May 30, 1944. P. C.

DIXON 2,349,944
METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR SEPARATING LIQUID AND GAS OR GASEOUS FLUID
Filed Jan, l3, 194l 2. Sheets-Sheet l

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May 30, 1944. F. C. DIXON 2,349,944
METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR SEPARATING LIQUID AND GAS OR GASEOUS FLUID
Filed Jan. 13, 1941 2. Sheets-Sheet 2

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 Patented May 30, 1944 2,349,944

UNITED STATES PATENT office

2,349,944
METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR SEPARATING
LIQUIDS AND GASES OR GASEOUS FLUDS
Philip C. Dixon, Houston, Tex., assignor to Na
tional Tank Company, Tulsa, Okla, a corpora
tion of Nevada
Application January 13, 1941, Serial No. 374,230
10 Claims. (C. 183-2.)
This invention relates to new and useful in through a certain size separator at 2,500 pounds
provements in methods of and means for Sepa pressure, the velocity of equivalent amounts of
rating liquids and gases or gaseous fluids. Such fluids will be materially less than the
One object of the invention is to provide an Velocity of the same amount of fluids under 750
improved method and means, for efficiently sepa 5 pounds pressure through the same separator, all
rating liquids from gases or gaseous fluids which fluids being referred to conventional pressure and
are under high pressures, and particularly under temperature base such as 14.7 pounds per square
such high pressures as exist within the pressure inch and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
range of retrograde condensation, whereby hy- Therefore, when separating under relatively
drocarbon and other liquids may be separated lo low pressures, such as of the Order of 50 it to
from the gas and/or gaseous fluids and thereby 500 if per square inch the velocity of the flow
recovered. while efficiently separating may be quite high,
It is pointed out that under high pressures as the density of the hydrocarbon liquid is rela
such as are present in the pressure range of tively great and the density of the gas is cor
retrograde condensation, liquid condensities are 15 respondingly less under these conditions. HOW
relatively low because of the relatively large ever, under high pressures, such as exist above
volume of methane, ethane, propane and other the base of the pressure range of retrograde con
gaseous fractions, in solution in the hydrocarbon densation, the velocity of the same flowing fluid
liquid; and also, the inverse is true as to the is lessened, with a less dense liquid and a more
density of the gas, and its density is higher in 20 dense gas, whereby an entirely different problem
proportion as the pressure is increased or is of separation is presented, than where gaseous
relatively high. Under these conditions, the flow streams are separated below the base of the
large volume of gas in solution results in the pressure range of retrograde condensation.
liquid fractions being very light and conse- Therefore, the principal problem to which the
quently, said liquid fractions do not easily settle 25 present method of separation is applied is that
out or precipitate and the segregation or separa- of separating vaporous, or mist phase liquids
tion of the gas from the liquid fractions is together with large quantities of normal gases in
difficult. Solution as equivalent liquids, and all under
It is well known that high pressure flowing well reduced velocities, from high pressure streams -
streams or high pressure streams from proc- 30 of gas and/or gaseous fluids.
essing plants or systems, of the order of one It is an important object of this invention to
thousand to several thousand pounds per square provide an improved method of separating hy
inch, usually include certain hydrocarbons car- drocarbon fluids having a low liquid density and
ried in the liquid phase, certain hydrocarbons a high gas density, when flowing under high pres
in the vapor phase and still other hydrocarbons 35 sure and relatively low Velocity, as well as re
in the mist or intermediate stage, and may in- moving separated liquids when present.
clude dehydrants, such as calcium chloride, A particular object of the invention is to
ethylene glycol or other extraneous liquids. As provide an improved method of separating liquids
a general rule, the greater the amount of hydro- from gases or gaseous streams, flowing under
carbon liquids contained in the flow stream, the 40 pressures within the range of retrograde con
greater the number of cubic feet of methane, densation which includes conducting the stream
ethane and heavier gases which are in the liquid into an enlarged area and dividing said stream
phase in solution in the precipitated liquids; into a number of flow streams, then flowing said
also. the separation pressure is a factor to be streams through elongate transversely restricted
considered for it has been found that under 45 paths in said area at a low Velocity while under
higher separation pressure, more of the gases Such high pressure, whereby the liquid bearing
are heldliquids.
