Filter‑coalescer, coalescer, systems, and methods of use

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

FILTER-COALESCER, COALESCER, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS OF USECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 612,451, filed December 20, 2023, which is incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Gases, such as industrial gases transmitted through pipeline systems, may carry undesirable contaminants such as liquid droplets and / or solid particles.

[0003] There is a need for improved filters, devices and systems for removing undesirable contaminants or fluids and / or recovering desirable components from gas before the gas is further processed and / or used. The present invention provides for ameliorating at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description as set forth below.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An aspect of the invention provides a filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, wherein (a), (b), and (c) are sequentially arranged.

[0005] Yet another aspect of the invention provides coalescer arrangement comprising: (a) an inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first openseparator end and a second open separator end; the hollow cylindrical axial flow body comprising radial slots; or, the hollow cylindrical axial flow body comprising an inner hollow cylindrical porous metal element and an outer 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow7separator; wherein (a) and (b) are sequentially arranged.

[0006] Another aspect of the invention provides a filter-coalescer device comprising at least one filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow7separator comprising a hollow7cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; the filter-coalescer device further comprising (d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of vanes and / or mesh pads, the second inertial separator in fluid communication with the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), (c), and (d) are sequentially arranged.

[0007] In another aspect, a filter-coalescer system comprises: I. a filter-coalescer device comprising at least one filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow7body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator in 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 endcap in the second open coalescerend, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; the filter-coalescer device further comprising (d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of vanes and / or mesh pads, the second inertial separator in fluid communication with the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), (c), and (d) are sequentially arranged; II. wherein the filter-coalescer device is arranged 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, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber, and a third liquid port; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet, the prefilter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising 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 comprising 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.

[0008] In another aspect, a filter-coalescer system comprises: I. at least one filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; the filter-coalescer system further comprising a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a).(b), and (c) are sequentially arranged; II. wherein the filter-coalescer arrangement is arranged 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, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, and a third chamber; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet, the prefilter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising 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 comprising the coalescer, the curvedplate, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber.

[0009] In another aspect, a coalescer system comprises: I. at least one coalescer arrangement comprising: (a) a inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, and (ii) an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cy lindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; the filter-coalescer system further comprising a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a) and (b) are sequentially arranged; II. wherein the coalescer arrangement is arranged 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, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber, and a third liquid port; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising the inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber comprising 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.

[0010] In another aspect, an inertial separator is provided, comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, 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 an inner hollow cylindrical porous metal element and an outer hollow cylindrical metal mesh.

[0011] An inertial separator according to another aspect of the invention comprises (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, 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 slots.

[0012] A method of servicing a filter-coalescer system according to an aspect of the invention is provided wherein the filter-coalescer system comprises I. a filter-coalescer device comprising at least one filter-coalescer arrangement comprising: (a) at least oneprefilter comprising a hollow porous medium having a first open prefilter end and a second open prefilter end, and a closed prefilter endcap in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; the filter-coalescer device further comprising (d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of vanes and / or mesh pads, the second inertial separator in fluid communication with the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), (c), and (d) are sequentially arranged, II. wherein the filter-coalescer device is arranged in a pressure vessel, the 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; and parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails arranged along a lower surface of the filter-coalescer arrangement in the pressure vessel; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet, the prefilter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising 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 comprising 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 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 hinged openable hatch that when closed covers the front end, and the second end is closed; the method comprising: opening the hinged openable latch, 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 vortex generator along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails comprising parallel prefilter rails and through the opened latch; sliding a replacement at least one prefilter and the vortex generator into the pressure vessel by sliding the at least oneprefilter and the vortex generator through the opened latch and along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails comprising parallel prefilter rails until the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator is connected to the axial flow separator and the coalescer; and, closing the hinged openable latch.

[0013] A method of servicing a filter-coalescer system according to another aspect of the invention is provided wherein the filter-coalescer system comprises I. a filter-coalescer device comprising at least one filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flowseparator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow- separator; the filter-coalescer device further comprising d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of vanes and / or mesh pads, the second inertial separator in fluid communication with the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), (c), and (d) are sequentially arranged; II. wherein the filter-coalescer device is arranged in a pressure vessel, the 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; and parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails arranged along a low er surface of the filter-coalescer arrangement in the pressure vessel; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet, the prefilter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, w herein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber comprising 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; w h erein the first end of the pressure vessel 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 hingedopenable hatch that when closed covers the front end. and the second end is closed; the method comprising: opening the hinged openable latch, removing the filter-coalescer arrangement from the pressure vessel by sliding the filter-coalescer arrangement along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails and through the opened latch; sliding a replacement filter-coalescer arrangement into the pressure vessel by sliding the filter-coalescer arrangement through the opened latch and along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails; and, closing the hinged openable latch.

[0014] A method of servicing a filter-coalescer system according to an aspect of the invention is provided wherein the filter-coalescer system comprises I. at least one filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, the filter-coalescer system further comprising a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), and (c) are sequentially arranged; II. wherein the filter-coalescer arrangement is arranged in a pressure vessel, the 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 parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails arranged along a lower surface of the filter-coalescer arrangement in the pressure vessel; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet, the prefilter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising 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 comprising the coalescer and 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 prefilter and the pressure vessel inlet, and the second end of the pressure vessel is located after the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the firstend has a hinged openable hatch that when closed covers the front end. and the second end is closed; the method comprising: opening the hinged openable latch, 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 vortex generator along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails comprising parallel prefilter rails and through the opened latch; sliding a replacement at least one prefilter and the vortex generator into the pressure vessel by sliding the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator through the opened latch and along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails comprising parallel prefilter rails until the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator is connected to the axial flow separator and the coalescer; and, closing the hinged openable latch.

