Flow restrictor

Abstract

The present invention, in one embodiment, teaches a flow restrictor which accomplishes within a single unitary integral device cyclonic separation of larger, heavier solids from lighter smaller solids; collection of retained solids in a relatively large collection chamber; straining of certain solids to further protect the device from plugging; and flushing a fluid, e.g. the primary flow stream, through the device to facilitate removal of collected solids. In one embodiment a device according to this invention has a main body with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. Fluid flowing in through the inlet encounters a vaned end of a hollow mandrel with one or more vanes or a mandrel with a deflector thereon or both which induce turbulent flow in the fluid and directs solids entrained therein away from the mandrel to a solids collection area or chamber within the main body. Fluid flows into one or more hole in the mandrel and through a flow channel through the mandrel to an exit orifice and then through an exhaust port to the device outlet. An optional selectively accessible flush port may be provided to flush solids from the collection chamber.