carbon in solution as the equivalent of hydro- bodies are given full opportunity to settle and col
lect on a surface whereby the collected liquid
Whenever the pressure of the hydrocarbon may be carried off, while the gas streams may be
fluids is reduced. a release of a portion of the 5U carried off with substantially little or no pressure
gas in solution in the hydrocarbon liquid is ef reduction.
fected, whereby the density of the hydrocarbon A particular object of the invention is to pro
liquid, so-called, is increased and the density of
the gas is decreased or reduced, correspondingly. vide an improved method of separating hydro
carbon liquids and extraneous liquids from hy
Thus, if the hydrocarbon fluids are conducted 55 drocarbon gases or gaseous fluids, flowing under
2 2,349,944
high pressure and relatively high velocity where of the separator may remain constant Over a
in the velocity of flow is reduced without sub large range of capacities of said separators.
stantially reducing the pressure and also wherein Still another object of the invention is to pi J
the globules or particles, which it is desired to vide an improved separator which may include
separate from the gases or gaseous fiulids, are two or more sections or vessels connected to a
caused to contact collecting surfaces before . common inlet for handling flow streams of larger
reaching the ends of their travel path while volumes, whereby the velocity of the increased
flowing under reduced velocities; and during volumes may be reduced and thus afford a lower
which separation the gases or gaseous fluids, velocity during the passage of the stream through
from which the globules or particles are sepa 10 such sections, rather than through one separa
rated, flow in longitudinal or elongate paths; tor section or vessel. By Such an arrangement
also to provide apparatuses for efficiently and the same number of cubic feet per twenty-four
effectively carrying out the method. hours may be accommodated, but at reduced
An important object of the invention is to pressures, and corresponding velocities (due to
provide a method of the character described 15 field pressure decline) and all without changing
wherein the length of the path of travel of the the former equipment. The velocity in feet of
globules or liquid-bearing particles is such as travel per second is thereby permitted to remain
to assure precipitation of such globules or parti at an efficient point, and simple and ready at
cles onto a baffling or collecting surface, under tachment of additionally required sections or
the velocity at which such globules or particles 20. vessels may be made, economically.
are traveling; and an apparatus wherein the The construction designed to carry out the in
baffling or collecting members are spaced in ac vention will be hereinafter described together
cordance with the rate of gravity descent of such with other features of the invention.
globules or particles during a travel path of pre The invention Will be more readily understood
determined length under a given velocity of flow, 25 from a reading of the following specification and
whereby the diameter and length of the sepa by reference to the accompanying drawings, as
rator may remain constant Over a wide range of an example of the invention is shown and where
flow condition. in:
Another object of the invention is to provide Figure 1 is a longitudinal, sectional view of a
an improved separator which is relatively small 30 separator, constructed in accordance with the in
in size, and which separator is adapted for use vention,
in separating fluids flowing under a high pres Figure 2 is an enlarged horizontal, sectional
sure, within the pressure range of retrograde view, taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1,
condensation; the arrangement of the separator Figure 3 is a transverse, vertical, sectional
being Such that its capacity may be increased in 35 view, taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1,
proportion to its length, whereby the diameter Figure 4 is a transverse, vertical, sectional
of the same may remain constant over a wide view, taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 1,
range of capacities of said separator. Figure 5 is a partial, isometric view of one of
A further object of the invention is to pro the separating trays,
vide an improved separator which is so con 40 Figure 6 is an enlarged longitudinal, sectional
structed. that a large surficial collecting area is detail of the end of one of the trays,
presented to the gaseous stream travelling there Figure is a view, similar to Figure 3, showing
through, whereby liquid drops or particles may a modified form of Separating unit,