[0015] A method of servicing a filter-coalescer system according to another aspect of the invention is provided wherein the filter-coalescer system comprises I. at least one filter-coalescer 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, the filter-coalescer system further comprising a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a), (b). and (c) are sequentially arranged; II. wherein the filter-coalescer arrangement is arranged in a pressure vessel, the 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 parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails arranged along a lower surface of the filter-coalescer arrangement in the pressure vessel; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet, the prefilter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chambercomprising 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 before the at least one prefilter 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 hinged openable hatch that when closed covers the front end, and the second end is closed; the method comprising: opening the hinged openable latch, removing the filter-coalescer arrangement from the pressure vessel by sliding the filter-coalescer arrangement along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails and through the opened latch; sliding a replacement filter-coalescer arrangement into the pressure vessel by sliding the filter-coalescer arrangement through the opened latch and along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails; and, closing the hinged openable latch.

[0016] A method of servicing a coalescer system according to another aspect of the invention is provided wherein the coalescer system comprises I. at least one coalescer assembly comprising: (a) an inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes; 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 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent 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 sequentially arranged; II. wherein the coalescer arrangement is arranged in a pressure vessel, the 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; and coalescer arrangement support rails arranged along a lower surface in the pressure vessel; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising the inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber comprising the coalescer, the curved plate, and 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 hingedopenable hatch that when closed covers the front end. and the second end is closed; the method comprising: opening the hinged openable latch, removing the coalescer arrangement from the pressure vessel by sliding the coalescer arrangement along the coalescer arrangement support rail and through the opened latch; sliding a replacement coalescer arrangement into the pressure vessel by sliding the coalescer arrangement through the opened latch and along the coalescer arrangement support rail; and, closing the hinged openable latch.

[0017] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of removing solid contaminants and separating liquid contaminants from a gas stream is provided, the method comprising passing the gas stream through a filter-coalescer device comprising at least one filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end, and an optional prefilter coupler engageable with the second open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with the 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; the filter-coalescer device further comprising (d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of vanes and / or mesh pads, the second inertial separator in fluid communication with the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), (c), and (d) are sequentially arranged, and removing solid and liquid contaminants from the gas stream.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of removing solid contaminants and separating liquid contaminants from a gas stream is provided, the method comprising passing the gas stream through at least one filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end, and an optional prefilter coupler engageable with the second open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with the prefilter; and (ii) an axial flow separatorcomprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, wherein a curved plate is arranged below the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), and (c) are sequentially arranged, and removing solid and liquid contaminants from the gas stream.

[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of removing solid contaminants and separating liquid contaminants from a gas stream is provided, the method comprising passing the gas stream through at least one coalescer arrangement comprising: (a) an inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes; 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 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, wherein a curved plate is arranged below the coalescer; wherein (a) and (b) are sequentially arranged, and removing solid and liquid contaminants from the gas stream.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0020] Figure 1 A is a drawing showing an aspect of a filter-coalescer arrangement and a filter-coalescer device arranged in a cut-away view of an aspect of a filter-coalescer system according to aspects of the invention (illustrated showing three filter-coalescer arrangements arranged in the system), also showing, diagrammatically, gas entering an inlet of a pressure vessel having the filter-coalescer arrangements] arranged therein, gas passing via outside-in flow through a hollow cylindrical prefilter, separating liquid from the gas, wherein the separated liquid passes from outside of the prefilter into a first sump, and the liquid-depleted gas passes along the hollow portion of the prefilter and through a first inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator including a hollow axial flow body, separating additional liquid from the gas, the separated liquid passing from outside of theaxial flow body into a second sump, wherein the further liquid-depleted gas passes along the hollow axial flow body into a hollow coalescer, separating additional liquid (e.g., droplets) from the gas, wherein the liquid passes from outside of the coalescer, and the gas passes along the hollow coalescer and, through a second inertial separator of the filter-coalescer device, separating additional liquid from the gas, the additional liquid passing into a third sump, and the further liquid-depleted gas passes through the second inertial separator (comprising a vane pack or mesh pad) and from the pressure vessel through an outlet of the pressure vessel.

[0021] Figures 1B-1D are drawings showing a filter-coalescer system according to aspects of the invention, without showing gas and liquid flow paths as shown in Figure 1A. Figure IB shows a side partial cut-away view: Figure 1C shows a front perspective view of the filter-coalescer system shown in Figure IB, and Figure ID shows a rear perspective view' of the filter-coalescer system shown in Figure IB. Figure IE show's an illustrative mesh pack suitable for use in aspects of the invention.

[0022] Figure 2 is a draw'ing show ing an assembled perspective view' of a filter-coalescer arrangement comprising a prefilter, an inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator including an axial flow body having radial slots; and a coalescer of the filter-coalescer arrangement shown in Figure 1 A according to an aspect of the invention.

[0023] Figures 3A and 3B are drawings showing the prefilter shown in Figure 2. including a closed end cap at the first end, and a first coupler at the second end, wherein Figure 3A show's a side view, and Figure 3B show's a rear view' of the first coupler and a vortex generator arranged in the first coupler.

[0024] Figures 3C-3D are draw ings showing an enlarged view' of the second end of the first coupler, also showing the vortex generator (Fig. 3C perspective view; Fig. 3D cross-sectional view).

[0025] Figures 4A-4C are drawings showing an axial flow body and coalescer shown in Figure 2, including a second coupler and the axial flow body at the first end of the coalescer (also showing an adaptor 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, wherein Figure 4A shows a side view, and Figure 4B shows a perspective view ofthe second coupler and the axial flow body adjacent in the second coupler, and Figure 4C shows the closed end cap and the handle.

[0026] Figure 4D is a drawing showing the front of the adapter / gasket for connection to the first end of the coalescer. Figure 4E shows a cross-sectional view of the second coupler, also showing the first inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator including a hollow axial flow body and radial slots providing reverse radial vanes, and Figure 4F shows flow directors for liquid through the reverse radial vanes of the hollow axial flow body, and gas through the second end hollow axial flow body.

