5 inches (about 1.3 centimeters) thick. Wear plate  48  begins where tangential input  26  ends within vessel  22 . The longitudinal centerline (not shown) of wear plate  48  is centered on tangential input  26 , Preferably, wear plate  48  and tangential input  26  are blended together to prevent any edges for input flow to impinge upon. 
         [0041]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 - 8 ,  12  and  16 , jet assembly  38  connects to port  36  of conical bottom  30  at a side opening thereon, also referred to as side receiver  50 . Side receiver  50  has a shape facilitating the flow of debris and fluid into jet assembly  38 . Side receiver  50  surrounds port  36 , thereby providing for unimpeded flow into jet assembly  38 . Jet assembly  38  has first end  52  and second end  54 . First end  52  has jet  56  connected thereto. Referring to  FIG. 12 , jet  56  extends into jet assembly  38  along a center axis of jet assembly  38 , and terminates between side receiver  50  and second end  54 , Vacuum gauge  58  is illustrated in  FIG. 12  as being positioned on side receiver  50  within jet assembly  38  to measure the drop in pressure or amount of vacuum pulled in inches or kilopascals. In practice, the amount of vacuum pulled by jet assembly  38  is about −10 inches of mercury to about −15 inches of mercury (about −34 kilopascals to about −51 kilopascals). 
         [0042]    Jet  56  is capable of receiving fluid, either liquid or air, which in turn provides the motive force to the shale debris and fluid to exit through second end  54 . Preferably, jet  56  is able to use compressed air, compressed inert gas, pressurized water, pressurized hydraulic fluid, or combinations thereof. Jet assembly  38  also has pressure gauge  60 . Pressure gauge  60  provides feedback on the pressure of air/fluid flowing into jet assembly  38  through jet  56  and to internal aerated cushion system (IACS) pipe  62 . 
         [0043]    Second end  54  communicates the debris and fluid to outlet muffler  64 .  FIG. 12  depicts second end  54  as venturi  66 . Jet assembly outlet  68 , illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 ,  8 ,  12  and  16 , communicates the debris and fluid from second end  54  to collection bin  70  via discharge line  72 . In an alternative embodiment, venturi  66  is part of jet assembly outlet  68  that is secured to second end  54 . 
         [0044]    Jet assembly outlet  66  is secured to discharge line  72 , which is in communication with outlet muffler  64 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 15C , outlet muffler  64  is positioned to discharge shale debris and fluid into collection bin  70 . Outlet muffler  64  has at least one discharge port  74 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  11 A- 12 C, outlet muffler  64  has one to six discharge ports  74 , but any number will provide the desired discharge.  FIGS. 2 ,  14 A, and  15 A- 15 C illustrate discharge port  74  being a slot.  FIG. 14B  illustrates three discharge ports  74  as holes. Other shapes and sizes of discharge port  74  are understood to be included. For example, discharge port  74  can be elliptical or square. It is also anticipated that discharge line  72  can directly discharge the shale debris and fluid without outlet muffler  64 , 
         [0045]      FIGS. 15A and 15B  depict outlet muffler  64  with housing  76  surrounding it and being secured thereto. Housing  76  tapers outwardly from top  78  to bottom  80 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  15 A and  15 B. Also illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  15 A and  15 B, is outlet muffler  64  with discharge port  74  oriented towards bottom  80 ,  FIG. 15A  shows one embodiment of outlet muffler  50  secured to housing  76 . Additionally, outlet muffler cap  82  is illustrated as extending externally to wall  84  of housing  76 . In this embodiment, discharge port  74  is a slot extending across a substantial depth  86  of housing  76 . 
         [0046]    Outlet muffler cap  82  provides impact baffling for debris discharging through outlet muffler  64 . Alternatively, internal baffles (not shown) may be used to divert and slow the debris within outlet muffler  64 . Another alternative is to not use outlet muffler  64  and secure housing  76  directly to elbow  88 . This alternative has internal baffles or wear plates on wall  84 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 15A  illustrates housing  76  with sniffer port  89  thereon. Sniffer port  89  provides access for a gas sniffer (not shown) to sample the output from outlet muffler  64  for the presence of gas, In this context, the gas sniffer includes the capability to detect one or more of the gaseous chemicals found in well  12 . In the absence of housing  76 , sniffer port  89  is positioned on outlet muffler  64 . 
         [0048]    Vessel  22  also includes IACS pipe  62 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 4-8  and  11 , IACS pipe  62  is elongated and positioned within vessel  22 . IACS pipe  62  is centrally positioned within conical bottom  30  of vessel  22 , and located above port  36 . IACS pipe  62  has at least one nozzle  66  defined thereon. IACS pipe  62  is positioned within vessel  22  to provide pressurized fluid to remove any debris buildup on wall  20  of conical bottom  30  down to port  36 , In use, IACS pipe  62  provides a fluid cushion to mitigate the buildup of gas in jet assembly  38  and vessel  22 . 