accumulate and collect on said surface and sep Figure 8 is a view, similar to Figure 5, of a
aration of liquid from the gas is accomplished; 45 modified form of separating tray,
the internal arrangement of the separator be Figure 9 is a view, similar to Figure 3, show
ing Such that its capacity may be increased in ing still another form of separating unit, and
versely in proportion to the spacing of the co Figure 10 is a longitudinal, sectional view of
lecting surfaces or directly in proportion to the a modified form of separator. s
area of the collecting surfaces whereby the di 50 In the drawings, the numeral to designates a
ameter and the length of the separator may re cylindrical tank which is preferably disposed in
main constant over a wide range of capacities. a horizontal position or approximately so. The
Still another object of the invention is to pro diameter of the tank is relatively small as com
vide an improved separator, of the chaarcter de pared to its length and the inlet end of said tank
Scribed, wherein a plurality of surfaces, between 55 is closed by a flanged head f, which is welded,
which the fluids are directed, are disposed in or otherwise suitably secured thereto. An inlet
such relation to each other that the separation of pipe f2 has connection with a flanged collar f3
the gas is, enhanced and also the discharge of which is disposed axially of the head f, whereby
liquid droplets which form and collect on the sur a stream may be conducted into the interior of
faces are prevented from being carried out of 60 the tank O. The opposite end of the tank is
the separator with the gas through the gas out provided with a gas outlet pipe 4 which is con
let, whereby substantially complete separation of nected to a flanged collar 5 extending axially
the gas from the liquid is assured. from a gas outlet head -f, similar to the head
Another object of the invention is to provide a and secured to the tank in a like manner.
separator, of the character described, having a 65 A plurality of liquid outlet pipes 6 extend
plurality of collecting surfaces, spaced relatively downwardly from the tank 0 and as illustrated
close to each other for collecting and accumu in Figure 1, three of these pipes are provided,
lating the liquid particles which fall downward said pipes being spaced substantially equally
ly, as a rule gradually, from the gaseous stream throughout the longitudinal length of the tank
as it flows through the separator between said 70 body, and forming a support therefor. Each pipe
surfaces, whereby such liquid particles are sep 6 is coupled to the end of a pipe 7, which lat
arated from said stream; the arrangement being ter pipes extend upwardly from a liquid reservoir
Such that the capacity of the separator may be . The liquid reservoir is preferably cylindrical
varied by adjusting the spacing between the co in cross-section and is relatively elongate, being
lecting surfaces, so that the diameter and length 75 show as substantially the same length as the
 2,349,944. 3
tank. The liquid reservoir f3 has a liquid dis Spect to a horizontal plane, any liquid which ac
charge pipe fe extending from the bottom there cumulates on said trays drains downwardly to
of. The tank 0, as well as the liquid reservoir Ward the lower sides thereof. Each tray has its
8, are illustrated in Figure 1 as being disposed longitudinal edge portion along the low side
in a horizontal plane and it is preferable that thereof recessed at 28 adjacent the tank wall,
the device be so located; however, the invention whereby the liquid from said tray may flow from
is not to be limited to the horizontal disposition the tray downwardly on tank wall and then to
of the tank for it may be disposed at any desired the liquid outlets 6. To facilitate drainage of
inclination. The reservoir f3 may be suitably liquid from the upper surface of the trays, each
supported. O tray is provided with ducts or grooves 29 which
The gaseous or mixed stream is conducted into are formed by depressing the material of which
the tank 0 through the inlet pipe 2 and collar the tray is constructed. These grooves are pref
3. Within the tank adjacent the inlet a liquid erably disposed at an angle forward with rela
extracting unit 20' is suspended from the top of tion to the flow of the streams and the longitu
the tank in the path of influent stream. The 5 dinal axis of the tank, whereby the force of the
unit includes a surrounding band 2 which has gaseous fluid flowing through the flow spaces 25
its outer periphery welded, or otherwise secured between the trays 24 will tend to empty the chan
to the inner wall of the tank. The lower portion nels of liquid which may accumulate therein.