[0027] Figures 4G-4I are drawings showing another aspect of a first inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator including a hollow axial flow body comprising a porous medium. Figure 4G shows a perspective view, Figure 4H shows a partially exploded view of the vortex generator and an axial flow separator including a hollow axial flow body comprising a porous medium shown in Figure 4G, also showing a metal mesh surrounding the exterior of the porous medium, and Figure 41 shows flow direction for liquid through the porous medium and mesh of the hollow axial flow body, and gas through the second end hollow axial flow body. Figure 4J shows another axial flow separator including a hollow axial flow body suitable for use in aspects of the invention.

[0028] Figures 5A-5C are drawings showing alignment (Fig. 5A), engagement (Fig. 5B) and coupling (Fig. 5C) of the first coupler with the second coupler.

[0029] Figures 6A is a drawing showing a coalescer-filter arrangement comprising the prefilter, an inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator including an axial flow body having radial slots arranged and the coalescer with the inertial separator arranged between the prefilter and the coalescer of the filter-coalescer arrangement, and Figure 6B is a drawing showing enlarged detail “A” shown in Figure 6A.

[0030] Figures 7A-7F are draw ings showing a plurality of filter-coalescer arrangements that can be arranged in a pressure vessel according to aspects of the invention. Figures 7A and 7B shown top and side views (Fig. 7A top view; Fig. 7B side view); Figure 7C shows a front end view including a first end plate; Figure 7D shows a rear end view- including a second end plate; Figure 7E and 7F show7, respectively, perspective front and rear views). Figures 7D and 7F also show a capture feature in the second endplate for the handle on the endcap at the second end of the coalescer.

[0031] Figure 7G is a drawing showing (on the right) an enlarged perspective top view of the capture feature in the second endplate, for the handle on the endcap at the second end of the coalescer (on the left).

[0032] Figures 8A-8B are drawings showing, respectively, perspective front and rear view s of parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails, comprising parallel prefilter rails and parallel coalescer rails (shown arranged along (below) a lower surface of the filter-coalescer arrangement in the pressure vessel), for removing and replacing the prefilters with or without the coalescers, wherein the prefilter rails are connected to the first end plate and the first tube sheet, and the coalescer rails are connected to the second tube sheet and the second end plate.

[0033] Figures 9A-9D are drawings showing an aspect of a filter-coalescer arrangement arranged in a cut-away view of another aspect of a filter-coalescer system according to aspects of the invention (illustrated showing three filter-coalescer arrangements arranged in the system), also showing, diagrammatically, gas entering an inlet of a pressure vessel having the filter-coalescer arrangement [s] arranged therein, gas passing via outside-in flow through a hollow cylindrical prefilter, separating liquid from the gas, wherein the separated liquid passes from outside of the prefilter into a first sump, and the liquid-depleted gas passes along the hollow portion of the prefilter and through a first inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator including a hollow axial flow body, separating additional liquid from the gas, the separated liquid passing from outside of the axial flow body into a second sump, wherein the further liquid-depleted gas passes along the hollow axial flow body into a hollow coalescer, the filter-coalescer system having a curved plate below and partially surrounding the sides and surrounding the lower portion of the hollow coalescer, separating additional liquid (e.g., droplets) from the gas, wherein the additional liquid passes (drains) from outside of the coalescer and along the curv ed plate and through a drain point into the second sump (thus minimizing or preventing coalesced liquid from re-entering into the clean gas stream and isolating flow from each individual coalescer while directing gas flow upwards), and the gas passes along the hollow coalescer and from the pressure vessel through an outlet of the pressure vessel. A conduit communicates with the curved plate and is plumbed to direct coalesced liquid away from the coalescer to the second sump.

[0034] Figure 9E shows a cross-sectional view through the filter system shown in Figures 9A-9D, near the drain point of the curved plate, wherein the plate surrounds the lower portion of the coalescer as w ell as portions of the sides of the coalescer, wherein the gap between the plate and the lower portion of the coalescer is narrower than the gap betw een the plate and the sides of the coalescer. Figure 9E also shows a capture feature in the second endplate for the handle on the endcap at the second end of the coalescer.

[0035] Figures 10A-10F are drawings showing a plurality of filter-coalescer arrangements and curved plates that can be arranged in a pressure vessel according to aspects of the invention. Figures 10A and 10B show n top and side views (Fig. 10A top view; Fig. 10B side view); Figure IOC shows a front end view including a first end plate; Figure 10D shows a rear end view including a second end plate; Figure 10E and 10F show, respectively, perspective front and rear views).

[0036] Figures 11 A-l IB are drawings showing, respectively, perspective front and rear views of parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails, comprising parallel prefilter rails and parallel coalescer rails, for removing and replacing the prefilters with or without the coalescers, wherein the prefilter rails are connected to the first end plate and the first tube sheet, and the coalescer rails are connected to the second tube sheet and the second end plate. The figures also show the capture feature. Figure 11 A also shows the capture feature in the second endplate for the handle on the endcap at the second end of the coalescer.

[0037] Figure 12A is a drawings showing an aspect of a coalescer arrangement and a coalescer device arranged in a cut-away view of an aspect of a coalescer system according to aspects of the invention (illustrated showing three coalescer arrangements arranged in the system), also showing, diagrammatically, gas entering an inlet of a pressure vessel having the coalescer arrangements] arranged therein, some liquid separates from the gas (e.g., large liquid particles can settle out due to, for example, gravity) and passes into the first sump, liquid-depleted gas passes through an inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator including a hollow axial flow body, separating additional liquid from the gas, the separated liquid passing from outside of the axial flow body into a second sump, wherein the further liquid-depleted gas passes along the hollow^ axial flow body into a hollow coalescer, the coalescer system having a curved plate below and partially surrounding the sides and surrounding the lower portion of the hollow coalescer, separating additional liquid (e.g., droplets) from the gas, wherein the additional liquid passes (drains) from outside of thecoalescer and along the curved plate and through a drain point into the third sump (thus minimizing or preventing coalesced liquid from re-entering into the clean gas stream and isolating flow from each individual coalescer while directing gas flow upwards), and the gas passes along the hollow coalescer and from the pressure vessel through an outlet of the pressure vessel. An optional conduit communicates with the curved plate and is plumbed to direct coalesced liquid away from the coalescer to the third chamber and the third sump.

