Heated separation vessel for well fluids

摘要

An apparatus and method for separating the output fluids of a well by way of efficiently applying heat to the fluids. Separation takes place in a sealed vessel to which heat is applied to the fluid by contact with a multi-pass firetube assembly through which hot exhaust gas is expelled from a forced draft burner. The firetubes forming the assembly are of smaller diameter than used in conventional separators and not subject to high leakage experienced in conventional separating vessels, and the heat transfer is highly efficient resulting in less fuel consumption and less emission of greenhouse gases.