Filter separator is another type of separator that is frequently used in some high-gas/low liquid flow applications. They can be either horizontal or vertical in configuration. Filter separators are designed to remove small liquid and solid particles from the gas stream. These units are used in applications where conventional separators employing gravitational or centrifugal force are ineffective. Figures 2-13A, B, and C. show a horizontal two barrel filter separator design. Filter tubes in the initial separation section cause coalescence of any liquid mist into larger droplets as the gas passes through the tubes. A secondary section of vanes or other mist extractor elements removes these coalesced droplets. Filter separators are commonly used on compressor inlets in field compressor stations, final scrubbers upstream of glycol contact towers, and instrument/fuel gas applications. The design of filter separators is proprietary and dependent upon the type of filter element employed. Some filter elements can remove 100% of 1-micron particles and 99% of 1/2-micron particles when they are operated at rated capacity and recommended filter-change intervals.
Filter element is consists of a perforated metal cylinder with gasketed ends for compression sealing. A fiberglass cylinder, typical 1/2-inch thick, surrounds the perforated metal cylinder. Gas flow is from outside the fiberglass cylinder to the center of the perforated metal tube.