of the band or ring is flattened so as to extend The end of each tray 24 which is located near
transversely across the interior of the tank above 20 the gas outlet 5 may be bent downwardly upon
the bottom thereof, and this portion is formed itself to form a transverse deflector 30, over
with horizontally extending slots 22 which are hanging the passage 25 below and acting to pre
located below upright and forwardly inclined vent liquid from being carried into the gas out
bafles 20. Each baffle 20 is substantially V let by the flow of the gaseous stream exiting from
shaped in cross-section and has its upper end 25 the separator tank; however, it is the principal
secured to the inner periphery of the ring 2. feature of the invention to make the Separating
These baffles are disposed in rows extending unit either long enough or of such configuration
transversely of the interior of the tank (Figure as to extract substantially all of the recoverable
2). The baffles of each row have their open sides liquid before the stream reaches the end of said
facing toward the inlet and are staggered with 30 unit. As illustrated, the trays are progressively
relation to the baffles of the adjacent rows, where lengthened from the top to the bottom of the
by the fluids striking said baffles are caused to tank, whereby the end of the unit adjacent the
take a circuitous or tortuous path around and gas outlet is included.
between said baffles. The lower end of each baf The Separator is particularly adapted for use
fle rests upon the lower portion of the supporting 35 in separating gases and liquids of a flowing
ring which is spaced from the tank wall, whereby stream when said stream is under high preSSures,
a flow passage or space 23 (Figure 1) is provided and particularly such high pressures as occur
between the bottom of the baffle unit and the within the pressure range of retrograde conden
tank Wall. sation, whereby the separation may be effected
It is pointed out that the deflector baffles are 40 without substantially reducing said pressures. As
disposed between the inlet to the tank to and the explained, under high pressures, the densities
first outlet pipe 6 which extends through the of the liquid and vapor phases of the stream
tank wall. Manifestly, the stream entering the more nearly approach each other than in streams
tank to will immediately contact the deflector under low pressures and for this reason, the liquid
baffles 20 and free liquids, either hydrocarbon or particles require more time to fall through a
otherwise, entrained in the stream will be trapped Specific distance while flowing in the gas phase,
by the baffles and caused to flow downwardly than when flowing under the lower pressures.
thereon, the gas, gaseous fluids and liquid frac In the operation of the separator, and in car
tions, in a more or less dispersed state, passing rying out the improved method, the high pres
on through between the baffles. The liquid which 50
flows downwardly on the deflector baffles passes
sure fluid stream is introduced into the tank fo
through the slots 22 in the support 2, into the
through the collar f3 from the inlet pipe 2.
flow space 23, and then downwardly through the
As has been pointed out the high pressure stream
liquid outlet pipe into the liquid reservoir fe
flows at a less velocity than a low pressure stream,
through the pipe 7. )5
and upon its introduction into the tank, its ve
Beyond the liquid extracting unit 20', the ma
locity is further reduced since it passes into a
larger Space. Upon entering the separator, the
jor portion of the interior of the tank is occupied fluid stream immediately contacts the inclined
by a separating unit 24, which is formed of a deflector baffles 20 and said baffles act to remove
plurality of spaced circular channel members 26 Substantially all of the free liquids flowing in the
and substantially flat trays 24 extending there 60 stream, which liquids may be hydrocarbon or
through. The trays are preferably inclined from otherwise. These liquids flow downwardly on the
the horizontal and extend transversely across the baffles 20, through the slots 22 in the support 2 ,
tank (Figure 3) and are spaced one above the through the flow space 23 and finally out through
other and relatively close to each other to pro the first outlet pipe 6 to the liquid reservoir 8.
vide longitudinal flow passages 25 therebetween. A transverse dam or baffle 3 f is located within
The longitudinal edges of said trays are welded, the tank adjacent the downstream side of the
or otherwise secured to the channel members, first outlet pipe fs and serves to build up a slight
which in turn are fastened to the tank wall. hydrostatic head over the outlet, whereby the
Each channel member has a portion thereof cut liquid is caused to pass through the first outlet
out or removed, as shown at 27, such portion be () before overflowing said dam and escaping from
ing located at the bottom of the tank in longitu the other outlets.