[0038] Figures 12B-12D are drawings showing a coalescer system according to aspects of the invention, without showing gas and liquid flow paths as shown in Figure 12A. Figure 12B shows a side partial cut-away 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.

[0039] Figures 12E-12F show a cross-sectional view through the filter system shown in Figures 12A-12D, near the drain point of the curved plate, wherein the plate surrounds the lower portion of the coalescer as well as portions of the sides 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 sides of the coalescer.

[0040] Figure 13 is a drawing showing an assembled perspective view of a coalescer arrangement comprising an inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, in this illustrated aspect, the hollow cylindrical axial flow body comprises radial slots, and, a coalescer of the coalescer arrangement shown in Figure 12A according to an aspect of the invention.

[0041] Figures 14A-14B are drawings showing the aspect of the inertial separator show n in Figure 13 in front perspective view (Fig. 14A) and side view (Figure 14B), also showing a handle arranged on a front portion of the inertial separator.

[0042] Figures 15A-15E are drawings showing a plurality of coalescer arrangements that can be arranged in a pressure vessel according to aspects of the invention. Figures 15 A and 15B shown top and side views (Fig. 15A top view-; Fig. 15B side view); Figure 15C shows a front end view including a first tube sheet; Figure 15D show s a rear end view including end plates adjacent the second ends of the coalescers (if desired, the second ends can be joined to provide a common endplate configured generally similarly to that shown for second end plate502 illustrated for other aspects); Figure 15E and 15F show, respectively, perspective front and rear views). Figures 15D and 15F also show a capture feature on the endplates for the handles on the endcaps at the second ends of the coalescers.

[0043] Figures 16A-16B are drawings showing, respectively, perspective front and rear views of coalescer arrangement rails, comprising coalescer rails for removing and replacing the coalescers, wherein the coalescer rails are connected to the second tube sheets and the end plates. These figures also show the capture feature.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] An aspect of the invention provides a filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, wherein (a), (b), and (c) are sequentially arranged.

[0045] Yet another aspect of the invention provides coalescer arrangement comprising:(a) an inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes; 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 slots; or, the hollow cylindrical axial flow body comprising an inner hollow cylindrical porous metal element and an outer hollow cylindrical metal mesh; wherein the axial flow separator 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; wherein (a) and (b) are sequentially arranged.

[0046] Another aspect of the invention provides a filter-coalescer device comprising at least one filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; the filter-coalescer device further comprising (d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of vanes and / or mesh pads, the second inertial separator in fluid communication with the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), (c), and (d) are sequentially arranged.

[0047] In some aspects of the filter-coalescer arrangement and device, the at least one prefilter includes a prefilter coupler engageable with the second open prefilter end. with the vortex generator arranged in the prefilter coupler; and the axial flow separator includes a separator coupler engageable with the first open separator end.

[0048] In some aspects of the filter-coalescer arrangement and device and the coalescer arrangement, the hollow cylindrical axial flow body comprises a porous medium, or the hollow cylindrical axial flow body comprises radial slots.

[0049] In some aspects, the hollow cylindrical axial flow body comprises a tapered body increasing in diameter toward the coalescer.

[0050] In another aspect, a filter-coalescer system comprises: I. a filter-coalescer device comprising at least one filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with 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 in fluid communication with the vortex generator; (c) a coalescer comprising a porous coalescer medium, a first open coalescer endand a second open coalescer end, and a closed coalescer endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; the filter-coalescer device further comprising (d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of vanes and / or mesh pads, the second inertial separator in fluid communication with the coalescer; wherein (a), (b). (c), and (d) are sequentially arranged; II. wherein the filter-coalescer device is arranged 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, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, a third chamber, and a third liquid port; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet, the prefilter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising 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 comprising 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.

[0051] In some preferred aspects, the pressure vessel further comprises a first end plate and a second end plate, wherein the first chamber comprises the first end plate and the third chamber comprises the second end plate, and the closed prefilter endcap in the first open prefilter end contacts the first end plate, the second open prefilter end contacts the first tube sheet, the first open coalescer endcap contacts the second tube sheet, and the closed coalescer endcap in the second open coalescer end contacts the second end plate.

[0052] In another aspect, a filter-coalescer system comprises: I. at least one filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; the filter-coalescer system further comprising a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a),(b). and (c) are sequentially arranged; II. wherein the filter-coalescer arrangement is arranged 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, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, and a third chamber; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet, the prefilter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising 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 comprising the coalescer, the curved plate, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber.

[0053] In an aspect of the filter-coalescer system, the pressure vessel has a first end before the at least one prefilter and the pressure vessel inlet, and a second end after the second inertial separator (if the second inertial separator is present) and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hinged openable hatch and the second end is closed.

[0054] In a preferred aspect, the filter-coalescer system includes two or more filter-coalescer arrangements, typically, 3 or more, for example, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, or 7 or more, arranged in the pressure vessel.

[0055] In some aspects, the filter-coalescer system further comprises parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails comprising parallel prefilter rails and parallel coalescer rails, for ease of removing, and. if desired, replacing, the at least one prefilter and / or an aspect of the filter-coalescer arrangement.

[0056] In another aspect, a coalescer system comprises: I. at least one coalescer arrangement comprising: (a) an inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, 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 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent 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 sequentially arranged; II. wherein the coalescer arrangement is arranged 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, a second chamber, a second liquid port, asecond tube sheet, a third chamber, and a third liquid port; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising the inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber comprising 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.

