HYDROCYCLONE FOR SEPARATING IMMISCIBLE FLUIDS AND REMOVING SUSPENDED SOLIDS

摘要

The invention relates to a cyclone separator for separating oil and water an d removing suspended solids. It comprises a generally cylindrical first portio n with an open end and a closed end. A generally axial overflow outlet is provided in the closed end and preferably a moveable member is associated wi th this closed end having a plurality of orifices of progressively smaller diameter than the overflow outlet. This moveable member may be moved such th at any selected one of the plurality of orifices may be axially aligned with th e overflow outlet. The separator includes at least two radially balanced feed injection ports in the cylindrical first portion adjacent to the closed end thereof. A converging tapered second section with open ends is axially flow connected to the open end of the cylindrical first portion and a converging tapered third portion with open ends is axially flow connected to the tapere d second portion. A fourth generally cylindrical portion is axially flow connected to the third tapered portion. This separation is of particular val ue in heavy oil production.