摘要 |
An apparatus for controlling the flow of a first fluid stream within a bulk rotating fluid stream is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a fluid flow region having a longitudinal axis, within which a rotating flow of fluid may be established; a flow guide having a convex outer surface disposed centrally within the fluid flow region, the convex outer surface of the flow guide extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid flow region, the convex surface being shaped to induce a spiral coanda effect in the flow of the first fluid stream over the flow guide. The apparatus may be used in the separation of a multiphase fluid and preferably comprises a vessel comprising a separation region; an inlet for the multiphase fluid stream; means for imparting a rotational flow to the fluid stream such that the fluid stream flows in a downstream helical path within the vessel; a conduit extending within the vessel having an opening in the end portion thereof to provide an outlet for a fluid fraction from the separation region of the vessel; a flow guide on the distal end of the conduit, the flow guide having a lateral dimension greater than that of the conduit and a convex outer surface to induce a spiral coanda effect in a flow of fluid over the flow guide, thereby directing the fluid into the opening in the conduit. A method for separating a multiphase fluid stream is also provided. |