Gas separation: processes – With control responsive to sensed condition – Pressure sensed
Utility Patent
1999-01-26
2001-01-02
Simmons, David A. (Department: 1724)
Gas separation: processes
With control responsive to sensed condition
Pressure sensed
C095S024000, C095S268000, C095S286000, C096S409000, C096S414000, C096S421000, C055S319000, C055S324000, C055S423000, C055S502000
Utility Patent
active
06168647
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND ART
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to separator/coalescer vessels useful in processing immiscible fluids and to filter elements for such vessels, and, more specifically, to a multi-stage gas separator/coalescer and filter elements therefore.
2. Description of Related Art
Gas filter elements for separating solids and liquids from contaminated gas streams are well known, as are gas filter elements for coalescing entrained liquids from a gas stream. Often these types gas filters are installed in multi-stage vessels, which are in turn installed in a gas pipeline, to perform these filtering functions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,888,644 issued to Holland et al. discloses an apparatus with multiple compartments. In Holland, one compartment contains filter elements for separating solids and another compartment contains different filter elements for coalescing liquids entrained in the gas stream. The same is true for U.S. Pat. No. 4,297,116 issued to Cusick. Although these and other devices are capable of filtering solids and coalescing entrained liquids from a gas stream, they require completely different types of filter elements to perform the separating and coalescing functions. This adds to the costs of the devices and makes them difficult to maintain.
International Application No. PCT/US98/01963, published under International Publication No. WO 98/33578, invented by the same inventors as the subject application, discloses a multi-stage vessel using individual separator/coalescer filter elements to separate solids, filter liquids, and coalesce liquids. In addition, the separator/coalescer filter elements envisioned for use in the present invention are of the same general type as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,430, issued Oct. 27, 1998 to Perry, Jr., et al. Despite these advances in the art, there continues to be a need for improved vessel construction and filter element design in order to increase filtration efficiency and provide improved reliability, while decreasing the cost of vessel maintenance.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is a need for an apparatus comprising a multi-stage vessel that utilizes individual tubular separator/coalescer filter elements of generally homogenous construction that function in all of the stages of the vessel to filter solids, separate liquids, pre-coalesce liquids, and coalesce liquids. Preferably. each filter element is a one-piece filter element that has a seal held in a seal holder, the seal holder being permanently affixed to the filter element. Such a filter element could be quickly and easily removed or replaced from the multi-stage vessel.
It is an object of the invention to provide a multi-stage vessel having replaceable tubular separator/coalescer filter elements that are installed through openings in a partition in the vessel. A chevron-type seal or an O-ring is removably disposed in a seal holder that is permanently attached to the filter element. This arrangement ensures that a gas stream that flows into a first stage of the multi-stage vessel through an inlet will then flow through the tubular separator/coalescer filter elements from the outside towards the inside. The first stage of the multi-stage vessel separates solids, separates large liquid droplets, and pre-coalesces liquid mist or aerosols. Further, this arrangement ensures that the gas stream will then flow through the separator/coalescer filter elements from the inside towards the outside into a second stage of the multi-stage vessel, and out of the multi-stage vessel through an outlet. The second stage of the multi-stage vessel provides final coalescing and removal of fine liquid mist and aerosols. In a horizontal embodiment of the invention, both the first stage and the second stage of the multi-stage vessel are in fluid communication with collection sumps.
It is another object of the invention to provide a multi-stage vessel in which each separator/coalescer filter element is surrounded by a removable, louvered impingement baffle in the second stage of the multi-stage vessel. The louvered impingement baffle is an impingement device that acts as a barrier to remove liquid particles from the gas stream. Because small liquid droplets that are expelled pick up micro-fine liquid droplets, the louvered impingement baffle also facilitates liquid scrubbing of the gas stream.
It is another object of the invention to provide a multi-stage vessel in which each louvered impingement baffle includes an end cap that has a plurality of exhaust ports through which the majority of the gas stream flows after the gas stream exits the separator/coalescer filter elements.
It is another object of the invention to provide a multi-stage vessel with a second-stage screen to prevent separated liquids from becoming re-entrained into the gas stream.
It is another object of the invention to provide a mist-collecting, multi-stage vessel utilizing individual separator/coalescer filter elements for separating and filtering immiscible fluids.
It is another object of the invention to provide a multi-stage vessel in which the separator/coalescer filter elements are sealed on each end by end caps that have integral guide posts. The guide posts allow support members to support and spatially position the filter elements within the multi-stage vessel without the need for additional fastening devices.
It is another object of the invention to provide a multi-stage vessel utilizing separator/coalescer filter elements in which the filter elements can be installed and replaced without the need for tools through a single opening in the vessel.
A principle advantage of the present invention is that a single type of separator/coalescer filter element is used to perform the functions of filtering solids, separating liquids, pre-coalescing liquid mist and aerosols, and coalescing liquids out of the gas stream. The filter elements can be quickly and easily changed through a single opening in the multi-stage vessel, significantly reducing maintenance costs.
The above as well as additional objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following detailed description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3291385 (1966-12-01), Williams et al.
patent: 3888644 (1975-06-01), Holland et al.
patent: 4256474 (1981-03-01), Berger, Jr. et al.
patent: 4284422 (1981-08-01), Ferland
patent: 4297116 (1981-10-01), Cusick
patent: 4433987 (1984-02-01), Lenox
patent: 4444575 (1984-04-01), Miller et al.
patent: 5846271 (1998-12-01), Flynn et al.
patent: 5919284 (1999-07-01), Perry, Jr. et al.
Burns David J.
Krogue John A.
Perry, Jr. Marney Dunman
von Phul Stephen A.
Gunter, Jr. Charles D.
Perry Equipment Corporation
Pham Minh-Chau T.
Simmons David A.
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