Abstract:
This patent refers to a gas-liquid separation process by centrifugal force, which takes place in a fast turning vortex confined in a tube, similar to inventor's former patents. Against the separating centrifugal force the thermal (Ranque) effect tends to heat the periphery of the tube and vaporize the liquid. This improvement refers to a method of preventing the vaporization of the liquid, either by cooling a short section of the periphery with a cooling jacket, or by taking out the liquid at a short distance from the inlet, where the heating effect on the periphery is minimal, and insulating the liquid from this heating effect. It also refers to the method of control of this liquid separation, and the process of using it as a wellhead oil and gas separator.