TWI908465B - Filter-coalescer, coalescer, systems, and methods of use - Google Patents

Abstract

A filter-coalescer arrangement, a filter-coalescer device, as well as a coalescer arrangement, and a coalescer device, for removing solid and liquid contaminants from a gas stream are provided, comprising, respectively, a prefilter, an inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator, and a coalescer, sequentially arranged in series; and, an inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator, and a coalescer, sequentially arranged in series. Filter-coalescer systems and coalescer systems including the arrangements and the devices arranged in a pressure vessel, methods of using the devices and systems, and servicing the systems, are also disclosed.

Description

Filtration coalescer, coalescer, system and usage

This invention relates to a method for maintaining a filter coalescer system, wherein the filter coalescer system comprises: I. a filter coalescer device including at least one filter coalescer configuration, the at least one filter coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one pre-filter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open pre-filter end and a second open pre-filter end; and a closed pre-filter end cap located in the first open pre-filter end; (b) A first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being in communication with the at least one prefilter fluid; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the vortex generator fluid; and (c) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end, and a second open coalescer end. The filter coalescer device includes two open coalescer ends and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in communication with the axial flow separator fluid; (d) the filter coalescer device further includes a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of blades and/or a mesh, the second inertial separator being in communication with the coalescer fluid; wherein (a), (b), (c) and (d) are arranged sequentially. II. The filter coalescer device is disposed in a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and including a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber, and a third liquid port; and parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails, which are disposed along the lower surface of the filter coalescer configuration in the pressure vessel; The first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber includes the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescer, the second inertial separator, the third liquid port, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber; wherein the pressure vessel... The first end is located before the at least one prefilter and the pressure vessel inlet, and the second end of the pressure vessel is located after the second inertial separator and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed; the method includes: opening the hooked openable latch, connecting the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator with... The axial flow separator and the coalescer are separated; the at least one pre-filter and the vortex generator are removed from the pressure vessel by sliding the at least one pre-filter and the vortex generator along parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails including parallel pre-filter rails and passing through an open latch; the at least one pre-filter and the vortex generator are removed from the pressure vessel by sliding the replaced at least one pre-filter and the vortex generator through the open latch and along the parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails including parallel pre-filter rails. Parallel filter coalescer configurations slide along support rails to slide the at least one pre-filter and the vortex generator into the pressure vessel until the at least one pre-filter and the vortex generator are connected to the axial flow separator and the coalescer; and close the hinged, openable latch; and also relates to a method for maintaining a filter coalescer system, wherein the filter coalescer system comprises: I. at least one filter coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator having helical blades, the vortex generator being in fluid communication with the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator having a first open separator end. and a hollow cylindrical axial flow body at the second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the vortex generator fluid; (c) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in communication with the axial flow separator fluid, the filtration coalescer system further The step includes a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a), (b) and (c) are arranged sequentially; II. wherein the filter coalescer is configured in a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and includes a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, and a third chamber; and parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails, It is disposed along the lower surface of the filter coalescer within the pressure vessel; the first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber includes the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescer, the curved plate below the coalescer, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the coalescer from the second liquid port. The second chamber is separated from the third chamber; wherein the first end of the pressure vessel is located before the at least one pre-filter and the pressure vessel inlet, and the second end of the pressure vessel is located after the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed; the method includes: opening the hooked openable latch; and placing the at least one The pre-filter and the vortex generator are separated from the axial flow separator and the coalescer; the at least one pre-filter and the vortex generator are removed from the pressure vessel by sliding the at least one pre-filter and the vortex generator along parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails including parallel pre-filter rails and through an open latch; the at least one pre-filter and the vortex generator are removed by sliding the replaced at least one pre-filter and the vortex generator through the open latch and The at least one prefilter and the vortex generator are slid into the pressure vessel along parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails that include parallel prefilter rails, until the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator are connected to the axial flow separator and the coalescer; and the hinged, openable latch is closed; and also relates to a method for maintaining a filter coalescer system, wherein the filter coalescer system includes I. filtration coalescing An apparatus comprising at least one filter coalescer configuration, the at least one filter coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator comprising helical blades, the vortex generating The device is in communication with the fluid of the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the fluid of the vortex generator; and (c) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end. The coalescer is disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and is in communication with the axial flow separator fluid; (d) the filtration coalescer device further includes a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of blades and/or a mesh, the second inertial separator being in communication with the coalescer fluid; wherein (a), (b), (c) and (d) are arranged sequentially, II. wherein the filtration coalescer device is disposed in a pressure vessel having a first The pressure vessel includes a first chamber and a second chamber, and includes a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber, and a third liquid port; and parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails arranged along the lower surface of the pressure vessel; the first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber includes the first inertial separator. The device and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescer, the second inertial separator, the third liquid port, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber; wherein the first end of the pressure vessel is located before the at least one pre-filter and the pressure vessel inlet, and the second end of the pressure vessel is located before the first... After the inertial separator and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed; the method includes: opening the hooked openable latch, removing the filter coalescer configuration from the pressure vessel by sliding the filter coalescer configuration along parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails and through the opened latch; by... The method relates to: sliding a replacement filter coalescer configuration through the open latch and along the parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails to slide the filter coalescer configuration into the pressure vessel; and closing the hooked openable latch; and also to a method of maintaining a filter coalescer system, wherein the filter coalescer system comprises: I. at least one filter coalescer assembly comprising: (a) at least one pre-filter, which includes... The device comprises: (a) a hollow porous medium having a first open pre-filter end and a second open pre-filter end; and a closed pre-filter end cap located in the first open pre-filter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being in communication with the fluid of the at least one pre-filter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow circular core having a first open separator end and a second open separator end. (c) A cylindrical axial flow body, wherein the axial flow separator is in communication with the vortex generator fluid; and (d) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in communication with the axial flow separator fluid, the filtration coalescer system further comprising a curved plate below the coalescer. Wherein (a), (b), and (c) are arranged sequentially; II. Wherein the filter coalescer is arranged in a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and including a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, and a third chamber; and parallel filter coalescer arrangement support rails, which are arranged along the lower surface of the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is positioned as follows: the first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber includes the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescer, the curved plate, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber; wherein the first end of the pressure vessel is located at the at least A pre-filter is located before the inlet of the pressure vessel, and the second end of the pressure vessel is located after the outlet of the pressure vessel, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed; the method includes: opening the hooked openable latch; and causing the filter coalescer configuration to slide along parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails and through the opened... The method relates to: removing the filter coalescer configuration from the pressure vessel by locking; sliding the filter coalescer configuration into the pressure vessel by causing a replacement filter coalescer configuration to slide through the open lock and along the parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails; and closing the locked, openable lock; and also to a method of maintaining a coalescer system, wherein the coalescer system comprises: I. at least one coalescer assembly, which includes Includes: (a) an inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in fluid communication with the vortex generator; and (b) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a spacer located at the second open coalescer end. A closed coalescer end cap in the coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and communicating with the axial flow separator fluid, the coalescer system further comprising a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a) and (b) are arranged sequentially; II. wherein the coalescer is disposed in a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and comprising a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, and a second chamber. The pressure vessel includes a liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber, and a third liquid port; and parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails arranged along the lower surface of the filter coalescer within the pressure vessel; the first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet and the first liquid port; the second chamber includes the inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber. The third chamber includes the coalescer, the curved plate, the third liquid port, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber; wherein the first end of the pressure vessel is located before the pressure vessel inlet, and the second end of the pressure vessel is located after the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and The second end is closed; the method includes: opening the hinged openable latch; removing the coalescer configuration from the pressure vessel by sliding the coalescer configuration along a coalescer configuration support rail and through the open latch; sliding the coalescer configuration into the pressure vessel by sliding a replacement coalescer configuration through the open latch and along the coalescer configuration support rail; and closing the hinged openable latch.

Gases, such as industrial gases transported through pipeline systems, may carry unintended contaminants, such as droplets and/or solid particles.

There is a need for improved filters, devices, and systems for removing unwanted contaminants or fluids from gases and/or recovering desired components from gases before further treatment and/or use. This invention provides improvements over at least some of the shortcomings of the prior art. These and other advantages of this invention will become apparent from the description which follows.

One aspect of the present invention provides a filter coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being in fluid communication with the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising having (a) A hollow cylindrical axial flow body at the first open separator end and the second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the vortex generator fluid; (c) A coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in communication with the axial flow separator fluid, wherein (a), (b) and (c) are arranged in sequence.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a coalescing device configuration comprising: (a) an inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end; the hollow cylindrical axial flow body comprising radial grooves; or, the hollow cylindrical axial flow body comprising an internal hollow cylindrical porous metal element. (a) and an external hollow cylindrical metal mesh; wherein the axial flow separator is in fluid communication with the vortex generator; and (b) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; wherein (a) and (b) are arranged sequentially.

Another aspect of the invention provides a filter coalescer device comprising at least one filter coalescer configuration, the at least one filter coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator comprising helical blades, the vortex generator being in fluid communication with the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising having a first open separator end and a second open separator. (a) a hollow cylindrical axial flow body at one end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the vortex generator fluid; (b) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in communication with the axial flow separator fluid; the filtration coalescer device further comprises (d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of blades and/or a mesh, the second inertial separator being in communication with the coalescer fluid; wherein (a), (b), (c) and (d) are arranged sequentially.

In another embodiment, a filtration coalescer system includes: I. a filtration coalescer device comprising at least one filtration coalescer configuration, the at least one filtration coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator comprising helical blades, The vortex generator is in communication with the fluid of the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the fluid of the vortex generator; and (c) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being adjacent to the second open separator. The filter coalescer device further includes (d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of blades and/or a mesh, the second inertial separator being in communication with the coalescer fluid; wherein (a), (b), (c) and (d) are arranged sequentially; II. wherein the filter coalescer device is disposed in a pressure vessel, the pressure vessel comprising a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, and a second... The first chamber comprises the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprises the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber comprises the coalescer, the second inertial separator, the third liquid port, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber.

In another embodiment, a filtration coalescer system includes: I. at least one filtration coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex (i) a generator in communication with the fluid of the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the fluid of the vortex generator; and (c) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end. The coalescer is disposed adjacent to the end of the second open separator and is in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; the filtration coalescer system is further included in a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a), (b) and (c) are arranged in sequence; II. wherein the filtration coalescer is disposed in a pressure vessel, the pressure vessel including a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, and a second chamber. The pressure vessel comprises a first chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, and a third chamber; the first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber includes the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescer, the curved plate, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber.

In another embodiment, a coalescer system comprises: I. at least one coalescer configuration comprising: (a) an inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades; and (ii) an axial flow separator including a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the vortex generator fluid; (b) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being configured adjacent to the second open separator end and in communication with the axial flow separator fluid; the filtration coalescer system further comprises The curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a) and (b) are arranged sequentially; II. wherein the coalescer is disposed in a pressure vessel, the pressure vessel including a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber, and a third liquid port; the first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet and the first liquid port; the second chamber includes the inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescer, the curved plate, the third liquid port, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber.