[0057] In some preferred aspects, the pressure vessel further comprises end plates, wherein the third chamber comprises the end plates, the first open coalescer endcap contacts the second tube sheet, and the closed coalescer endcaps in the second open coalescer ends contact the second end plates.

[0058] In an aspect of the coalescer system, the pressure vessel has a first end before the pressure vessel inlet, and a second end after the coalescer and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hinged openable hatch and the second end is closed.

[0059] In a preferred aspect, the coalescer system includes two or more coalescer arrangements, typically, 3 or more, for example, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, or 7 or more, arranged in the pressure vessel.

[0060] In some aspects, the coalescer system further comprises coalescer arrangement support rails comprising coalescer rails, for ease of removing, and, if desired, replacing, the coalescer arrangement^].

[0061] In another aspect, an inertial separator is provided, comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, 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 an inner hollow cylindrical porous metal element and an outer hollow cylindrical metal mesh.

[0062] An inertial separator according to another aspect of the invention comprises (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, 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 slots.

[0063] In some aspects, the inertial separator further comprises a handle arranged on a front portion of the inertial separator.

[0064] In an aspect of the inertial separator, the radial slots comprise reverse vanes angled outwardly toward the first open separator end.

[0065] A method of servicing a filter-coalescer system according to an aspect of the invention is provided wherein the filter-coalescer system comprises I. a filter-coalescer device comprising at least one filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; the filter-coalescer device further comprising (d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of vanes and / or mesh pads, the second inertial separator in fluid communication with the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), (c), and (d) are sequentially arranged, II. wherein the filter-coalescer device is arranged in a pressure vessel, the 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; and parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails arranged along a low er surface of the filter-coalescer arrangement in the pressure vessel; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet, the prefilter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising 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 comprising 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 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 hinged openable hatch that when closed covers the front end, and the second end is closed; the method comprising: opening the hinged openable latch, separating the at least one prefilterand the vortex generator from the axial flow separator and the coalescer; removing the at least one prefdter and the vortex generator from the pressure vessel by sliding the at least one prefdter and vortex generator along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails comprising parallel prefilter rails and through the opened latch; sliding a replacement at least one prefilter and the vortex generator into the pressure vessel by sliding the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator through the opened latch and along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails comprising parallel prefilter rails until the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator is connected to the axial flow separator and the coalescer; and, closing the hinged openable latch.

[0066] A method of servicing a filter-coalescer system according to another aspect of the invention is provided wherein the filter-coalescer system comprises I. a filter-coalescer device comprising at least one filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; the filter-coalescer device further comprising d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality of vanes and / or mesh pads, the second inertial separator in fluid communication with the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), (c), and (d) are sequentially arranged; II. wherein the filter-coalescer device is arranged in a pressure vessel, the 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; and parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails arranged along a lower surface of the filter-coalescer arrangement in the pressure vessel; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet, the prefilter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chambercomprising 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 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 hinged openable hatch that when closed covers the front end, and the second end is closed; the method comprising: opening the hinged openable latch, removing the filter-coalescer arrangement from the pressure vessel by sliding the filter-coalescer arrangement along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails and through the opened latch; sliding a replacement filter-coalescer arrangement into the pressure vessel by sliding the filter-coalescer arrangement through the opened latch and along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails; and, closing the hinged openable latch.

[0067] A method of servicing a filter-coalescer system according to an aspect of the invention is provided wherein the filter-coalescer system comprises I. at least one filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, the filter-coalescer system further comprising a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), and (c) are sequentially arranged; II. wherein the filter-coalescer arrangement is arranged in a pressure vessel, the 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 parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails arranged along a lower surface of the filter-coalescer arrangement in the pressure vessel; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet, the prefilter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising the first inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the firstchamber from the second chamber; the third chamber comprising 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 prefilter 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 hinged openable hatch that when closed covers the front end, and the second end is closed; the method comprising: opening the hinged openable latch, 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 vortex generator along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails comprising parallel prefilter rails and through the opened latch; sliding a replacement at least one prefilter and the vortex generator into the pressure vessel by sliding the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator through the opened latch and along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails comprising parallel prefilter rails until the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator is connected to the axial flow separator and the coalescer; and, closing the hinged openable latch.

[0068] A method of servicing a filter-coalescer system according to another aspect of the invention is provided wherein the filter-coalescer system comprises I. at least one filter-coalescer 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, the filter-coalescer system further comprising a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), and (c) are sequentially arranged; II. wherein the filter-coalescer arrangement is arranged in a pressure vessel, the 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 thirdchamber; and parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails arranged along a lower surface of the filter-coalescer arrangement in the pressure vessel; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet, the prefilter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising 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 comprising the coalescer, the curved late, 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 prefilter 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 hinged openable hatch that when closed covers the front end. and the second end is closed; the method comprising: opening the hinged openable latch, removing the filter-coalescer arrangement from the pressure vessel by sliding the filter-coalescer arrangement along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails and through the opened latch; sliding a replacement filter-coalescer arrangement into the pressure vessel by sliding the filter-coalescer arrangement through the opened latch and along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails; and, closing the hinged openable latch.

[0069] A method of servicing a coalescer system according to another aspect of the invention is provided wherein the coalescer system comprises I. at least one coalescer assembly comprising: (a) an inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes; 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 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent 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 sequentially arranged; II. wherein the coalescer arrangement is arranged in a pressure vessel, the 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; and coalescer arrangement support rails arranged along a lower surface of the filter-coalescer arrangement in the pressure vessel; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising the inertial separator and the second liquid port,wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber comprising 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 hinged openable hatch that when closed covers the front end, and the second end is closed; the method comprising: opening the hinged openable latch, removing the coalescer arrangement from the pressure vessel by sliding the coalescer arrangement along the coalescer arrangement support rail and through the opened latch; sliding a replacement coalescer arrangement into the pressure vessel by sliding the coalescer arrangement through the opened latch and along the coalescer arrangement support rail; and, closing the hinged openable latch.

