Impact centrifugal separator and associated methods for fraction collection in supercritical fluid systems

Abstract

A separator (e.g. an impact centrifugal separator) is for use in collection of liquid portions of a bi-phasic flowstream in a supercritical fluid system. A separator chamber defines an interior space, surrounded by a spiral channel and that has an exit at a lower portion of the separator chamber. A flowstream director (e.g. an entry lube) focuses the flowstream so that the flowstream impacts a wail of the spiral channel at an angle that promotes coalescence of the liquid component. The spiral channel may promote further coalescence of the liquid portions within the constraining spiral channel after impact. A central director may be included in the interior space of the separator chamber to promote flow of the gaseous component toward the exit. A dripper may be included in fluid communication with the spiral channel, for example, in the exit and to direct the coalesced liquid into a collection vessel.