dinal alinement with the outlets 6, whereby an After flowing between the deflector baffles 20,
unrestricted flow of liquid within the tank below the gaseous fluids enter and flow as individual
the lowermost tray may be had. streams, through the flow passages 25 formed
By disposing the trays at an incline, with re 5 between the inclined trays or plates 24, the latter
4. 2,349,944,
providing amplified collecting surfaces. As the tion and as shown in Figures 7 and 8, each tray
streams flow through the longitudinal passages, may be angular in cross-section, with the apex
the liquid particles in the stream gradually de of the tray in substantial vertical alinement with
scend or fall downwardly and upon striking the the vertical center of the tank. Manifestly, the
trays adhere thereto and accumulate thereon. liquids accumulating on this type of tray will
The trays are spaced sufficiently close each readily flow downwardly on the inclined surfaces
other and are of such length that the liquid of said tray to the wall of the tank.
particles or liquid-bearing bodies-entrained in It would be possible to provide a plurality of
each gas stream, while travelling at a given Ver horizontal trays 66 within the tank, in place of
0 the inclined trays 2 and this arrangement is
locity will fall sufficiently to engage a tray surface
before completing its passage through the tray shown in Figure 9. Each tray 6 is formed with
assembly. Due to the difference in the density drainage channels , similar to the channels 29
of the gas and liquid in the stream and also due in the trays 24. However, the channels have
to the fact that in the flow of this component their bottoms inclined so as to facilitate drain
mixture, the more dense, or liquid phase particles, 5 age of the liquid therefron by gravity.
will fall or descend downwardly at Some Velocity, In Figures 1 to 9, collecting Surfaces in the
it is manifest that by properly spacing the trays, form of trays or plates are shown and described
the liquid particles touch and adhere to a coi for the purpose of providing, accumulating or
lecting surface before completing their travel collecting surfaces for the liquid to effect sepa
through the tray assembly. As the liquid par 20 ration of the liquid particles fron the gaseous
ticles accumulate on the surfaces of the trays, stream.
several particles agglomerate until the globules or A modified form of the invention is illustrated
bodies so formed have sufficient Weight to flow in Figure 10 wherein a tank 80 is provided.
by gravity downwardly on the tray surfaces and his tank has a Wei fuid inlet 2 at its central
then down the tank wall to the outlets 6. 25 portion, such inlet extending radially of the tank
The liquid particles or liquid-bearing bodies fe. Within the interior of the tank and on each
must be given an opportunity to settle out of the side of the inlet 2, a set of the deflecting baffles
flow stream within a predetermined limit of G2 are provided. The gaseous fluid stream
travel. By spacing the trays in accordance with . which enters through the inlet S 2 will of course
the curve of precipitation or fall of the entrained 30 divide, one portion travelling in one direction
liquid bodies, at a given flow velocity, the length with the renaider traveling in the other di
of the travel or flow of the gaseous stream may rection, whereby WO streams flowing toward
be shortened; however, the spacing must be the ends of the tank See are produced. Be
ample to permit. maximum precipitation. The tween each set of deflecting baffles 20 and the
term “liquid bodies' or "liquid-bearing bodies' end of the tank 90, a tray assembly or baffle as
as used in the description and claims has refer sembly, as shown in Figures 1 and 9, is disposed.
ence to the particles or globules which are en Thus, it will be seen that in this arrangement,
trained or suspended in the gas stream and which the flow stream is divided and each separate
may comprise gas in solution, solid liquid par strean is passed through a set of deflecting
ticles, and/or a mixture of the same. While it is 40 baffles 2 then through either a tray or baffle
desirable to remove the liquid fractions from the assembly, as the case may ce. Each end of the
flow stream expeditiously so as to prevent subse tank fee is provided with a gas outlet 4. The
quent entrainment in said stream, it is highly liquid which is separated by the trays 22 escapes
necessary to allow sufficient travel where pre through discharge pipes which extend radial
cipitation is depended upon. 65 ly from the tank . These outlet pipes have
The separator is efficient in its operation and connection with the pipe I of the liquid reser
its capacity may be readily varied by varying voir 8.
the spacing or length of the trays or the diameter The operation of this form of the invention
of the tank. For any given flow stream, the liquid is Substantially the same as the forms shown in
particles will fall a certain distance in a certain 50 Figures and 9 with the exception that two flow
length of time. Assuming that in a particular streams are passing through the tank O at all
flow stream, the liquid particles fall at the rate times. By providing the inlet at the center of
of 1' per second, and the stream is flowing the tank, the velocity of the flow through the
through the separator at a velocity of 10 per tank is naterially reduced and this aids in pro
second, it will be evident that the liquid par 55 noting the Separation of the liquid from the gas.
ticles will fall 1 in every 10'. In order to eff Of course, it is obvious that any desired tray or
ciently effect separation of the liquid and gas baffle assembly as illustrated in Figures 1 to 9
phases, the trays must be 10' in length and spaced may be employed in this form of the invention.