[0070] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of removing solid contaminants and separating liquid contaminants from a gas stream is provided, the method comprising passing the gas stream through a filter-coalescer device comprising at least one filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end, and an optional prefilter coupler engageable with the second open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with the 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; the filter-coalescer device further comprising (d) a second inertial separator comprising a plurality' of vanes and / or mesh pads, the second inertial separator in fluid communication with the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), (c), and (d) are sequentially arranged, and removing solid and liquid contaminants from the gas stream.

[0071] For example, in one aspect, the method comprises passing gas into an inlet of a pressure vessel having the filter-coalescer device arranged therein, passing gas via outside-in flow through the at least one prefilter, separating liquid from the gas, wherein separated liquid passes from outside of the at least one prefilter into a first sump, and the liquid-depleted gas passes along the hollow porous medium of the prefilter and through the first inertial separator including the vortex generator and the axial flow separator including the hollow axial flow body; separating additional liquid from the gas, the separated liquid passing from outside of the axial flow body into a second sump, wherein the further liquid-depleted gas passes along the hollow axial flow body into a hollow coalescer, separating additional liquid from the gas, wherein the liquid passes from outside of the coalescer, and the gas passes along the hollow coalescer and through the second inertial inertial separator, separating additional liquid from the gas, the additional liquid passing into a third sump, and the further liquid-depleted gas passes through the second inertial separator and from the pressure vessel through an outlet.

[0072] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of removing solid contaminants and separating liquid contaminants from a gas stream is provided, the method comprising passing the gas stream through at least one filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end. and an optional prefilter coupler engageable with the second open prefilter end; (b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with the 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, wherein a curved plate is arranged below the coalescer; wherein (a), (b). and (c) are sequentially arranged, and removing solid and liquid contaminants from the gas stream.

[0073] For example, in one aspect, the method comprises passing gas into an inlet of a pressure vessel having the filter-coalescer arrangements] arranged therein, passing gas viaoutside-in flow through a hollow cylindrical prefilter, separating liquid from the gas. wherein separated liquid passes from outside of the prefilter into a first sump, and the liquid-depleted gas passes along the hollow portion of the prefilter and through a first inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator including a hollow axial flow body; separating additional liquid from the gas, the separated liquid passing from outside of the axial flow body into a second sump, wherein the further liquid-depleted gas passes along the hollow axial flow body into a hollow coalescer, separating additional liquid from the gas, wherein the liquid drains from outside of the coalescer and along the curved plate into the second sump, and the gas passes along the hollow coalescer and from the pressure vessel through an outlet of the pressure vessel. Aspects of the method can include passing separated liquid along the curved plate and through a conduit plumbed to direct coalesced liquid away from the coalescer to the second sump.

[0074] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of removing solid contaminants and separating liquid contaminants from a gas stream is provided, the method comprising passing the gas stream through at least one coalescer arrangement comprising: (a) an inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes: 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 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, wherein a curved plate is arranged below the coalescer; wherein (a) and (b) are sequentially arranged, and removing solid and liquid contaminants from the gas stream.

[0075] For example, in one aspect, the method comprises passing gas into an inlet of a pressure vessel having the coalescer arrangements] arranged therein, separating liquid from the gas, wherein separated liquid passes into a first sump, and the liquid-depleted gas passes through an inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator including a hollow axial flow body; separating additional liquid from the gas, the separated liquid passing from outside of the axial flow body into a second sump, wherein the further liquid-depleted gas passes along the hollow axial flow body into a hollow coalescer, separating additional liquid from the gas, wherein the liquid drains from outside of thecoalescer and along the curved plate into the third sump, and the gas passes along the hollow coalescer and from the pressure vessel through an outlet of the pressure vessel. Aspects of the method can include passing separated liquid along the curved plate and through a conduit plumbed to direct coalesced liquid away from the coalescer to the third sump.

[0076] Advantageously, aspects of the invention can allow the use of shorter filter and / or coalescer elements (having a lower weight than conventional filter / coalescer elements), and the use of smaller pressure vessels while maintaining required separation efficiency and flux based on varying process conditions, without the need for additional filtration area. Smaller vessels provide a smaller footprint, and can reduce costs (e.g., less expensive filter / coalescer elements or coalescer element; in reducing energy for operating the system and / or producing filter-coalescer devices and / or producing filter-coalescer systems or coalescer systems).

[0077] In some aspects, a second inertial separator and / or a prefilter can be eliminated, which can further reduce the size of the vessel and further reduce cost.

[0078] In another advantage, filter-coalescer systems and coalescer systems can be serviced, e.g., to remove the prefilter and / or the filter-coalescer arrangement from the pressure vessel and insert a replacement prefilter and / or filter-coalescer arrangement into the pressure vessel, or to remove the coalescer arrangement from the pressure vessel and insert a replacement coalescer arrangement into the pressure vessel.

[0079] Applications are suitable for processing a variety' of gasses, e.g., any industrial gas, such as, e.g., natural gas, hydrogen, carbon capture utilization and storage, biogas, etc., wherein there is a need for removing / separating, e.g., particulates and aqueous fluids (such as crude oil, oils, other hydrocarbons) entrained in the gas, from the gas.

[0080] Each of the components of the invention will now be described in more detail below, wherein like components have like reference numbers.

[0081] In the aspect shown in Figures 1 A-1D, a plurality of filter-coalescer assemblies are arranged in a filter-coalescer device arranged in an aspect of the filter-coalescer system.