In another embodiment, an inertial separator is provided, comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades; and (ii) an axial flow separator including a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the hollow cylindrical axial flow body including an inner hollow cylindrical porous metal element and an outer hollow cylindrical metal mesh.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the inertial separator comprises: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades; and (ii) an axial flow separator including a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the hollow cylindrical axial flow body including radial grooves.

A method for maintaining a filtration coalescer system according to the present invention is provided, wherein the filtration coalescer system comprises: I. a filtration coalescer device including at least one filtration coalescer configuration, the at least one filtration coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one pre-filter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open pre-filter end and a second open pre-filter end; and a closed pre-filter end cap located at... In the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being in communication with the fluid of the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the fluid of the vortex generator; and (c) a coalescer containing The filter coalescing device includes a porous coalescing medium, a first open coalescing end and a second open coalescing end, and a closed coalescing end cap located in the second open coalescing end. The coalescing end is disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and is in communication with the axial flow separator fluid. The filter coalescing device further includes (d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of blades and/or a mesh, the second inertial separator being connected to the coalescing fluid. Connected; wherein (a), (b), (c) and (d) are arranged sequentially, II. wherein the filter coalescer device is arranged in a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and including a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber and a third liquid port; and parallel filter coalescer arrangements. A support rail is disposed along the lower surface of the filter coalescer within the pressure vessel; the first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber includes the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein a first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescer, the second inertial separator, the third liquid port, and the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber; wherein the first end of the pressure vessel is located before the at least one pre-filter and the pressure vessel inlet, and the second end of the pressure vessel is located after the second inertial separator and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked, openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is... The method comprises: opening the hinged, openable latch to separate the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator from the axial flow separator and the coalescer; and removing the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator from the pressure vessel by sliding the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator along parallel filter-coalescing configuration support rails including parallel prefilter rails and through the opened latch. The at least one prefilter and the vortex generator are slid into the pressure vessel by sliding the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator through the open latch and along the parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails that include parallel prefilter rails, until the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator are connected to the axial flow separator and the coalescer; and the hooked openable latch is closed.

A method is provided for maintaining a filter coalescer system according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the filter coalescer system comprises: I. a filter coalescer device comprising at least one filter coalescer configuration, the at least one filter coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one pre-filter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open pre-filter end and a second open... (a) a prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap, located in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being in communication with the fluid of the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial main stream having a first open separator end and a second open separator end. (c) A coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open coalescer end and in communication with the axial flow separator fluid; the filtration coalescer device enters... Step 1 includes d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of blades and/or a mesh, the second inertial separator being fluidly connected to the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), (c) and (d) are arranged sequentially; II. wherein the filtration coalescer device is disposed in a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and including a pressure vessel inlet and a pressure vessel outlet. The pressure vessel comprises an inlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber, and a third liquid port; and parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails arranged along the lower surface of the filter coalescer configuration within the pressure vessel; the first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber includes the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescer, the second inertial separator, the third liquid port, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber; wherein the first end of the pressure vessel is located at the at least one pre-filter. The method comprises: opening the hooked openable latch, thereby arranging the filter coalescer along the pressure vessel inlet and after the second inertial separator and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed; the method includes: opening the hooked openable latch, thereby arranging the filter coalescer along the pressure vessel inlet and after the second inertial separator and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed; The parallel filter coalescing configuration is slidable along the support rails and through the open latch to remove the filter coalescing configuration from the pressure vessel; the filter coalescing configuration is slidable into the pressure vessel by causing a replacement filter coalescing configuration to slide through the open latch and along the parallel filter coalescing configuration support rails; and the hooked openable latch is closed.

A method is provided for maintaining a filtration coalescer system according to the present invention, wherein the filtration coalescer system comprises: I. at least one filtration coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; (b) A first inertial separator, comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being in fluid communication with the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator including a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in fluid communication with the vortex generator; and (c) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer... The filter-coalescing system comprises a coalescing medium, a first open coalescing end and a second open coalescing end, and a closed coalescing end cap located in the second open coalescing end. The coalescing unit is disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and communicates with the axial flow separator fluid. The filter-coalescing system further includes a curved plate below the coalescing unit; wherein (a), (b) and (c) are arranged sequentially; II. wherein the filter-coalescing unit is disposed in a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and includes a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, and a third chamber; and parallel filter-coalescing unit configuration support rails along the lower surface of the filter-coalescing unit configuration in the pressure vessel. Configuration: The first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber includes the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescer, the curved plate below the coalescer, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber; wherein the first end of the pressure vessel is located before the at least one pre-filter and the pressure vessel inlet, and the second end of the pressure vessel is located after the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed; the method includes: opening the hooked openable hatch. Locking, separating the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator from the axial flow separator and the coalescer; removing the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator from the pressure vessel by sliding the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator along parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails including parallel prefilter rails and passing through the open lock; by replacing at least one A pre-filter and the vortex generator slide through the open latch and along the parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails including parallel pre-filter rails to slide the at least one pre-filter and the vortex generator into the pressure vessel until the at least one pre-filter and the vortex generator are connected to the axial flow separator and the coalescer; and the hooked openable latch is closed.

A method is provided for maintaining a filter coalescing system according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the filter coalescing system comprises: I. at least one filter coalescing assembly comprising: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator comprising helical blades, the vortex generator being in communication with the fluid of the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end. (a), (b), and (c) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open coalescer end and communicating with the axial flow separator fluid, the filtration coalescer system further comprising a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), and (c) are arranged sequentially; II. wherein the filtration coalescer is disposed in a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and comprising a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, and a first... The pressure vessel includes a tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber, and parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails arranged along the lower surface of the filter coalescer configuration within the pressure vessel. The first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port. The second chamber includes the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber. The third chamber includes the coalescer, the curved plate, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber. The first end of the pressure vessel is located before the at least one pre-filter and the pressure vessel inlet. The second end of the pressure vessel is located after the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed; the method includes: opening the hooked openable latch by arranging the filter coalescer along the parallel filter coalescers. The filter coalescer configuration is removed from the pressure vessel by sliding the support rails through the open latch; the filter coalescer configuration is slid into the pressure vessel by sliding the replacement filter coalescer configuration through the open latch and along the parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails; and the hooked openable latch is closed.

A method is provided for maintaining a coalescing system according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the coalescing system comprises: I. at least one coalescing assembly comprising: (a) an inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in fluid communication with the vortex generator; (b) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescing medium, a first open coalescing end and a second open coalescing end, and A closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, the coalescer system further comprising a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a) and (b) are arranged sequentially; II. wherein the coalescer is disposed in a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and comprising a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber, and a third liquid port; The pressure vessel is equipped with a coalescing device and a support rail, which is disposed along the lower surface of the pressure vessel; the first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet and the first liquid port; the second chamber includes the inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescing device, the curved plate, the third liquid port, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber; wherein the first end of the pressure vessel is located before the pressure vessel inlet, and the second end of the pressure vessel is located before the pressure vessel outlet. After the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed; the method includes: opening the hooked openable latch; removing the coalescer configuration from the pressure vessel by sliding the coalescer configuration along a coalescer configuration support rail and through the open latch; sliding the coalescer configuration into the pressure vessel by sliding a replacement coalescer configuration through the open latch and along the coalescer configuration support rail; and closing the hooked openable latch.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for removing solid contaminants from an airflow and separating liquid contaminants is provided. The method comprises passing the airflow through a filter-coalescing device comprising at least one filter-coalescing configuration, the at least one filter-coalescing configuration comprising: (a) at least one pre-filter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open pre-filter. (a) a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; and a prefilter coupler, selected as appropriate, which can be connected to the second open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being in fluid communication with the prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator. (c) A coalescer comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the vortex generator fluid; and (d) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being adjacent to... The second open separator end is configured and communicates with the axial flow separator fluid; the filter coalescer device further includes (d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of blades and/or a mesh, the second inertial separator being communicated with the coalescer fluid; wherein (a), (b), (c) and (d) are configured sequentially and remove solid and liquid contaminants from the airflow.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for removing solid contaminants from an airflow and separating liquid contaminants is provided. The method includes passing the airflow through at least one filter-coalescing configuration, the at least one filter-coalescing configuration comprising: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; and, if appropriate, a prefilter coupler capable of engaging with the second open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being connected to the... (i) a pre-filter fluid communication; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being fluid communication with the vortex generator; (c) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and being fluid communication with the axial flow separator, wherein a curved plate is disposed below the coalescer; wherein (a), (b) and (c) are arranged sequentially, and solid and liquid contaminants are removed from the gas flow.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for removing solid contaminants and separating liquid contaminants from an airflow is provided. The method includes passing the airflow through at least one coalescing configuration, the at least one coalescing configuration comprising: (a) an inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end. (a) The separator is in fluid communication with the vortex generator; (b) A coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, wherein a curved plate is disposed below the coalescer; wherein (a) and (b) are arranged sequentially, and solid and liquid contaminants are removed from the gas flow.

One aspect of the present invention provides a filter coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being in fluid communication with the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising having (a) A hollow cylindrical axial flow body at the first open separator end and the second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the vortex generator fluid; (c) A coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in communication with the axial flow separator fluid, wherein (a), (b) and (c) are arranged in sequence.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a coalescing device configuration comprising: (a) an inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end; the hollow cylindrical axial flow body comprising radial grooves; or, the hollow cylindrical axial flow body comprising an internal hollow cylindrical porous metal element. (a) a component and an external hollow cylindrical metal mesh; wherein the axial flow separator is in fluid communication with the vortex generator; and (b) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; wherein (a) and (b) are arranged sequentially.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a filter coalescer device comprising at least one filter coalescer configuration, the at least one filter coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator comprising helical blades, the vortex generator being in fluid communication with the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising having a first open separator end and a second open separator. (a) a hollow cylindrical axial flow body at one end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the vortex generator fluid; (b) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in communication with the axial flow separator fluid; the filtration coalescer device further comprises (d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of blades and/or a mesh, the second inertial separator being in communication with the coalescer fluid; wherein (a), (b), (c) and (d) are arranged sequentially.

In some embodiments of the filter coalescer configuration and filter coalescer apparatus, at least one prefilter includes a prefilter coupler that can be engaged with a second open prefilter end, wherein a vortex generator is disposed in the prefilter coupler; and the axial flow separator includes a separator coupler that can be engaged with a first open separator end.

In some configurations of filter coalescer and filter coalescer devices, and in some forms of coalescer configuration, the hollow cylindrical axial flow body contains a porous medium, or the hollow cylindrical axial flow body contains radial grooves.

In some configurations, the hollow cylindrical axial flow host includes a wedge-shaped host whose diameter increases toward the coalescer.