         [0049]    The non-limiting example in  FIG. 11  depicts IACS pipe  62  having three to five sets of nozzles  90  positioned along longitudinal portion  92  of IACS pipe  62 . Additionally, the non-limiting example depicts another three cleanout nozzles  90  secured to IACS pipe end  94 , and are downwardly oriented. By way of another non-limiting example, if longitudinal portion  92  of IACS pipe  62  is about three (3) feet (about 1 meter) in length, nozzles  90  are spaced along longitudinal portion  92  with spacing of about six (6) inches to about 18 inches (about 0.15 meters to about 0.5 meters). The spacing between cleanout nozzles  90  is determined by the size of vessel  22 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the spacing between nozzles  90  is about twelve (12) inches (about 0.3 meters). There may be a plurality of nozzles  90  circumferentially positioned along longitudinal portion  92  at each spacing. Alternatively, there may be a plurality of nozzles  90  circumferentially and offsettingly positioned along longitudinal portion  92  at operator desired spacing. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 4-8  and  11 , IACS pipe  62  is secured to and through wall  20 . Although IACS pipe  62  is illustrated as a single line, it may be formed out of several pipe sections, IACS pipe  62  is in fluid communication with pressurized fluid line  96  with line  98  at t-joint  100 . Line  98  has valve  102  disposed between pressurized fluid line  96  and IACS pipe  62 . Valve  102  provides control of the fluid communicated to IACS pipe  62 , and is illustrated as a manually operated valve. However, automating valve  102  is understood to be within the skill of one knowledgeable of the art. 
         [0051]    As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , pressurized fluid line  96  communicates pressurized fluid to jet  56  and to IACS pipe  62  through line  98 . Valve  104  is positioned upstream from t-joint  100  and pressure gauge  60 , and controls the fluid communicated to jet  56 . Valve  104  may also be manually or automatically operated. Although, using the same fluid for both jet  56  and IACS pipe  62  is preferred, an alternative is to use separate types of fluid communicated through separate supply lines (not shown). For example, compressed air is communicated to jet assembly  38  and pressurized water is communicated to IACS pipe  62 . Compressed air will be the most common fluid communicated through pressurized fluid line  96  and line  98  due to its availability at the wellsite. 
         [0052]      FIG. 16  also illustrates pressure gauge  60  and vacuum gauge  58  as described above. Preferably, valve  104  is adjusted to set a minimum vacuum condition in jet assembly  38 . One embodiment facilitates achieving the above-mentioned desired vacuum range of about −10 inches of mercury to about −15 inches of mercury (about −34 kilopascals to about −51 kilopascals). In this embodiment, jet  56  operates using fluid having a pressure in the range of about 75 pounds per square inch to about 200 pounds per square inch (about 517 Kilopascals to about 1,379 Kilopascals). Valve  104  is adjustable until vacuum gauge  58  indicates the vacuum is within desired range. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 4-8  illustrate fluid overflow bypass line  106 , or overflow line  106 . Overflow line  106  communicates any excess fluid buildup within vessel  22  away from vessel  22 . As illustrated, intake port  108  is oriented towards conical bottom  30 , is centrally positioned within vessel  22  and below than intake pipe  18 . Preferably, intake port  108  is also positioned above IACS pipe  62 . 
         [0054]    Overflow line  106  is secured to and through wall  20  at point  110 . Preferably, point  110  is below intake pipe  18 . Overflow line  106  is connected to fluid bypass discharge line  112 , or bypass line  112 . Bypass line  112  discharges to any receptacle capable of receiving the fluid, with one example shown in  FIG. 15C . Preferably, bypass line  112  discharges to another device (not shown) capable of separating any gas from the fluid. 
         [0055]    To provide additional access to vessel  22 , at least one manway  114  and at least one cleanout/observation hatch  116  are utilized and disposed through wall  36 . Manway  114  is disposed through wall  20  above conical bottom  30 . Cleanout/observation hatch  116  is disposed through wall  20  of conical bottom  30 . Manway  114  and cleanout/observation hatch  116  are sized to provide complete or partial access to the interior of vessel  22 . As shown, manway  114  is about 24 inches (about 0.6 meters), and cleanout/observation hatch  116  is about 10 inches (about 0.25 meters). 
         [0056]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 ,  10  and  13 A-D dust eliminator  24  has inlet  118 , outlet  120 , fluid jet  122 , and a plurality of baffles. As illustrated, the plurality of baffles include first spiral baffle  124  and second spiral baffle  126 . Fluid jet  122  is disposed through sidewall  128  of dust eliminator  24  near inlet  118 . First spiral baffle  124  and second spiral baffle  126  are positioned from about inlet  118  to about outlet  120 . Second spiral baffle  126  is complementarity positioned within dust eliminator relative to first spiral baffle  124 . Fluid jet  94  is positioned near inlet  118  above first spiral baffle  124  and second spiral baffle  126 . First spiral baffle  124  and second spiral baffle  126  deflect the fluid, typically water, being propelled from fluid jet  122  towards outlet  120 . First spiral baffle  124  and second spiral baffle  126  interrupt an axial flow of fluid and debris through the dust eliminator, thereby inducing a spiraling flow of the fluid and debris through dust eliminator  24 . This spiraling flow action causes the dust and fluid to mix, thereby reducing dust. 