1' apart; or the trays could be 5' in length and The foregoing description of the invention is
spaced 42' apart; or the length of the trays could 60 explanatory thereof and various changes in the
be increased to 20 and the spacing increased to size, shape and materials, as well as in the de
2. From this it becomes obvious that by vary tails of the illustrated construction may be made,
ing the number of trays or by changing the length within the scope of the appended claims, without
and diameter of the tank, the capacity of the departing from the spirit of the invention,
separator may be varied over a wide range. Since 65 What claim and desire to secure by Letters
the capacity of the separator is inversely propor Patent is:
tional to the spacing between adjacent trays, the i. In a separator for separating liquid from
trays may be made of very thin material and gas, the combination of an elongate substantially
may be spaced close together to provide a sepa horizontal tank having an inlet at one end and
rator having a small size and yet, having tremen an outlet at the other end, a plurality of super
dous capacity. . posed Smooth and continuous flat plates extend
In Figures 1 to 5, the trays 24 are illustrated ing longitudinally in said tank providing longi
as Substantially flat and disposed in a position tudinal flow paths, whereby turbulence at the
inclined from a horizontal plane. The particu velocity at which the streams are flowing is re
lar construction of the trays is subject to varia s duced to such a minimum as to cause suspended
 2,349,944. S
liquid-bearing bodies to descend by gravity, each the longitudinally between the liquid extractor and
plate having therein spaced transverse ducts tractor outlet, said unit being spaced from the ex
and amplified flat liquid collecting and conduct and including superposed flat plates ex
ing areas between said ducts for periodically col tending longitudinally of the unit to provide open
lecting and carrying off said bodies. ended elongate ribbon-like channels therebe
2. A liquid separator unit including, a plurality tween, the plates being of such lengths as to allow
of elongate Smooth flat plates spaced closely one the suspended liquid bodies flowing in the longi
above the other and each provided with trans tudinal stream to descend thereto solely by their
verse grooves, and a plurality of enclosing and specific gravities before reaching the ends there
supporting members within which the plates are 0 of, the plates being spaced from each other in
disposed and to which the edges of the plates are accordance with a predetermined rate of descent
secured, whereby the unit may be inserted in a in a stream flowing at a predetermined velocity
tank as a unit. between plates of predetermined length to cause
3. A separator adapted to separate suspended the liquid bodies to collect on said plates and
liquid bodies from high pressure hydrocarbon 5 agglomerate into larger liquid bodies at relatively
gas streams wherein the ratio of gas to liquid is frequent intervals, whereby the flowing gases are
high including, an elongate non-vertical tank prevented from picking up said liquid bodies, and
having a reduced inlet at One end for the high means for carrying off liquids from the plates and
pressure gas stream and reduced Outlet at its from the tank.
opposite end, a plurality of long longitudinal 20 6. A separator as set forth in claim 5 wherein
Smooth plates within the tank unobstructed at the plates are provided with grooves for carrying
their ends and providing a plurality of trans of the agglomerated liquids.
Verse Open ended elongated gas passages through 7. A separator as set forth in claim 5 and an
which the gas flows rectilinearly and wherein elongate collecting tank underlying and con
liquid bodies due to their specific gravities fall nected to the separator tank.