In another embodiment, a filtration coalescer system includes: I. a filtration coalescer device comprising at least one filtration coalescer configuration, the at least one filtration coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator comprising helical blades, The vortex generator is in communication with the fluid of the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the fluid of the vortex generator; and (c) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being adjacent to the second open separator. The filter coalescer device further includes (d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of blades and/or a mesh, the second inertial separator being in communication with the coalescer fluid; wherein (a), (b), (c) and (d) are arranged sequentially; II. wherein the filter coalescer device is disposed in a pressure vessel, the pressure vessel comprising a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, and a second... The first chamber comprises the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprises the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber comprises the coalescer, the second inertial separator, the third liquid port, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber.

In some preferred embodiments, the pressure vessel further includes a first end plate and a second end plate; wherein a first chamber includes the first end plate and a third chamber includes the second end plate, and a closed pre-filter end cap in the first open pre-filter end contacts the first end plate, a second open pre-filter end contacts the first tube sheet, a first open coalescer end cap contacts the second tube sheet, and a closed coalescer end cap in the second open coalescer end contacts the second end plate.

In another embodiment, a filtration coalescer system includes: I. at least one filtration coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex (i) a generator in communication with the fluid of the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the fluid of the vortex generator; and (c) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end. The coalescer is disposed adjacent to the end of the second open separator and is in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; the filtration coalescer system is further included in a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a), (b) and (c) are arranged in sequence; II. wherein the filtration coalescer is disposed in a pressure vessel, the pressure vessel including a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, and a second chamber. The pressure vessel comprises a first chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, and a third chamber; the first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber includes the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescer, the curved plate, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber.

In one embodiment of a filtration coalescer system, a pressure vessel has a first end preceding at least one pre-filter and a pressure vessel inlet, and a second end following a second inertial separator (if present) and a pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked, openable hatch and the second end is closed.

In a preferred embodiment, the filter coalescer system includes two or more filter coalescer configurations disposed in a pressure vessel, typically three or more, for example, at least four, at least five, at least six, or seven or more, disposed in the pressure vessel.

In some configurations, the filter coalescer system further includes parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails, which include parallel prefilter rails and parallel coalescer rails to facilitate the removal and, as needed, replacement of at least one of the prefilter and/or filter coalescer configurations.

In another embodiment, a coalescer system comprises: I. at least one coalescer configuration comprising: (a) an inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades; and (ii) an axial flow separator including a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the vortex generator fluid; (b) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being configured adjacent to the second open separator end and in communication with the axial flow separator fluid; the coalescer system further comprising in A curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a) and (b) are arranged sequentially; II. wherein the coalescer is disposed in a pressure vessel, the pressure vessel including a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber, and a third liquid port; the first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet and the first liquid port; the second chamber includes the inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescer, the curved plate, the third liquid port, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber.

In some preferred embodiments, the pressure vessel further includes end plates, wherein a third chamber includes an end plate, a first open coalescer end cap contacts a second tube sheet, and a closed coalescer end cap in a second open coalescer end contacts the second end plate.

In one configuration of a coalescing system, the pressure vessel has a first end preceding the pressure vessel inlet and a second end following the coalescing and pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked, openable hatch and the second end is closed.

In a preferred embodiment, the coalescer system includes two or more coalescer configurations disposed in a pressure vessel, typically three or more, for example, at least four, at least five, at least six, or seven or more, disposed in the pressure vessel.

In some configurations, the coalescer system further includes coalescer configuration support rails, which contain coalescer rails to facilitate the removal and replacement of coalescer configurations as needed.

In another embodiment, an inertial separator is provided, comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades; and (ii) an axial flow separator including a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the hollow cylindrical axial flow body including an inner hollow cylindrical porous metal element and an outer hollow cylindrical metal mesh.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the inertial separator comprises: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades; and (ii) an axial flow separator including a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the hollow cylindrical axial flow body including radial grooves.

In some configurations, the inertial separator further includes a handle disposed on the front of the inertial separator.

In one configuration of an inertial separator, the radial slot includes reverse blades angled outward toward the first open separator end.

A method for maintaining a filtration coalescer system according to the present invention is provided, wherein the filtration coalescer system comprises: I. a filtration coalescer device including at least one filtration coalescer configuration, the at least one filtration coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one pre-filter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open pre-filter end and a second open pre-filter end; and a closed pre-filter end cap located at... In the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being in communication with the fluid of the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the fluid of the vortex generator; and (c) a coalescer containing The filter coalescing device includes a porous coalescing medium, a first open coalescing end and a second open coalescing end, and a closed coalescing end cap located in the second open coalescing end. The coalescing end is disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and is in communication with the axial flow separator fluid. The filter coalescing device further includes (d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of blades and/or a mesh, the second inertial separator being connected to the coalescing fluid. Connected; wherein (a), (b), (c) and (d) are arranged sequentially, II. wherein the filter coalescer device is arranged in a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and including a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber and a third liquid port; and parallel filter coalescer arrangements. A support rail is disposed along the lower surface of the filter coalescer within the pressure vessel; the first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber includes the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein a first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescer, the second inertial separator, the third liquid port, and the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber; wherein the first end of the pressure vessel is located before the at least one pre-filter and the pressure vessel inlet, and the second end of the pressure vessel is located after the second inertial separator and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked, openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is... The method comprises: opening the hinged, openable latch to separate the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator from the axial flow separator and the coalescer; and removing the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator from the pressure vessel by sliding the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator along parallel filter-coalescing configuration support rails including parallel prefilter rails and through the opened latch. The at least one prefilter and the vortex generator are slid into the pressure vessel by sliding the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator through the open latch and along the parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails that include parallel prefilter rails, until the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator are connected to the axial flow separator and the coalescer; and the hooked openable latch is closed.

A method is provided for maintaining a filter coalescer system according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the filter coalescer system comprises: I. a filter coalescer device comprising at least one filter coalescer configuration, the at least one filter coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one pre-filter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open pre-filter end and a second open... (a) a prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap, located in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being in communication with the fluid of the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial main stream having a first open separator end and a second open separator end. (c) A coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open coalescer end and in communication with the axial flow separator fluid; the filtration coalescer device enters... Step 1 includes d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of blades and/or a mesh, the second inertial separator being fluidly connected to the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), (c) and (d) are arranged sequentially; II. wherein the filtration coalescer device is disposed in a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and including a pressure vessel inlet and a pressure vessel outlet. The pressure vessel comprises an inlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber, and a third liquid port; and parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails arranged along the lower surface of the filter coalescer configuration within the pressure vessel; the first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber includes the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescer, the second inertial separator, the third liquid port, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber; wherein the first end of the pressure vessel is located at the at least one pre-filter. The method comprises: opening the hooked openable latch, thereby arranging the filter coalescer along the pressure vessel inlet and after the second inertial separator and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed; the method includes: opening the hooked openable latch, thereby arranging the filter coalescer along the pressure vessel inlet and after the second inertial separator and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed; The parallel filter coalescing configuration is slidable along the support rails and through the open latch to remove the filter coalescing configuration from the pressure vessel; the filter coalescing configuration is slidable into the pressure vessel by causing a replacement filter coalescing configuration to slide through the open latch and along the parallel filter coalescing configuration support rails; and the hooked openable latch is closed.

A method is provided for maintaining a filtration coalescer system according to the present invention, wherein the filtration coalescer system comprises: I. at least one filtration coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; (b) A first inertial separator, comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being in fluid communication with the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator including a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in fluid communication with the vortex generator; and (c) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer... The filter-coalescing system comprises a coalescing medium, a first open coalescing end and a second open coalescing end, and a closed coalescing end cap located in the second open coalescing end. The coalescing unit is disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and communicates with the axial flow separator fluid. The filter-coalescing system further includes a curved plate below the coalescing unit; wherein (a), (b) and (c) are arranged sequentially; II. wherein the filter-coalescing unit is disposed in a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and includes a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, and a third chamber; and parallel filter-coalescing unit configuration support rails along the lower surface of the filter-coalescing unit configuration in the pressure vessel. Configuration: The first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber includes the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescer, the curved plate below the coalescer, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber; wherein the first end of the pressure vessel is located before the at least one pre-filter and the pressure vessel inlet, and the second end of the pressure vessel is located after the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed; the method includes: opening the hooked openable hatch. Locking, separating the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator from the axial flow separator and the coalescer; removing the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator from the pressure vessel by sliding the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator along parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails including parallel prefilter rails and passing through the open lock; by replacing at least one A pre-filter and the vortex generator slide through the open latch and along the parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails including parallel pre-filter rails to slide the at least one pre-filter and the vortex generator into the pressure vessel until the at least one pre-filter and the vortex generator are connected to the axial flow separator and the coalescer; and the hooked openable latch is closed.

A method is provided for maintaining a filter coalescing system according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the filter coalescing system comprises: I. at least one filter coalescing assembly comprising: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator comprising helical blades, the vortex generator being in communication with the fluid of the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end. (a), (b), and (c) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open coalescer end and communicating with the axial flow separator fluid, the filtration coalescer system further comprising a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), and (c) are arranged sequentially; II. wherein the filtration coalescer is disposed in a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and comprising a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, and a first... The pressure vessel includes a tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber, and parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails arranged along the lower surface of the filter coalescer configuration within the pressure vessel. The first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port. The second chamber includes the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber. The third chamber includes the coalescer, the curved plate, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber. The first end of the pressure vessel is located before the at least one pre-filter and the pressure vessel inlet. The second end of the pressure vessel is located after the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed; the method includes: opening the hooked openable latch by arranging the filter coalescer along the parallel filter coalescers. The filter coalescer configuration is removed from the pressure vessel by sliding the support rails through the open latch; the filter coalescer configuration is slid into the pressure vessel by sliding the replacement filter coalescer configuration through the open latch and along the parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails; and the hooked openable latch is closed.

A method is provided for maintaining a coalescing system according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the coalescing system comprises: I. at least one coalescing assembly comprising: (a) an inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in fluid communication with the vortex generator; (b) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescing medium, a first open coalescing end and a second open coalescing end, and located at... The second open coalescer end has a closed coalescer end cap, the coalescer is disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and is in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, the coalescer system is further included in a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a) and (b) are arranged sequentially; II. wherein the coalescer is disposed in a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and includes a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber and a third liquid port; and the coalescer. A support rail is configured along the lower surface of the filter coalescer within the pressure vessel; the first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet and the first liquid port; the second chamber includes the inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein a first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescer, the curved plate, the third liquid port, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein a second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber; wherein the first end of the pressure vessel is located before the pressure vessel inlet, and the second end of the pressure vessel is located... After the outlet of the pressure vessel, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed; the method includes: opening the hooked openable latch; removing the coalescer configuration from the pressure vessel by sliding the coalescer configuration along a coalescer configuration support rail and through the open latch; sliding the coalescer configuration into the pressure vessel by sliding a replacement coalescer configuration through the open latch and along the coalescer configuration support rail; and closing the hooked openable latch.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for removing solid contaminants from an airflow and separating liquid contaminants is provided. The method comprises passing the airflow through a filter-coalescing device comprising at least one filter-coalescing configuration, the at least one filter-coalescing configuration comprising: (a) at least one pre-filter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open pre-filter. (a) a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; and a prefilter coupler, selected as appropriate, which can be connected to the second open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being in fluid communication with the prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator. (c) A coalescer comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the vortex generator fluid; and (d) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being adjacent to... The second open separator end is configured and communicates with the axial flow separator fluid; the filter coalescer device further includes (d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of blades and/or a mesh, the second inertial separator being communicated with the coalescer fluid; wherein (a), (b), (c) and (d) are configured sequentially and remove solid and liquid contaminants from the airflow.

