Patent ID: 7569097

Claim:
A multiphase pumping system for subsea operation, said system comprising: a pump; a flow inlet for accepting incoming multiphase flow and directing incoming multiphase flow generally towards said pump; a flow outlet for directing outgoing multiphase flow generally away from said pump; a flow management apparatus in fluid communication with said pump and at least one of said flow inlet and said flow outlet; said flow management apparatus configured to ensure a minimum liquid content in multiphase flow entering said pump; said flow management apparatus comprising: a gas liquid cylindrical cyclone in communication with said flow outlet; a recirculation port disposed in said gas liquid cylindrical cyclone; and a recirculation line in communication with said recirculation port, said recirculation line configured to direct flow generally towards said pump; said gas liquid cylindrical cyclone comprising a cyclonic column, a recombination column and at least one conduit interconnecting said cyclonic column and said recombination column; and said recombination column having an average diameter sufficient for preserving liquid flow velocity to maintain particulates within liquid flow in suspension.