         [0057]    An alternative for first spiral baffle  124  and second spiral baffle  126  is to use offsetting baffles (not shown) that are alternating and obliquely positioned. In this case, the first baffle will be obliquely positioned below fluid jet  122  and capable of deflecting the fluid towards outlet  120 . The subsequent baffles alternate and provide points of impact for the fluid and the debris of shale-gas. The fluid impacts interrupt flow of fluid through the dust eliminator  24 . In this setup, there are at least two baffles and preferably three or more baffles. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , shale-gas separator  10  is shown as being carried by skid  130 . Preferably, skid  130  is transportable across a standard U.S. highway. 
         [0059]    In an embodiment illustrating the use of shale-gas separator  10 , a typical well  12  using shale-gas separator  10  discharges the shale-gas debris through pipe  16  to the optional dust eliminator  24 , where a fluid, such as water, is injected therein and encounters the debris, thereby reducing and/or eliminating any dust. The shale-gas debris may be shale-gas-fluid debris. Exiting from the optional dust eliminator  24 , the debris is communicated to vessel  22  where it is cyclonically communicated therein through intake pipe  18  and tangential input  26 . 
         [0060]    The debris cyclonically spins around within vessel  22 . In a non-limiting example, vessel  22  has a diameter of about 72 inches (about 1.83 meters). In this same non-limiting example, debris shield  40  has 15-degree downward angle  42  and covers about 66 percent of the interior of vessel  22 , which is about four (4) feet (about 1.2 meters). Debris shield  40  restricts and deflects solids and fluid downwardly, away from gas release vent  32 . The released gas is communicated upwardly to gas release vent  32 , whereby it is further communicated to flare stack feedline  34  and burned at a flare positioned a safe distance from the well  12 . 
         [0061]    The solid debris and fluid fall downwardly into conical bottom  30  and through port  36  where the solids and fluid enter jet assembly  38 . Jet  56 , using air or fluid, propels the solids and fluid through jet assembly  38  to venturi  66 . As the solids and fluid flow through venturi  66 , they are propelled to outlet muffler  64 . Outlet muffler  64  discharges the solids and fluid into collection bin  70 . 
         [0062]    If jet assembly is blocked or clogged, IACS pipe  62  is positioned to provide high-pressure fluid that is expelled through cleanout nozzles  90  within conical bottom  30 . The high-pressure fluid is commonly air due to the availability at wellsites. The high-pressure fluid creates a cushion or barrier to keep gas from being communicated to jet assembly  38 . The placement of IACS pipe  62  provides for maximum or additional force of pressurized fluid to further motivate the solids out of conical bottom  30  of vessel  22 . Additionally, IACS pipe  62  provides fluid to remove debris build up on the interior of wall  20  of vessel  22 . For this non-limiting example, the supply of fluid is from the same source of fluid provided to jet  56 . However, separate sources of fluid for IACS pipe  62  and jet  56  are equally acceptable as is the same source. Additionally, for this non-limiting example IACS pipe  62  is about 2 inches (about 5 centimeters) in diameter. 
         [0063]    Jet assembly  38  has an additional clean out port, or cleanout plug  131 . Clean out plug  131  is illustrated in  FIG. 16  as being oppositely positioned side receiver  50 . In the event jet assembly  38  becomes too clogged to clean it out with pressurized air or fluid, plug  131  can be removed for manual cleaning. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , valve  132  is illustrated as being positioned between second end  54  and outlet muffler  64 . Valve  132  is optional and provides a means to prevent all flow from vessel  22  through jet assembly  38 . In this instance, all flow can be forced through overflow line  106 . As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , valve  132  is a knife valve, but any valve capable of preventing flow will work. In one embodiment, valve  132  is air actuated. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 16 , valve  132  is manually operated. 
         [0065]    Overflow line  106 , functioning as a bypass, provides for a means to passively remove excess fluid, which is typically water, accumulating within vessel  22 , As the fluid accumulates, it begins to enter intake port  108  until it reaches first turn  134 . At that time, the fluid begins to flow out of overflow line  106  and into discharge line  112 , where it is deposited into an approved receptacle. As described in this non-limiting example, overflow line  106  and discharge line  112  are each about 6 inches (about 0.15 meters) in diameter. 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIGS. 2-8  and  17 , external valve  136  is utilized to open and close overflow line  106  to control fluid communication from overflow line  106  to bypass line  112 . External valve  136  may be automated, or it may be manual. The manual system of external valve  136  is illustrated with handle  138  to open and close it. In the manual mode, an internal indicator float (not shown) and float signal  140 , as shown in  FIG. 17 , are used to notify an operator to open the external valve  136 . The same float and signal  140  are automatically integrated with an automated system. Signal  140  can be audible, visual, electronic, or a combination thereof. 
         [0067]      FIG. 17  depicts optional vessel pressure gauge  142 . Vessel pressure gauge  142  provides the operator with feedback on the current pressure within vessel  22 . 
         [0068]    Other embodiments of the current invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein. Thus, the foregoing specification is considered merely exemplary of the current invention with the true scope thereof being defined by the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 2