For example, in one embodiment, the method includes: introducing a gas into the inlet of a pressure vessel in which a filtration coalescer device is disposed; allowing the gas to flow from the outside in through at least one pre-filter; separating a liquid from the gas, wherein the separated liquid enters a first storage tank from outside the at least one pre-filter, and the liquid-depleted gas is conveyed along the hollow porous medium of the pre-filter and passes through a first inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator including a hollow axial flow body; and separating additional... The liquid separated from the axial flow body enters the second storage tank from the outside of the axial flow body, while the gas further depleted of liquid enters the hollow coalescer along the hollow axial flow body; additional liquid is separated from the gas, which passes through the outside of the coalescer and is transmitted along the hollow coalescer and through the second inertial separator, whereby additional liquid is separated from the gas and enters the third storage tank, while the gas further depleted of liquid passes through the second inertial separator and exits from the pressure vessel through the outlet.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for removing solid contaminants from an airflow and separating liquid contaminants is provided. The method includes passing the airflow through at least one filter-coalescing configuration, the at least one filter-coalescing configuration comprising: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; and, if appropriate, a prefilter coupler capable of engaging with the second open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being connected to the... (i) a pre-filter fluid communication; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being fluid communication with the vortex generator; (c) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and being fluid communication with the axial flow separator, wherein a curved plate is disposed below the coalescer; wherein (a), (b) and (c) are arranged sequentially, and solid and liquid contaminants are removed from the gas flow.

For example, in one embodiment, the method includes: introducing a gas into the inlet of a pressure vessel configured with one or more filter coalescers; allowing the gas to flow from the outside in through a hollow cylindrical pre-filter; separating a liquid from the gas, wherein the separated liquid enters a first storage tank from outside the pre-filter, and the liquid-depleted gas is conveyed along the hollow portion of the pre-filter and passes through a first inertial separator including a vortex generator and... The method includes an axial flow separator comprising a hollow axial flow body; separating additional liquid from gas, the separated liquid entering a second storage tank from outside the axial flow body, wherein further liquid-depleted gas enters a hollow coalescer along the hollow axial flow body; separating additional liquid from gas, wherein the liquid is discharged from outside the coalescer and discharged along a curved plate into the second storage tank, and gas is conveyed along the hollow coalescer and passes through the outlet of a pressure vessel. The method may include conveying the separated liquid along the curved plate and through a conduit connected via a pipe to guide the coalesced liquid from the coalescer to the second storage tank.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for removing solid contaminants and separating liquid contaminants from an airflow is provided. The method includes passing the airflow through at least one coalescing configuration, the at least one coalescing configuration comprising: (a) an inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end. (a) The separator is in fluid communication with the vortex generator; (b) A coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, wherein a curved plate is disposed below the coalescer; wherein (a) and (b) are arranged sequentially, and solid and liquid contaminants are removed from the gas flow.

For example, in one embodiment, the method includes: introducing a gas into an inlet of a pressure vessel configured with one or more coalescers; separating a liquid from the gas, wherein the separated liquid enters a first storage tank, and the liquid-depleted gas passes through an inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial separator including a hollow axial flow body; separating a liquid from the gas... The external liquid, separated from the axial flow body, enters a second storage tank from outside the main body, while the further liquid-depleted gas enters a hollow coalescer along the hollow axial flow body. Additional liquid is separated from the gas, with the liquid exiting from outside the coalescer and flowing along a curved plate into a third storage tank, and the gas flowing along the hollow coalescer and exiting from a pressure vessel through its outlet. The method may include conveying the separated liquid along the curved plate and through a conduit connected via a pipe to guide the coalesced liquid from the coalescer to the third storage tank.

Advantageously, the present invention allows for the use of shorter filter and/or coalescer elements (with lower weight than conventional filter/coalescer elements) and smaller pressure vessels, while maintaining the required separation efficiency and throughput under varying process conditions without requiring additional filtration areas. Smaller vessels provide a smaller footprint and reduce costs (e.g., cheaper filter/coalescer elements or coalescer elements; and in terms of reducing energy used for operating systems and/or producing filter-coalescer devices and/or producing filter-coalescer systems or coalescer systems).

In some cases, the second inertial separator and/or pre-filter can be eliminated, which can further reduce the size of the container and further reduce costs.

Another advantage is that the filter coalescer system and coalescer system can be maintained, for example, by removing the pre-filter and/or filter coalescer configuration from the pressure vessel and inserting a replacement pre-filter and/or filter coalescer configuration into the pressure vessel, or by removing the coalescer configuration from the pressure vessel and inserting a replacement coalescer configuration into the pressure vessel.

The application is suitable for processing a variety of gases, such as any industrial gas, such as natural gas, hydrogen, carbon capture and utilization and storage, biogas, etc., in which it is necessary to remove/separate particles and aqueous fluids (such as crude oil, oil, and other hydrocarbons) entrained in the gas.

Each of the components of the invention will now be described in more detail below, wherein similar components have similar element symbols.

In the configurations shown in Figures 1A to 1D, a plurality of filter coalescer assemblies are configured in a filter coalescer apparatus, which is configured in a filter coalescer system configuration.

The illustrated filter coalescer apparatus 600 includes a filter coalescer configuration 500 (three filter coalescer configurations are shown in Figure 1A; see also Figures 1B to 1D), which includes: (a) at least one pre-filter 100 comprising: a hollow porous medium 150 (or a pleated hollow porous medium if desired), having a first open pre-filter end 151 and a second open pre-filter end 151. The first open prefilter end 152 (the prefilter may include, as appropriate, a perforated metal core (core not shown) typically having a minimum open area of 30%); and a closed prefilter end cap 160 located in the first open prefilter end (including, as appropriate, a handle 161; see Figure 2); (b) a first inertial separator 200 comprising: (i) a vortex generator 210 comprising helical blades 211 (see Figure 2 and Figures 3C to 3D show the vortex generator in fluid communication with at least one pre-filter 100; and (ii) an axial flow separator 250 comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body 255 having a first open separator end 261 and a second open separator end 262 (see Figure 2; also see Figures 4G to 4I for the axial flow separator 250'), which is in fluid communication with the vortex generator 210. (c) A coalescer 300 comprising: a hollow porous coalescer medium 301, a first open coalescer end 311 and a second open coalescer end 312, and a closed coalescer end cap 360 located in the second open coalescer end 312, the end cap including a handle 365 (see FIG. 4C), the coalescer being configured adjacent to the second open separator end 262 and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator 250.

The illustrated filter coalescer device 600 includes (d) a second inertial separator 450 comprising a plurality of blades (the separator is sometimes referred to as a "valve assembly" having blades sometimes referred to as "herringbone"; typically parallel corrugated blades spaced at fixed intervals) 470 and/or one or more mesh pads 480 (see Figure 1E, which shows an illustrative mesh pad 480; the separator is sometimes referred to as a "pad demister"; may also include herringbone patterns), the second inertial separator 450 being fluidly connected to the coalescer 300; wherein (a), (b), (c) and (d) are arranged sequentially. However, although the filter coalescer device 600 may include a plurality of filter coalescer assemblies, it will typically include a single second inertial separator 450.

The illustrated schematic of a filter coalescer apparatus 600 includes one or more (typically at least two or more) filter coalescer configurations 500 arranged in a filter coalescer system 2000, illustrated as including a pressure vessel 1000 comprising a pressure vessel inlet 1001, a pressure vessel outlet 1002, a first chamber 1100, a first liquid port 1101 for allowing separated liquid to enter a first storage tank 1102, a first tube sheet 1150, a second chamber 1200, a second liquid port 1201 for allowing separated liquid to enter a second storage tank 1202, a second tube sheet 1250, and a third chamber 1... 300, and a third liquid port 1301 for allowing the separated liquid to enter the third storage tank 1302; the first chamber 1100 includes a pressure vessel inlet 1001, at least one pre-filter 100 and a first liquid port; the second chamber 1200 includes a first inertial separator 200 and a second liquid port, wherein a first tube sheet 1150 separates the first chamber 1100 from the second chamber 1200; the third chamber 1300 includes a coalescer 300, a second inertial separator 450, a third liquid port and a pressure vessel outlet 1002, wherein a second tube sheet 1250 separates the second chamber 1200 from the third chamber 1300.

The tube sheet has concentric holes that divide the interior of the pressure vessel into three chambers, and gaskets provide an airtight seal between the elements and the tube sheet. Gaskets at the second open pre-filter end 152 (in equivalents including the pre-filter), the inertial separator (see, for example, FIG. 13), and the first open coalescer end 311 provide a seal between the pre-filter, the coalescer, and the tube sheet. In some embodiments, the diameter of the holes in the second tube sheet is smaller than the diameter of the holes in the first tube sheet.

The pressure vessel 1000 has a first end 1000A before at least one pre-filter and a pressure vessel inlet, and a second end 1000B after a second inertial separator and a pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch 1400 and the second end is closed.

Figure 2 (see also Figure 6A) illustrates the configuration of a filter coalescer arrangement 500 of a filter coalescer device 600, which includes: at least one pre-filter 100; a first inertial separator 200 including a vortex generator 210 and an axial flow separator 250; and a coalescer 300, as described with respect to Figure 1A.

Figure 3A illustrates the pre-filter 100 in more detail, which includes a hollow porous medium 150 having a first open pre-filter end 151 and a second open pre-filter end 152, both closed by a first end cap 160. Figure 3A also shows a pre-filter connector/shim 155 (for forming an airtight seal against the first tube sheet between the first and second chambers) and a first coupler 159 in the second open pre-filter end 152, wherein a vortex generator 210 includes helical blades 211 disposed in the coupler and communicating with the hollow internal fluid of the pre-filter (see also Figures 3B to 3D). Using Figures 3B and 3C as references, the first coupler 159 includes a notch 159A for engaging the second coupler 259 (see, for example, Figures 4A, 4B and 5A to 5C).

As shown in Figures 1B to 1D, 7A to 7B, and 7E to 7F, the prefilter 100 may have a baffle 111, optionally positioned above the porous medium, disposed below the inlet of the pressure vessel and extending, for example, about half the length of the prefilter, from approximately the middle of the prefilter toward the first inertial separator. The baffle may be suitable to prevent direct contact between the prefilter and the mixed fluid entering the pressure vessel inlet.

