Atlantic Richfield Company

Richard A Cadle

Richard L Payne

A spiral or auger type gas-liquid separator, particularly for well production fluid flow, includes a vertically oriented conduit section having a spiral separator element disposed therein and around a central gas discharge conduit. The inlet to the gas discharge conduit is disposed adjacent the discharge end of the separator element and includes a liquid carryover control mechanism comprising a closure member which is operable to shut off fluid flow into the gas discharge conduit when high liquid flow rates or liquid slug flow passes through the separator. The shutoff closure member is connected to a float actuator responsive to liquid accumulation to actuate the closure member to move to a closed position. A coil spring biases the closure member toward a valve open condition. The float actuator includes cooperating telescoping members, one supporting the closure member and the other member comprising a flotation member, and a coil spring interposed between the two members to absorb impact forces due to rapid movement of the actuator to minimize damage to the closure member or its seat.

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Arlington, TX, United States of America

Richard A Cadle