[0082] The illustrated filter coalescer device 600 includes a filter-coalescer arrangement 500 (three filter-coalescer arrangements are shown in Figure 1A; see also, Figures 1B-1D) comprises (a) at least one prefilter 100 comprising a hollow porous medium 150 (optionally a pleated hollow porous medium) having a first open prefilter end 151 and a second open prefilter end 152 (the prefilter optionally includes a perforated metal core, typically having aminimum open area of 30% (core not shown)), and a closed prefilter endcap 160 in the first open prefilter end (including an optional handle 1 1 ; see, Figure 2); (b) a first inertial separator 200 comprising (i) a vortex generator 210 comprising helical vanes 211 (see, Figures 2 and 3C-3D, the vortex generator in fluid communication with the at least one prefilter 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; see also, Figs 4G-4I with respect to axial flow separator 250’), the axial flow separator 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 endcap 360 in the second open coalescer end 312, the endcap including a handle 365; see. Figure 4C), the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end 262 and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator 250.

[0083] The illustrated filter coalescer device 600 includes (d) a second inertial separator 450 comprising a plurality of vanes (separators sometimes referred to as "‘valve packs" with vanes sometimes referred to as “chevrons;” typically parallel corrugated sheets held at a fixed distance apart) 470 and / or one or more mesh pads 480 (see, Figure IE showing an illustrative mesh pad 480; separators sometimes referred to as “pad mist eliminators;” can also comprise chevrons), the second inertial separator 450 in fluid communication with the coalescer 300; wherein (a), (b), (c), and (d) are sequentially arranged. However, while the filter coalescer device 600 can include a plurality of filter-coalescer assemblies, it will typically include a single second inertial separator 450.

[0084] The illustrated aspect of the filter-coalescer device 600 including one or more, typically, at least two or more, filter-coalescer arrangements 500 arranged in filter-coalescer system 2000, illustrated as comprising a pressure vessel 1000, the pressure vessel comprising a pressure vessel inlet 1001, a pressure vessel outlet 1002, a first chamber 1100, a first liquid port 1101 for passing separated liquid into a first sump 1102, a first tube sheet 1150, a second chamber 1200, a second liquid port 1201 for passing separated liquid into a second sump 1202, a second tube sheet 1250, a third chamber 1300, and a third liquid port 1301 for passing separated liquid into a third sump 1302; the first chamber 1100 comprising the pressure vessel inlet 1001, the at least one prefilter 100, and the first liquid port; the second chamber 1200 comprising the first inertial separator 200 and the second liquid port, whereinthe first tube sheet 1150 separates the first chamber 1100 from the second chamber 1200; the third chamber 1300 comprising the coalescer 300, the second inertial separator 450, the third liquid port, and the pressure vessel outlet 1002, wherein the second tube sheet 1250 separates the second chamber 1200 from the third chamber 1300.

[0085] The tube sheets have concentric holes dividing the interior of the pressure vessel into the three chambers, and gaskets provide a gas tight seal between elements and tube sheets. Gaskets by the second open prefilter end 152 (in those aspects including a prefilter), by an inertial separator (see, for example, Fig. 13) and the first open coalescer end 31 1 provide seals between the prefilter and coalescer and the tube sheets. In some aspects, the diameter of the holes in the second tube sheet is less than the diameter of the holes in the first tube sheet.

[0086] The pressure vessel 1000 has a first end 1000A before the at least one prefilter and the pressure vessel inlet, and a second end 1000B after the second inertial separator and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hinged openable hatch 1400 and the second end is closed.

[0087] Figure 2 (see also, Figure 6A) illustrates an aspect of a filter-coalescer arrangement 500 of the filter-coalescer device 600 comprising the at least one prefilter 100, the first inertial separator 200 comprising a vortex generator 210, the axial flow separator 250; and the coalescer 300, as described with respect to Figure 1 A.

[0088] Figure 3 A illustrates an aspect of the prefilter 100 in more detail, comprising the hollow porous medium 150 having the first open prefilter end 151 closed by first endcap 160, and the second open prefilter end 152. Figure 3 A also shows, in the second open prefilter end 152, a prefilter adapter / gasket 155 (for creating a gas tight seal against the first tube sheet between the first and second chambers), and a first coupler 159, with the vortex generator 210 comprising helical vanes 211 arranged in the coupler in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the prefilter (see also, Figures 3B-3D). Using Figures 3B and 3C for reference, the first coupler 159 includes notches 159A for engagement for second coupler 259 (see, for example, Figures 4A, 4B, and 5A-5C).

[0089] As shown in Figures 1B-1D, 7A-7B, and 7E-7F, the prefilter 100 can have an optional baffle 111 above the porous medium, arranged below the inlet of the pressure vessel and extending, for example, about half the length of the prefilter, extending from about themiddle of the prefilter toward the first inertial separator. The baffle can be desirable to prevent the prefilter from direct contact with the mixed stream entering the inlet of the pressure vessel.

[0090] Figures 4A-4C illustrate an aspect of the coalescer 300 in more detail, comprising hollow porous coalescer medium 301, a first open coalescer end 311 and a second open coalescer end 312, and a closed coalescer endcap 360 in the second open coalescer end 312 (Figure 4C shows the closed endcap 360 including a handle 365, that can be engaged with the capture feature of the second endplate of the filter-coalescer device; see, Figures 7D and 7F), the coalescer being arranged adjacent the second open separator end 262 and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator 250.

[0091] Figures 4A-4B also show, in the first open coalescer end 311 , a coalescer adapter / gasket 355 (for creating a gas tight seal against the second tube sheet between the second and third chambers; rear view shown in figure 4D), for connection to the second open separator end 262 of the axial flow separator 250 (of an aspect the first inertial separator 200) comprising a 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 tabs 259A that can be inserted in notches 159A of the first coupler 159, wherein, as shown in Figures 5 A-5C, after the tabs are inserted in the notches, twisting / rotating either or both couplers allow s them to be coupled together.