Figures 4A to 4C illustrate the coalescer 300 in more detail, which includes: a hollow porous coalescer medium 301, a first open coalescer end 311 and a second open coalescer end 312, and a closed coalescer end cap 360 located in the second open coalescer end 312 (Figure 4C shows the closed end cap 360, which includes a handle 365 that can engage with the trapping features of the second end plate of the filter coalescer device; see Figures 7D and 7F). The coalescer is configured adjacent to the second open separator end 262 and is in fluid communication with the axial flow separator 250.

Figures 4A and 4B also show the coalescer adapter/gasket 355 (used to form an airtight seal against the second tube sheet between the second and third chambers; rear view shown in Figure 4D) in the first open coalescer end 311, for connection to the second open separator end 262 of the axial flow separator 250 (a form of the first inertial separator 200) containing the hollow cylindrical axial flow body 255, wherein the first open separator end 261 of the axial flow separator 250 is connected to the second coupler 259, the second coupler 259 including a tab 259A that can be inserted into the recess 159A of the first coupler 159, wherein, as shown in Figures 5A to 5C, after the tab is inserted into the recess, twisting/rotating either or both couplers allows them to be coupled together.

Figure 4E shows the second coupler in a cross-sectional view, which also shows the appearance of the first inertial separator 200, including the vortex generator 210 and the axial separator 250. The axial separator 250 includes a hollow axial body 255 and a radial groove 256 that provides reverse radial blades 257. Figure 4F shows a flow guide for liquid to pass through the reverse radial blades of the hollow axial body and for gas to pass through the second end of the hollow axial body 262.

Figures 4G to 4I show another configuration of the first inertial separator 200', which includes a vortex generator 210 and an axial separator 250'. The axial separator 250' includes a hollow axial body 255' having a first open separator end 261' and a second open separator end 262'. The axial separator 250' contains a porous medium 258. Figure 4H shows the vortex generator and axial flow separator, which includes a hollow axial flow body containing the porous medium shown in Figure 4G, and also shows the metal mesh 258A surrounding the porous medium. Figure 4I shows the flow direction of liquid through the porous medium 258 and mesh 258A of the hollow axial flow body and gas through the second end of the hollow axial flow body 262'. As shown in, for example, Figure 4B, the first open splitter end 261' of the axial current splitter 250' is connected to the second coupler 259, which includes a tab 259A that can be inserted into a recess 159A of the first coupler 159. As shown in Figures 5A to 5C, after the tab is inserted into the recess, twisting/rotating either or both couplers allows them to be coupled together.

Figure 4J shows a commercially available axial flow separator 250", which includes a hollow axial flow body 255" having a first open separator end 261" and a second open separator end 262". The hollow axial flow body 255" is adapted as part of a first inertial separator (e.g., having a vortex generator and, if necessary, a first coupler and a second coupler, as described above) according to the present invention.

In some configurations, as shown in Figure 4J, the hollow cylindrical axial flow body 255" includes a wedge-shaped body (see, for example, the tubular outlet component 100 in U.S. Patent 7,879,123, which is incorporated by reference) with a diameter increasing from the first opening end 261" toward the second opening end 262" and a coalescer.

Figure 6A is a diagram showing the configuration 500 of the filter coalescer apparatus 600, which includes: at least one prefilter 100; a first inertial separator 200 including a vortex generator 210 and an axial separator 250, the axial separator 250 including an axial body 255 having radial grooves 256 providing counter-radial blades 257; and a coalescer 300 (wherein the coalescer 300 is also described with respect to Figure 9A, and the system includes a curved plate 350' below the coalescer), wherein the first inertial separator is disposed between the prefilter and the coalescer. As shown in Figure 6B, which displays an enlarged detail "A" of Figure 6A, the vortex generator 210 includes helical blades 211 (showing four blades spaced apart around a central pin); the vortex generator causes the fluid flow across the blades to swirl, and the axial flow separator 250/250'/250" removes bulk liquid from the airflow and reduces the liquid concentration to the coalescer, cleaning the gas separation. (Open axial current separator and enter coalescer core), wherein the first open separator end 261 of the axial current separator 250 (also applicable to 261' and 261") is connected to the second coupler 259, the second coupler 259 including a tab 259A inserted into a notch 159A of the first coupler 159, and one or both of the couplers are twisted/rotated to provide a secure engagement.

In the configurations shown in Figures 7A to 7F, a plurality of filter coalescer configurations 500 (7 configurations are shown, which can be used for smaller or larger numbers; also applicable to filter coalescer configurations 500 described below) can be configured in a pressure vessel. Figures 7A and 7B show top and side views (Figure 7A is a top view; Figure 7B is a side view); Figure 7C shows a front view including the first end plate 501; Figure 7D shows a rear view including the second end plate 502, wherein the first end plate 501 has a first end plate first surface 501A and a first end plate second surface 501B, the second surface 501B being adjacent to the first end of at least one pre-filter; and the second end plate 502 has a second end plate first surface 502A and a second end plate second surface 502B, the first surface 502A being adjacent to the second end of the coalescer; Figures 7E and 7F show a perspective front view and a perspective rear view, respectively. Figures 7D and 7F also show the capture feature 555 of the handle 365 (see Figures 4C and 7G) on the end cap 360 at the second end of the coalescer in the second end plate 502 (first surface 502A of the second end plate). As shown in Figure 7G, the capture feature 555 includes spaced parallel walls 556 extending from the central support 557 on the upper side of the second end plate, wherein the walls are spaced apart by a distance slightly larger than the width of the handle 365, and the plate 502 has a partially crescent-shaped opening 558 on either side of the central support 557.

In some configurations, when the maintenance device 600/600A is assembled in system 2000 (see also Figures 8A to 8B and 11A to 11B as described below; see also system 2000' as described below with respect to Figures 9A to 9D, and system 2000A as described below with respect to Figures 12A to 12F), when configuration 500/coalescer configuration 500A (see Figures 12A to 12F) is inserted... When the prefilter 100 is disengaged (e.g., involving decoupling and disengaging the prefilter and vortex generator from the axial flow separator and coalescer), the handle 365 can engage in the trapping feature 555/555' to ensure proper assembly, and/or once engaged, the configuration can be rotated to disengage the coupler (if present), thereby allowing removal of the prefilter and holding the coalescer in place for insertion of a replacement prefilter and re-engaging the coupler.

As will be discussed below, in a configuration including coalescer configuration 500A, handle 365 can be engaged in capture feature 555' to ensure proper assembly, and/or once engaged, the configuration can be rotated to disengage the coalescer configuration, thereby allowing removal of the coalescer configuration and subsequent insertion of a replacement coalescer configuration.

When the configuration 500/500A is inserted into the pressure vessels 1000, 1000', 1000" (typically from the inlet side), the holes in the second tube sheet 1250 may need to be smaller than the holes in the first tube sheet 1150 to allow the gasket associated with the coalescer 300 to slide more easily.

As mentioned above, the device 600 in system 2000 (and the devices in system 2000', and the device 600A in system 2000A as described below) can be assembled and/or maintained, for example, the filter coalescer configuration 500 can be inserted into the pressure vessel for assembly, or the filter coalescer configuration 500 or the pre-filter 100 can be removed from the pressure vessel, and the filter coalescer configuration 500 or the pre-filter 100 can be inserted to replace it, wherein the pre-filter can be removed and replaced after the coupler is disengaged. Using Figures 8A and 8B as illustrative references, during insertion, removal, and replacement, the filter coalescer configuration 500 slides along a parallel filter coalescer configuration support rail 575, which includes a parallel pre-filter rail 585 and a parallel coalescer rail 595 (shown as being disposed in a pressure vessel along the lower surface of the filter coalescer configuration (below) thereon), and during the removal and replacement of the pre-filter 100, the pre-filter slides along the parallel pre-filter rail 585. Removing and replacing the coalescer configuration 500A can follow a generally similar procedure, wherein the coalescer configuration 500A slides along the coalescer track 595' (along the track disposed on the upper surface of the coalescer configuration (above it)), and typically the coalescer configuration can be removed and replaced without the use of a coupler.

In the configurations shown in Figures 9A to 9D, a plurality of filter coalescers are configured in another configuration of the filter coalescer system. The illustrated filter coalescer configuration 500 includes: (a) at least one pre-filter 100 comprising: a hollow porous medium 150 (optionally a pleated hollow porous medium) having a first open pre-filter end 151 and a second open pre-filter end 152 (the pre-filter typically includes a perforated metal core (core not shown) with a minimum open area of 30%, as required). (a) also includes a baffle 111); and a closed pre-filter end cap 160 located in the first open pre-filter end (including a handle 161, optional; see FIG. 2); (b) a first inertial separator 200, comprising: (i) a vortex generator 210, including helical blades 211 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3C to FIG. 3D, the vortex generator and at least one pre-filter 111); and a closed pre-filter end cap 160 located in the first open pre-filter end (including a handle 161, optional; see FIG. 2); (b) a first inertial separator 200, comprising: (i) a vortex generator 210, including helical blades 211 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3C to FIG. 3D, the vortex generator and at least one pre-filter 111); 00 fluid communication; and (ii) axial flow separator 250, comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body 255 having a first open separator end 261 and a second open separator end 262 (see FIG. 2; see also FIG. 4G to FIG. 4J for axial flow separators 250' and 250"), the axial flow separator being fluid communication with vortex generator 210; (c) coalescer 30 0, which includes: a hollow porous coalescing medium 301, a first open coalescing end 311 and a second open coalescing end 312, and a closed coalescing end cap 360 located in the second open coalescing end 312, the end cap including a handle 365 (see FIG4C), the coalescing is configured adjacent to the second open separator end 262 and is in fluid communication with the axial flow separator 250.

However, regarding the coalescer 300 in configuration 500, the schematic diagram of system 2000' also includes a curved plate 350' that contacts the second end plate 502 and the second tube sheet 1250. This curved plate has a first end 351' that contacts the second tube sheet and a second end 352' that contacts the second end plate. The curved plate is positioned below the hollow coalescer 300, surrounding the lower portion of the coalescer and partially surrounding its sides, for the purpose of separating the gas... Additional liquid (e.g., droplets) is discharged from outside the coalescer and along the curved plate, entering the second storage tank through discharge point 353' (located between the first end 351' and the second end 352') (thus minimizing or preventing the coalesced liquid from re-entering the clean airflow and isolating the flow from the individual coalescers as it guides the airflow upwards), and gas is discharged along the hollow coalescer and from the pressure vessel through its outlet. Preferably, the curved plate covers 50% to 75% of the side of the coalescer (see Figure 9E). In some configurations, the curved plate has a radius that varies along the length of the coalescer, the shell has a larger radius R1 at the discharge point 353' and smaller radii R2 and R3 at the ends 351' and 352' respectively (see Figure 9B), and includes a conduit 354' connected via a pipe to guide the coalesced liquid from the coalescer to the second storage tank.

