Patent ID: 10160913

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.