to the plates prior to reaching the ends thereof 25 8. A separator adapted to separate suspended
1 and are agglomerated in liquid bodies on Said liquid bodies from a high pressure hydrocarbon
plates, ducts spaced at intervals in said plates gas stream wherein the ratio of hydrocarbon gas
for carrying off the liquid bodies from the plates, to liquid is very high including, an elongate non
and means for discharging the collected liquids 80 vertical tank adapted to carry a high pressure
from the tank. having imperforate enclosing walls and provided
4. The method of separating liquid bodies flow With a reduced inlet at one end and a reduced
ing in suspension from gases of the order of outlet at its opposite end, whereby the velocity
methane and ethane flowing therewith under of the flowing nigh pressure gas stream entering
high pressure in a hydrocarbon stream in which the Inlet is reduced, an upright liquid extracting
such gases greatly predominate which includes, 35 element in the tank, adjacent the inlet having
reducing the velocity of the flowing stream to a tortuous passages therethrough in the general
point where substantially minimum turbulence is longitudinal path of the inflowing stream, a puu
obtained under high pressure, continuing the rality of Substantially vertically spaced longitu
flow of the stream at such reduced velocity under O dinal flat plates in the tank in longitudinal aline
high pressure and separating liquid bodies from ment With the paSSages of the liquid extracting
the gases in two stages in a continuous general element and Spaced tnerefrom, said plates extena
longitudinal course while the components of the ing continuously thereacross from one enclosure
strean are concurrently flowing at such reduced Wall of the tank to the opposite enclosure wall of
velocity, the first of which stages includes scrub 45 the tank, said plates also being unobstructed at
bing liquids from the stream and carrying Such each end to provide open-ended elongate shallow
liquids out of the longitudinal foW path at a channels intermediate their open ends, whereby
point prior to the entrance of the stream into the gas stream is caused to flow between said
the second stage while spreading the gas and plates under minimum turbulence to permit said
maintaining its general longitudinal course, and 50 liquid bodies to descend and agglomerate into
the second of which stages includes dividing the larger liquid bodies on said plates, means for car
residual stream and foWing the divisions thereof rying the agglomerated liquids from the plates,
through said general longitudinal course in a and means for duScharging said liquids from the
series of unobstructed and rectilinear broad tank.
shallow channels under minimum turbulence, 55 9. The continuous method of separating and
maintaining said stream, divisions in said chan agglomerating suspended liquid-bearing loodles
nels until suspended liquid bodies have descended from hydrocarbon gas by flowing a predominately
due solely to their Own specific gravities, agglom gaseous stream in Winich. Said bodies are in sus
erating the fallen liquid bodies into larger pension through a plurality of stages in a con
bodies to prevent the gases again picking up said 60 tinuous generally longituainal course which in
bodies, and carrying the liquids out of the chan cludes, initially reducing the velocity and tur
nels.
5. In a separator for separating suspended bulence of the stream nowing continuously and
liquid bodies from gases in high pressure well longitudinally under high pressure, dividing the
streams, the combination of an elongate non-ver- 65 tortuous paths for the
Stream and iOWing Same through a selles of
scrubbing liquids from the
tical tank having imperforate Outer Walls and a Stream, combining Said Streams into a single
relatively Small inlet at one end and a relatively Stream, dividing the single stream and flowing the
Small outlet at the opposite end, whereby the ve Same through a Series of parallel substantially
locity of a high pressure hydrocarbon stream en
unobstructed and substantially rectilinear shallow
tering said tank is reduced so as to flow there 70 paths,
through with a minimum turbulence and in a maintaining said divided stream in said
general longitudinal course, a liquid extractor in shallow paths until said liquid bodies have de
the tank adjacent the inlet and in said general Scended out of the gas due to their own specific
longitudinal course having tortuous passages for gravities, agglomerating the descending liquid
the gases, a separating unit in said tank disposed S bodies into larger liquid bodies to prevent the gases
6 2,349,944
again picking up said bodies, and carrying the substantially their entire lengths so as to be sup
agglomerated liquid bodies out of said paths. ported thereby, and a plurality of elongatesmooth
10. In a separator for separating liquid from flat plates spaced closely One above the other
gas, the combination of an elongate substantially throughout substantially the entire cross-sec
horizontal tank having an indet and an Outlet, a 5 tional area of the tank, said plates being dis
unitary liquid separator assembly including a plu posed between and supported at their edges by
rality of transversely disposed spaced supporting said supporting members.
members mounted between the inlet and outlet PHP C. OXON.
and engaging the wall of the tank throughout.