As shown in Figure 9E, near the discharge point 353' of the curved plate 350', where the plate surrounds the lower portion of the coalescer and the side portion of the coalescer, the gap between the plate and the lower portion of the coalescer is narrower than the gap between the plate and the side portion of the coalescer.

Compared to the capturing element 555 shown in Figures 7D and 7F, the capturing feature 555' for accommodating the handle as shown in Figure 11A (see also Figures 15D, 15F, 16A and 16B) lacks a central support 557 and an opening 558. Therefore, a surface area is provided on the second plate 502 or the end plate 512 for the second end 352' of the curved plate 350' to abut.

The difference between System 2000' and System 2000 is that System 2000' does not require a second inertial separator, a third liquid port, or a third storage tank.

The illustrated schematic diagram of a filter coalescer configuration 500 is arranged in a filter coalescer system 2000', and is shown as including a pressure vessel 1000', which includes a pressure vessel inlet 1001, a pressure vessel outlet 1002, a first chamber 1100, a first liquid port 1101 for allowing the separated liquid to enter the first storage tank 1102, a first tube sheet 1150, a second chamber 1200, a second liquid port 1201 for allowing the separated liquid to enter the second storage tank 1202, a second tube sheet 1250, and a third chamber 1300; the first chamber 1100 includes The system includes a pressure vessel inlet 1001, at least one pre-filter 100, and a first liquid port; a second chamber 1200 includes a first inertial separator 200 and a second liquid port, wherein a first tube sheet 1150 separates the first chamber 1100 from the second chamber 1200; a third chamber 1300 includes a coalescer 300, a curved plate 350', and a conduit 354' (the system 2000' does not have a second inertial separator, a third liquid port, or a third storage tank), and a pressure vessel outlet 1002, wherein a second tube sheet 1250 separates the second chamber 1200 from the third chamber 1300.

As described in the schematic diagram of System 2000, in the schematic diagram of System 2000', the tube sheet has concentric holes that divide the interior of the pressure vessel into three chambers. Gaskets at the second open pre-filter end 152 and the first open coalescer end 311 provide a seal between the pre-filter and the coalescer and the tube sheet. In some schematic diagrams, the diameter of the holes in the second tube sheet is smaller than the diameter of the holes in the first tube sheet.

The pressure vessel 1000' has a first end 1000A before at least one pre-filter and a pressure vessel inlet, and a second end 1000B after a pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch 1400 and the second end is closed.

The present invention described with reference to Figures 12A to 12F, Figure 13, Figures 14A to 14B, Figures 15A to 15F, Figure 16A and Figure 16B has multiple elements similar to or the same as the previously described elements and operates in a similar manner. However, contrary to the above-described configuration involving the filter coalescer configuration 500, this filter coalescer configuration includes: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; (b) an inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being in fluid communication with the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator. The system comprises (a), (b), and (c) a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the vortex generator fluid; and (d) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in communication with the axial flow separator fluid; wherein (a), (b), and (c) are arranged sequentially, see reference. The embodiments of the invention described in Figures 12A to 12F, Figure 13, Figures 14A to 14B, Figures 15A to 15F, Figures 16A and 16B relate to a coalescer configuration 500A, comprising: (a) an inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the hollow cylindrical axial flow body including radial grooves; or, The hollow cylindrical axial flow body includes an inner hollow cylindrical porous metal element and an outer hollow cylindrical metal mesh; wherein the axial flow separator is in communication with the vortex generator fluid; and (b) a coalescer, which includes a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in communication with the axial flow separator fluid; wherein (a) and (b) are arranged sequentially.

In the configurations shown in Figures 12A to 12F, a plurality of coalescer configurations 500A are configured in the configuration of coalescer system 2000A. The illustrated coalescer configuration 500A includes: (a) an inertial separator 200A, which includes: (i) a vortex generator 210 including helical blades 211; and (ii) an axial flow separator 250 including a hollow cylindrical axial flow body 255 having a first open separator end 261 and a second open separator end 262, and a connector/shim 290 (providing a front portion) attached to the first open separator end 261, the connector/shim having a front side 290A and a back side 290B, the front side 290A including a handle 267A, and the back side 290B attached to the flow body 255 (see Figures 13 and 14). (a) Figures 14 to 14B; or an axial flow separator 250' comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body 255' as shown in Figures 4G to 4I; the axial flow separator is in fluid communication with the vortex generator 210; (b) a coalescer 300 comprising: a hollow porous coalescer medium 301, a first open coalescer end 311 and a second open coalescer end 312, and a closed coalescer end cap 360 located in the second open coalescer end 312, the end cap including a handle 365 (see Figures 4C and 13), the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open coalescer end 262 and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator 250. According to the schematic diagram of the inertial separator 200A, the separator 200A typically does not include a coupler. The gasket in 290 creates an airtight seal around the first tube sheet between the first and second chambers, and the gasket in the connector/gasket 355 creates an airtight seal around the second tube sheet between the second and third chambers.

Regarding the coalescer 300 in the configuration 500A, the schematic diagram of the system 2000A also includes a curved plate 350' that contacts the end plate 512 and the second tube sheet 1250. This curved plate has a first end 351' that contacts the second tube sheet and a second end 352' that contacts the end plate 512. The curved plate is positioned below the hollow coalescer 300, surrounding the lower portion of the coalescer, and partially surrounding the coalescer. The side of the device is designed to separate additional liquid (e.g., droplets) from the gas, wherein the additional liquid flows (discharges) from outside the coalescer along a curved plate and enters a third storage tank 1302 through discharge point 353' (located between the first end 351' and the second end 352') (thus minimizing or preventing coalesced liquid from re-entering the clean airflow and isolating the airflow from each individual coalescer while guiding the airflow upwards), and the gas flows along the hollow coalescer and from the pressure vessel through the pressure vessel outlet. Preferably, the curved plate covers 50% to 75% of the side of the coalescer (see Figures 12E to 12F). In some configurations, the curved plate has a radius that varies along the length of the coalescer, the shell has a larger radius R1 at the discharge point 353', and smaller radii R2 and R3 at the ends 351' and 352' respectively (see Figure 12B), and includes, as appropriate, a conduit 354A' connected via a pipe to guide the coalesced liquid from the coalescer to a third storage tank.

As shown in Figures 12E to 12F, near the discharge point 353' of the curved plate 350', where the plate surrounds the lower portion of the coalescer and the side portion of the coalescer, the gap between the plate and the lower portion of the coalescer is narrower than the gap between the plate and the side portion of the coalescer.

Compared to the capturing element 555 shown in Figures 7D and 7F, the capturing feature 555' (also see Figure 11A) for accommodating the handle as shown in Figures 15D, 15F, 16A and 16B lacks a central support 557 and an opening 558. Therefore, a surface area is provided on the second plate 502 or the end plate 512 for the second end 352' of the curved plate 350' to abut.

The difference between System 2000A and System 2000' is that System 2000A includes a third liquid port and a third storage tank.

The schematic diagram of the filter coalescer configuration 500A is shown in the filter coalescer system 2000A. It includes a pressure vessel 1000", which comprises a pressure vessel inlet 1001, a pressure vessel outlet 1002, a first chamber 1100, a first liquid port 1101 for allowing separated liquid to enter a first storage tank 1102, a first tube sheet 1150, a second chamber 1200, a second liquid port 1201 for allowing separated liquid to enter a second storage tank 1202, a second tube sheet 1250, and a third chamber 1300 for allowing separated liquid to enter a second storage tank 1202. The third liquid port enters the third storage tank 1302; the first chamber 1100 includes a pressure vessel inlet 1001 and a first liquid port; the second chamber 1200 includes an inertial separator 200A and a second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet 1150 separates the first chamber 1100 from the second chamber 1200; the third chamber 1300 includes a coalescer 300, a curved plate 350', a third liquid port 1301, a guide pipe 354A' (selected as needed), and a pressure vessel outlet 1002, wherein the second tube sheet 1250 separates the second chamber 1200 from the third chamber 1300.

As described in the schematics for systems 2000 and 2000', in the schematic of system 2000A, the tube sheet has concentric orifices dividing the interior of the pressure vessel into three chambers. A gasket at the first open coalescer end 311 provides a seal at the second tube sheet. In some schematics, the diameter of the orifice in the second tube sheet is smaller than the diameter of the orifice in the first tube sheet.

The pressure vessel 1000" has a first end 1000A before the pressure vessel inlet and a second end 1000B after the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch 1400 and the second end is closed.

Various pre-filters, coalescers, and second inertial separators (if present; such separators are sometimes referred to as "mesh eliminators" and "blade assemblies") are suitable for use in this invention and are commercially available.

The prefilter may comprise a depth filter (e.g., with the densest pore structure downstream and a coarser pore structure upstream) and/or comprise a pleated and/or corrugated medium. The prefilter may be configured as a media pack, and in some cases, as a corrugated pleated pack. In some cases, the prefilter comprises fibrous or glass fibers. While the prefilter primarily removes particles from the fluid stream, in some cases, it pretreats the dispersed liquid phase by agglomerating some of the liquid.

Typically, the coalescer provides a minimum efficiency of 99.97% at 0.3 micrometers. The coalescer may comprise a combination of media and/or may be configured as media packages, in some cases as corrugated packages and/or pleated packages. The coalescer is covered by a coalescer sleeve (e.g., a non-woven media) that directs large droplets of the coalesced liquid out of the gas flow.

Typically, a second inertial separator (if present) removes large droplets (e.g., >10 micrometers) from the airflow.

Typically, the storage tanks are removable for cleaning and each has a valve for draining the collected liquid. Preferably, each has an automatic level sensor leading to an actuated valve.

Some components according to specific embodiments of the invention may be monolithic, preferably manufactured by additive manufacturing (sometimes referred to as "additive layer manufacturing" or "3D printing"). This is typically achieved by repeatedly depositing metal powder bound together with an activating binder (e.g., binder spraying, sometimes referred to as "drop-on-powder"), typically followed by agglomeration of the powder, for example, by sintering. Some components may be manufactured substantially simultaneously in a continuous operation via additive manufacturing. Any suitable additive manufacturing equipment can be used, and various production 3D printers are suitable and commercially available.

All references cited in this document (including publications, patent applications and patents) are incorporated herein by reference as if individually and specifically instructed to be incorporated by reference and fully described herein.

Unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, the terms “a”, “an”, “the”, “at least one”, and similar indicators shall be understood to cover both the singular and plural forms in the context describing the invention (especially in the context of the scope of the claims below). Unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, the use of the term “at least one” in a list of one or more items (e.g., “at least one of A and B”) shall be understood to mean selected from one of the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B). Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" shall be understood as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to"). Unless otherwise indicated, the enumeration of value ranges herein is intended only as a shorthand for each independent value belonging to that range, and each independent value is incorporated into this specification as if it were listed separately herein. Unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context, all methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order. Unless otherwise asserted, the use of any and all examples or illustrative language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. The language used in this specification should not be construed as implying that any unclaimed element is essential to the practice of this invention.

