US 11,702,921 B2
Stacked-helical gas separator with gas discharge outlet
Brian Ellithorp, Edmond, OK (US)
Assigned to The Charles Machine Works, Inc., Perry, OK (US)
Filed by Blackjack Production Tools, LLC, Oklahoma City, OK (US)
Filed on Jun. 22, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/846,180.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/213,544, filed on Jun. 22, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0403728 A1, Dec. 22, 2022
Int. Cl. E21B 43/38 (2006.01); B01D 19/00 (2006.01)
CPC E21B 43/38 (2013.01) [B01D 19/0057 (2013.01)] 10 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A separator apparatus for use within a wellbore, comprising:
a first tube having an inlet port, wherein the first tube is in communication with a pump;
a housing, surrounding the first tube to form a first annular region, the housing comprising a first outer port and a second outer port which are configured to allow fluid communication between the first annular region and a second annular region defined outside of the housing;
a first helical ramp disposed within the first annular region, the first helical ramp defining a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is proximate the first outer port; and
a second helical ramp disposed within the first annular region, the second helical ramp defining a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is proximate the first outer port;
wherein the first annular region is defined by:
a first flow path, beginning at the first outer port, which is bounded in part by the first helical ramp and the second helical ramp;
a second flow path which begins at the second end of the second helical ramp and is bounded in part by the first helical ramp and the second helical ramp and ends at the second outer port; and
a third flow path, which is bounded in part by the first helical ramp and ends at the inner port.