Patent ID: 6860921

Claim:
A tubular separation unit insertable into a caisson or tube for separating liquid from an upward flowing liquid/gas multi-phase stream, and comprising: a centrifugal flow-induced liquid separator having a multi-phase gas/liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a gas stream outlet; a liquid transfer conduit connected to the liquid outlet of the flow separator; and a pump for pumping liquid, disposed below the separator and including a pump liquid inlet connected to the liquid transfer conduit and through which liquid separated in the separator is received, a pumped liquid outlet through which separated liquid is, in use, caused to flow selectively; the separator comprises, a tubular housing; a central tubular bore co-axial with the housing; and a helical flange disposed between the housing and the bore, the multi-phase gas/liquid inlet opening into the annular space between the housing and the bore so that the multi-phase gas/liquid mixture is caused, in use, to flow upwardly around the annular space; and the separator unit further including horizontal radial liquid guides mounted at regular intervals on the top face of the helical flange to direct any liquid flowing down on the top face of the helical flange.