The preferred embodiments of the invention described herein include the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of these preferred embodiments will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect those skilled in the art to adopt such variations where appropriate, and the inventors intend to practice the invention in ways other than those specifically described herein. Therefore, where permitted by applicable law, the invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter described in the claims appended herein. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise expressly contradicted by the context, the invention covers any combination of the foregoing elements in all possible variations.

100: Pre-filter 150: Hollow porous medium 151: First open pre-filter end 152: Second open pre-filter end 155: Pre-filter connector/shim 159: First coupler 159A: Notch 160: Closed pre-filter end cap 161: Handle 200: First inertial separator 210: Vortex generator 211: Spiral blades 250, 250', 250: Axial flow separator 255, 255', 255: Hollow cylindrical axial flow body 256: Radial groove 257: Counter-radial blades 258: Porous medium 258A: Metal mesh 259: Second coupler 259A: Protrusion; 261, 261', 261": First open separator end; 262, 262', 262": Second open separator end; 267A: Handle; 290: Adapter gasket; 290A: Front; 290B: Back; 300: Coalescer; 301: Hollow porous coalescer medium; 311: First open coalescer end; 312: Second open coalescer end; 350': Curved plate; 351': First end; 352': Second end; 353': Discharge point; 354', 354A': Guide tube; 355: Coalescer adapter/gasket; 360: Closed coalescer end cap; 365: Handle; 450: Second inertial separator. 470: Blade; 480: Mesh mat; 500, 500A: Filter coalescer configuration; 501: First end plate; 501A: First surface of first end plate; 501B: Second surface of first end plate; 502: Second end plate; 502A: First surface of second end plate; 502B: Second surface of second end plate; 512: End plate; 555, 555': Capture feature; 556: Parallel wall; 557: Central support; 558: Crescent-shaped opening; 575: Filter coalescer configuration support rail; 585: Pre-filter rail; 595, 595': Coalescer rail; 600, 600A: Filter coalescer device; 1000, 1000', 1000: Pressure vessel. 1000A: First end; 1000B: Second end; 1001: Pressure vessel inlet; 1002: Pressure vessel outlet; 1100: First chamber; 1101: First liquid port; 1102: First storage tank; 1150: First tube sheet; 1200: Second chamber; 1201: Second liquid port; 1202: Second storage tank; 1250: Second tube sheet; 1300: Third chamber; 1301: Third liquid port; 1302: Third storage tank; 1400: Openable hatch; 2000, 2000', 2000A: Filtration coalescer system; R1: Larger radius; R2, R3: Smaller radius.

[Figure 1A] is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a filter coalescer system according to the present invention, and a diagram showing the configuration of a filter coalescer device (showing three filter coalescer configurations arranged in the system). It also schematically shows the inlet of a pressure vessel into which gas is introduced, into which one or more filter coalescer configurations are arranged; the gas flows from the outside to the inside through a hollow cylindrical pre-filter; liquid is separated from the gas, wherein the separated liquid enters a first storage tank from outside the pre-filter, and the liquid-depleted gas is transported along the hollow portion of the pre-filter and passes through a first inertial separator including a vortex generator and... An axial flow separator comprising a hollow axial flow body; an additional liquid being separated from the gas, the separated liquid entering a second storage tank from outside the axial flow body, wherein further liquid-depleted gas enters a hollow coalescer along the hollow axial flow body; an additional liquid (e.g., droplets) being separated from the gas, wherein the liquid passes outside the coalescer and the gas is conveyed along the hollow coalescer and passes through a second inertial separator of a filtration coalescer device; an additional liquid being separated from the gas, the additional liquid entering a third storage tank, and further liquid-depleted gas passing through the second inertial separator (including a blade assembly or mesh) and conveyed from a pressure vessel through the outlet of the pressure vessel. Figures 1B through 1D are diagrams illustrating a filter coalescer system according to the present invention, without showing the gas and liquid flow paths as shown in Figure 1A. Figure 1B shows a partial lateral cross-sectional view; Figure 1C shows a front perspective view of the filter coalescer system shown in Figure 1B, and Figure 1D shows a rear perspective view of the filter coalescer system shown in Figure 1B. Figure 1E shows a mesh pack as an example of a configuration applicable to the present invention. [Figure 2] is an assembly perspective view showing a filter coalescer configuration comprising: a pre-filter; an inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator (including an axial flow body having radial grooves); and a coalescer according to the filter coalescer configuration shown in Figure 1A according to the present invention. [Figures 3A] and [Figure 3B] are diagrams showing the pre-filter shown in Figure 2, which includes a closed end cap at a first end and a first coupler at a second end, wherein Figure 3A shows a side view and Figure 3B shows a rear view of the first coupler and the vortex generator disposed in the first coupler. Figures 3C to 3D are enlarged views showing the second end of the first coupler, which also show the vortex generator (Figure 3C is a perspective view; Figure 3D is a cross-sectional view). Figures 4A to 4C show the axial flow body and coalescer shown in Figure 2, including a second coupler at the first end of the coalescer and the axial flow body (also showing the connector and gasket between the second end of the axial flow body and the first end of the coalescer), and a closed end cap including a handle at the second end of the coalescer. Figure 4A shows a side view, and Figure 4B shows a perspective view of the second coupler and the axial flow body adjacent to it in the second coupler, and Figure 4C shows the closed end cap and handle. Figure 4D shows the front of the connector/gasket for connection to the first end of the coalescer. [Figure 4E] shows a cross-sectional view of the second coupler, which also shows a first inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator. The axial flow separator includes a hollow axial flow body and radial grooves providing counter-radial blades. [Figure 4F] shows a flow guide for liquid to pass through the counter-radial blades of the hollow axial flow body and for gas to pass through the second-end hollow axial flow body. [Figures 4G] to [Figure 4I] are diagrams showing another configuration of the first inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator, which includes a hollow axial flow body containing a porous medium. Figure 4G shows a perspective view, and Figure 4H shows a partially exploded view of the vortex generator and axial flow separator. The axial flow separator includes a hollow axial flow body containing a porous medium as shown in Figure 4G, and also shows a metal mesh surrounding the porous medium. Figure 4I shows the flow direction of liquid through the porous medium and mesh of the hollow axial flow body and gas through the second hollow axial flow body. [Figure 4J] shows another axial flow separator, which includes a hollow axial flow body suitable for the present invention. [Figures 5A] to [Figure 5C] are diagrams showing the alignment (Figure 5A), engagement (Figure 5B), and coupling (Figure 5C) of the first coupler and the second coupler. [Figure 6A] is a diagram showing a coalescing filter configuration that includes a pre-filter, an inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator, and a coalescer. The axial flow separator includes an axial flow body with radial grooves, and the inertial separator is disposed between the pre-filter and the coalescer in the coalescing filter configuration. [Figure 6B] is a diagram showing an enlarged detail "A" shown in Figure 6A. [Figures 7A] to [Figure 7F] are diagrams showing a plurality of coalescing filter configurations that can be configured in a pressure vessel according to the present invention. Figures 7A and 7B show top and side views (Figure 7A is a top view; Figure 7B is a side view); Figure 7C shows a front view including the first end plate; Figure 7D shows a rear view including the second end plate; Figures 7E and 7F show a front and rear perspective view, respectively. Figures 7D and 7F also show the trapping features of the handle in the second end plate for use on the end cap at the second end of the coalescer. [Figure 7G] is an enlarged perspective top view showing the trapping features in the second end plate (on the right), for use on the end cap at the second end of the coalescer (on the left). Figures 8A and 8B are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of parallel filter coalescing configuration support rails, which include parallel pre-filter rails and parallel coalescing rails (shown as being arranged in a pressure vessel along the lower surface of the filter coalescing configuration (below it)) for removing and replacing the pre-filter with or without a coalescing rail, wherein the pre-filter rails are connected to a first end plate and a first tube sheet, and the coalescing rails are connected to a second tube sheet and a second end plate. Figures 9A to 9D are cross-sectional views illustrating another configuration of the filter-coalescing system according to the present invention (showing three filter-coalescing configurations in the system). They also schematically show the inlet of a pressure vessel into which one or more filter-coalescing configurations are arranged; the gas flows from the outside in through a hollow cylindrical pre-filter; liquid is separated from the gas, wherein the separated liquid enters a first storage tank from outside the pre-filter, and the liquid-depleted gas is transmitted along the hollow portion of the pre-filter and passes through a first inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator including a hollow axial flow body; a liquid is separated from the gas. The external liquid, separated from the axial flow body, enters the second storage tank from the outside of the main body. The further liquid-depleted gas enters the hollow coalescer along the hollow axial flow body. The filtration coalescer system has a curved plate below the hollow coalescer and partially surrounding the sides and the lower portion of the hollow coalescer. Additional liquid (e.g., droplets) is separated from the gas. The additional liquid is conveyed (discharged) from the outside of the coalescer along the curved plate and enters the second storage tank through the discharge point (thus minimizing or preventing the coalesced liquid from re-entering the clean airflow and isolating the flow from each individual coalescer when guiding the airflow upward). The gas is conveyed along the hollow coalescer and passes from the pressure vessel through the outlet of the pressure vessel. The conduit communicates with the curved plate and is connected via a pipe to guide the coalesced liquid from the coalescer to the second storage tank. [Figure 9E] shows a cross-sectional view through the filter system shown in Figures 9A to 9D near the discharge point of the curved plate, where the plate surrounds the lower portion of the coalescer and a portion of the side of the coalescer, wherein the gap between the plate and the lower portion of the coalescer is narrower than the gap between the plate and the side of the coalescer. Figure 9E also shows the trapping feature of the handle in the second end plate for use on the end cap at the second end of the coalescer. [Figures 10A] to [Figures 10F] are diagrams illustrating a plurality of filter coalescer configurations and curved plates that can be configured in a pressure vessel according to the present invention. Figures 10A and 10B show top and side views (Figure 10A is a top view; Figure 10B is a side view); Figure 10C shows a front view including the first end plate; Figure 10D shows a rear view including the second end plate; Figures 10E and 10F show a front and rear perspective view, respectively. Figures 11A to 11B are front and rear perspective views of parallel filter coalescing configuration support rails, which include parallel pre-filter rails and parallel coalescing rails for removing and replacing the pre-filter with or without a coalescing rail. The pre-filter rails are connected to the first end plate and the first tube sheet, and the coalescing rails are connected to the second tube sheet and the second end plate. The diagram also illustrates the capture features. Figure 11A also shows the capture features of the handle in the second end plate used on the end cap at the second end of the coalescer. [Figure 12A] is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a coalescer arrangement and a coalescer device according to the present invention (showing three filter coalescer arrangements in the system), and also schematically showing the inlet of a pressure vessel into which gas is introduced and in which one or more coalescer arrangements are arranged; some liquid is separated from the gas (e.g., large liquid particles may settle out due to gravity, for example) and enters a first storage tank, the liquid-depleted gas passes through an inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator, the axial flow separator including a hollow axial flow body; additional liquid is separated from the gas, the separated liquid flows from the axial flow body The gas, which is further depleted of liquid, enters a second storage tank from the outside of the body. The gas then enters a hollow coalescer along the hollow axial flow body. The coalescer system has a curved plate below the hollow coalescer and partially surrounding the sides and the lower portion of the hollow coalescer. Additional liquid (e.g., droplets) is separated from the gas. The additional liquid is discharged from the outside of the coalescer along the curved plate and enters a third storage tank through the discharge point (thus minimizing or preventing the coalesced liquid from re-entering the clean airflow and isolating the flow from the individual coalescers when guiding the airflow upward). The gas is also discharged along the hollow coalescer and exits from the pressure vessel through the outlet of the pressure vessel. The selected conduit is connected to the curved plate and, as appropriate, is connected via pipes to guide the coalesced liquid from the coalescer to the third chamber and the third storage tank. [Figures 12B] to [Figures 12D] are diagrams showing the coalescer system according to the present invention, but do not show the gas and liquid flow paths as shown in Figure 12A. Figure 12B shows a partial sectional view; Figure 12C shows a front perspective view of the coalescer system shown in Figure 12B, and Figure 12D shows a rear perspective view of the coalescer system shown in Figure 12B. Figures 12E to 12F show cross-sectional views through the discharge point of the filter system shown in Figures 12A to 12D near the curved plate, where the plate surrounds the lower portion of the coalescer and the side portion of the coalescer, wherein the gap between the plate and the lower portion of the coalescer is narrower than the gap between the plate and the side portion of the coalescer. [Figure 13] is an assembly perspective view showing a coalescing configuration comprising: an inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial separator, the axial separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, wherein, in the illustrated embodiment, the hollow cylindrical axial body includes radial grooves; and a coalescing device according to the coalescing configuration shown in Figure 12A according to the present invention. [Figures 14A] to [Figures 14B] are front perspective (Figure 14A) and side view (Figure 14B) showing the embodiment of the inertial separator shown in Figure 13, which also shows a handle disposed on the front portion of the inertial separator. Figures 15A through 15E illustrate a plurality of coalescer configurations configurable in a pressure vessel according to the present invention. Figures 15A and 15B show top and side views (Figure 15A is a top view; Figure 15B is a side view). Figure 15C shows a front end view including a first tube sheet; Figure 15D shows a rear end view including an end plate adjacent to the second end of the coalescer (optionally, the second end can be joined to provide a common end plate, which is generally configured similarly to the second end plate 502 shown for other configurations); Figures 15E and 15F show a front and rear perspective view, respectively. Figures 15D and 15F also show the capture features on the end plate for a handle on the end cap at the second end of the coalescer. Figures 16A and 16B are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of a coalescing configuration track, which includes a coalescing rail for removal and replacement, wherein the coalescing rail is connected to a second tube sheet and an end plate. These figures also illustrate capture features.

