Patent ID: 6942105

Claim:
A filter system for use in a flow of a multiphase fluid that comprises a particulate phase, the filter system being configured to provide at least one flow path for the multiphase fluid and to retain particles of the particulate phase whose largest cross-sectional dimension is greater than a predetermined distance, wherein the filter system comprises: a first plurality of substantially parallel, substantially planar, thin slabs, wherein each slab is separated from adjacent slab(s) by about the predetermined distance, and wherein the slabs are oriented in the filter system so that the substantially planar surface of the slabs is substantially parallel to the multiphase fluid flow; and further comprises a second plurality of substantially parallel, substantially planar, thin slabs downstream from the first plurality along the flow path, wherein each slab of the second plurality is separated by about the predetermined distance from adjacent slab(s) of the second plurality, and wherein the slabs of the second plurality are oriented in the filter system so that the substantially planar surface of the slabs is substantially parallel to the multiphase fluid flow.