Importance

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Abstract

A system and methods for separating liquids, aerosols, and solids from a flowing gas stream whereby gas flows through a helical path formed in a separator element. Partially separated gas exits the bottom of the separator element at a generally conical cavity. Clean gas exits through an inner tube that is axially aligned beneath the helical path. Separated materials exit through an annular space between the inner tube and an outer tube. Separation occurs in the helical channels which include radially diverging walls to provide an aerodynamically efficient flow, in a region of high swirl created in a generally conical cavity beneath the separator element. In higher liquid-loading or slug flow conditions, a passageway may be formed in the separator element for recirculating a portion of the gas flow exiting from the bottom of the outer tube, into an axial passage in the helical separator, and exiting from the bottom of the helical separator near the vertex of the conical cavity.

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First Claim