100: Pre-filter

150: Hollow porous media

151: First open pre-filter end

152: Second Open Pre-Filter End

200: First Inertial Separator

250: Axial current separator

255: Hollow cylindrical axial flow main body

300: Coalescer

301: Hollow Core Porous Coalescing Medium

311: First open coalescer end

312: Second open coalescer end

360: Closed coalescer end cap

450: Second Inertial Separator

470: Leaf

480: Tennis mat

500: Filter Coalescing Configuration

600: Filtration and coalescing device

1000: Pressure Vessel

1000A: First end

1000B: Second End

1001: Pressure Vessel Inlet

1002: Pressure Vessel Outlet

1100: First Chamber

1101: First Liquid Port

1102: First Storage Tank

1150: First Tube Sheet

1200: Second Chamber

1201: Second Liquid Port

1250: Second tube sheet

1300: Third Chamber

1301: Third Liquid Port

1302: Third Storage Tank

1400: Openable hatch

2000: Filtration Coalescing System

Claims (5)

A method for maintaining a filter coalescer system, wherein the filter coalescer system comprises: I. A filter coalescer apparatus comprising at least one filter coalescer configuration, the at least one filter coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one pre-filter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open pre-filter end and a second open pre-filter end; and a closed pre-filter end cap located in the first open pre-filter end; (b) A first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being in communication with the fluid of the at least one pre-filter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the fluid of the vortex generator; (c) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in communication with the fluid of the axial flow separator; (d) The filtration coalescing device further includes a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of blades and/or a mesh, the second inertial separator being in fluid communication with the coalescing device; wherein (a), (b), (c), and (d) are arranged sequentially; II. Wherein the filtration coalescing device is disposed in a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and including a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber, and a third liquid port; and parallel filtration coalescing device configuration support rails arranged along a lower surface of the filtration coalescing device configuration within the pressure vessel; The first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; The second chamber includes the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; The third chamber includes the coalescer, the second inertial separator, the third liquid port, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber; The pressure vessel has a first end located before the at least one pre-filter and the pressure vessel inlet, and a second end located after the second inertial separator and the pressure vessel outlet. The first end has a hooked, openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed. The method includes: opening the hooked, openable latch; separating the at least one pre-filter and the vortex generator from the axial flow separator and the coalescer. The at least one prefilter and the vortex generator are removed from the pressure vessel by sliding them along parallel filter-coalescing configuration support rails containing parallel prefilter rails and through the open latch; The at least one prefilter and the vortex generator are slid into the pressure vessel by sliding a replacement at least one prefilter and the vortex generator through the open latch and along parallel filter-coalescing configuration support rails containing parallel prefilter rails, until the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator are connected to the axial flow separator and the coalescer; and Closing the hinge will unlock the latch. A method for maintaining a filter coalescer system, wherein the filter coalescer system comprises: I. At least one filter coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one prefilter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end; and a closed prefilter end cap located in the first open prefilter end; (b) A first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being in fluid communication with the at least one pre-filter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in fluid communication with the vortex generator; (c) A coalescer includes a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end. The coalescer is disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in communication with the axial flow separator fluid. The filtration coalescer system further includes a curved plate below the coalescer. Where (a), (b), and (c) are arranged sequentially; II. The filter coalescer is configured within a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and includes a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, and a third chamber; and parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails arranged along a lower surface of the filter coalescer within the pressure vessel; The first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; The second chamber includes the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; The third chamber includes the coalescer, the curved plate below the coalescer, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber; The first end of the pressure vessel is located before the at least one pre-filter and the pressure vessel inlet, and the second end of the pressure vessel is located after the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed; The method includes: opening the hooked openable latch; separating the at least one pre-filter and the vortex generator from the axial flow separator and the coalescer; The at least one prefilter and the vortex generator are removed from the pressure vessel by sliding them along parallel filter-coalescing configuration support rails containing parallel prefilter rails and through the open latch; The at least one prefilter and the vortex generator are slid into the pressure vessel by sliding a replacement at least one prefilter and the vortex generator through the open latch and along parallel filter-coalescing configuration support rails containing parallel prefilter rails, until the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator are connected to the axial flow separator and the coalescer; and Closing the hinge will unlock the latch. A method for maintaining a filter coalescer system, wherein the filter coalescer system comprises: I. A filter coalescer apparatus comprising at least one filter coalescer configuration, the at least one filter coalescer configuration comprising: (a) at least one pre-filter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open pre-filter end and a second open pre-filter end; and a closed pre-filter end cap located in the first open pre-filter end; (b) A first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being in communication with the fluid of the at least one pre-filter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in communication with the fluid of the vortex generator; and (c) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer being disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in communication with the fluid of the axial flow separator; (d) The filtration coalescer device further includes a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of blades and/or a mesh, the second inertial separator being in fluid communication with the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), (c), and (d) are arranged sequentially; II. Wherein the filtration coalescer device is disposed in a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and including a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber, and a third liquid port; and parallel filtration coalescer configuration support rails arranged along a lower surface of the pressure vessel; The first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; The second chamber includes the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; The third chamber includes the coalescer, the second inertial separator, the third liquid port, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber; The first end of the pressure vessel is located before the at least one pre-filter and the pressure vessel inlet, and the second end of the pressure vessel is located after the second inertial separator and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed; The method includes: Open the hinged, openable latch, remove the filter coalescer configuration from the pressure vessel by sliding it along the parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails and through the open latch; slide the filter coalescer configuration into the pressure vessel by sliding an alternative filter coalescer configuration through the open latch and along the parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails; and close the hinged, openable latch. A method for maintaining a filter coalescer system, wherein the filter coalescer system comprises: I. At least one filter coalescer assembly, comprising: (a) at least one pre-filter comprising: a hollow porous medium having a first open pre-filter end and a second open pre-filter end; and a closed pre-filter end cap located in the first open pre-filter end; (b) A first inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades, the vortex generator being in fluid communication with the at least one pre-filter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in fluid communication with the vortex generator; (c) A coalescer includes a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end. The coalescer is disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in communication with the axial flow separator fluid. The filtration coalescer system further includes a curved plate below the coalescer. Where (a), (b), and (c) are arranged sequentially; II. The filter coalescer is configured within a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and including a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, and a third chamber; and parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails arranged along a lower surface of the pressure vessel; The first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet, the pre-filter, and the first liquid port; The second chamber includes the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescer, the curved plate, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber; The pressure vessel has a first end located before the at least one pre-filter and the pressure vessel inlet, and a second end located after the pressure vessel outlet. The first end has a hooked, openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed. The method includes: opening the hooked, openable latch; removing the filter coalescer configuration from the pressure vessel by sliding it along parallel filter coalescer configuration support rails and through the open latch; The filter coalescing configuration is slid into the pressure vessel by allowing an alternative filter coalescing configuration to slide through the open latch and along the parallel filter coalescing configuration support rails; and the latched openable latch is then closed. A method for maintaining a coalescing system, wherein the coalescing system comprises: I. At least one coalescing assembly comprising: (a) an inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator including helical blades; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator being in fluid communication with the vortex generator; (b) A coalescer includes a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer end and a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer end cap located in the second open coalescer end. The coalescer is disposed adjacent to the second open separator end and in communication with the axial flow separator fluid. The coalescer system further includes a curved plate below the coalescer. Where (a) and (b) are arranged sequentially; II. The coalescer is configured within a pressure vessel having a first end and a second end, and including a pressure vessel inlet, a pressure vessel outlet, a first chamber, a first liquid port, a first tube sheet, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber, and a third liquid port; and parallel support rails for the coalescer are arranged along a lower surface of the coalescer within the pressure vessel; The first chamber includes the pressure vessel inlet and the first liquid port; The second chamber includes the inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber includes the coalescer, the curved plate, the third liquid port, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber; The first end of the pressure vessel is located before the pressure vessel inlet, and the second end of the pressure vessel is located after the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hooked openable hatch that covers the front end when closed, and the second end is closed; The method includes: opening the hooked openable latch; The coalescer configuration is removed from the pressure vessel by sliding it along the coalescer configuration support rail and through the open latch; The coalescer configuration is slid into the pressure vessel by sliding an alternative coalescer configuration through the open latch and along the coalescer configuration support rail; and The hooked, openable latch is closed.