The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 16, 1997
Filed:
Feb. 23, 1996
Richard A Cadle, Arlington, TX (US);
Richard L Payne, McKinney, TX (US);
Atlantic Richfield Company, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Abstract
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.