[0092] Figure 4E show s, in cross-sectional view; the second coupler, also showing an aspect of the first inertial separator 200 including a vortex generator 210 and an axial flow separator 250 including a hollow' axial flow body 255 and radial slots 256 providing reverse radial vanes 257. and Figure 4F shows flow directors for liquid through the reverse radial vanes of the hollow axial flow body, and for gas through the second end of the hollow axial flow body 262.

[0093] Figures 4G-4I show another aspect of a first inertial separator 200’ including a vortex generator 210 and an axial flow' separator 250’ including a hollow' axial flow' body 255’ having first open separator end 261’, a second open separator end 262’, the axial flow' separator 250’ comprising a porous medium 258. Figure 4H shows the vortex generator and an axial flow separator including the hollow' axial flow body comprising the porous medium shown in Figure 4G, also showing a metal mesh 258A surrounding the exterior of the porous medium, and Figure 41 shows flow' direction for liquid through the porous medium 258 andmesh 258A of the hollow axial flow body, and gas through the second end of the hollow axial flow body 262’. As with the configuration shown in, for example, Figure 4B, the first open separator end 261 ’ of the axial flow separator 250’ is connected to the second coupler 259, the second coupler 259 including tabs 259A that can be inserted in notches 159A of the first coupler 159, wherein, as shown in Figures 5A-5C, after the tabs are inserted in the notches, twisting / rotating either or both couplers allows them to be coupled together.

[0094] Figure 4J shows a commercially available axial flow separator 250” including a hollow axial flow body 255” having first open separator end 261” and a second open separator end 262”, suitable for use as part of a first inertial separator (e.g., with a vortex generator and, if desired, first and second couplers, as described above) in accordance with aspects of the invention.

[0095] In some aspects, as shown in Figure 4J, the hollow cylindrical axial flow body 255” comprises a tapered body increasing in diameter from the first open end 261” toward the second open end 262” (see, for example, tubular outlet member 100 in U.S. Patent 7,879,123, incorporated by reference) and the coalescer.

[0096] Figures 6A is a drawing showing an aspect of a filter-coalescer arrangement 500 of the filter-coalescer device 600 comprising the at least one prefilter 100, the first inertial separator 200 comprising a vortex generator 210, the axial flow separator 250 including an axial flow body 255 having radial slots 256 providing reverse radial vanes 257; and the coalescer 300 (wherein coalescer 300 is also described with respect to Figure 9A and the system includes a curved plate 350’ below the coalescer), with the first inertial separator arranged between the prefilter and the coalescer. As illustrated in Figure 6B, showing enlarged detail “A” shown in Figure 6A, the vortex generator 210 includes helical vanes 211 (4 vanes are shown spaced around a central pin; the vortex generator impart a rotation on the fluid stream passing over the vanes, the axial flow separator 250 / 2507250” removes bulk liquid from the gas stream and lowers the liquid concentration reaching the coalescer, the cleaned gas exits the axial flow separator and enters the coalescer core), wherein the first open separator end 261 (also applicable to 261 ’ and 261”) of the axial flow separator 250 is connected to the second coupler 259, the second coupler 259 including tabs 259A inserted in notches 159A of the first coupler 159, and one or both of the couplers are twisted / rotated to provide secure engagement.

[0097] In the aspect shown in Figures 7A-7F. a plurality of filter-coalescer arrangements 500 (7 arrangements are shown, a lesser number or a greater number can be utilized; also applicable to filter-coalescer arrangements 500 as described below) can be arranged in a pressure vessel. Figures 7A and 7B shown top and side views (Fig. 7A top view; Fig. 7B side view); Figure 7C shows a front end view including a first end plate 501; Figure 7D shows a rear end view including a second end plate 502, wherein the first end plate 501 has a first endplate first surface 501 A and a first endplate second surface 501B, the second surface 501B adjacent the first end of the at least one prefilter; and the second end plate 502 has a second endplate first surface 502A and a second endplate second surface 502B, the first surface 502A adjacent the second end of the colaescer; Figure 7E and 7F show, respectively, perspective front and rear views). Figures 7D and 7F also show a capture feature 555 in the second endplate 502 (second endplate first surface 502A) for the handle 365 (see, Figures 4C and 7G) on the endcap 360 at the second end of the coalescer. As shown in Figure 7G, the illustrated capture feature 555 includes spaced apart parallel walls 556 extending from central support 557 on the upper side of the second end plate, wherein the walls are spaced apart at a distance slightly larger than the width of the handle 365, and the plate 502 has partially crescent shaped openings 558 on either side of central support 557.

[0098] In some aspects, when assembling and / or servicing the device 600 / 600A in system 2000 (see also, Figures 8A-8B and 11 A-l IB as described below; see also, system 2000’ as described below with respect to Figures 9A-9D. and system 2000A as described below with respect to Figures 12A-12F ), when inserting the arrangement 500 / coalescer arrangement 500A (see, Figures 12A-12F), or disengaging the prefilter 100 (e.g., involving uncoupling and disengaging the prefilter and vortex generator from the axial flow' separator and the coalescer), the handle 365 can be engaged in the capture feature 555 / 555’ to ensure correct assembly, and / or once engaged, the arrangement can be rotated to disengage the couplers (if present), allowing removal of the prefilter, and keeping the coalescer in place for insertion of a replacement prefilter and re-engagement of the couplers.

[0099] As will be discussed below-, in those aspects including coalescer arrangement 500 A, the handle 365 can be engaged in the capture feature 555’ to ensure correct assembly, and / or once engaged, the arrangement can be rotated to disengage the coalescer arrangement, allowing removal of the coalescer arrangement, followed be insertion of a replacement coalescer arrangement.

[0100] When inserting the arrangement 500 / 500A into the pressure vessel 1000, 1000’, 1 00” (typically from the inlet side), it can be desirable for the holes in the second tube sheet 1250 to be smaller than the holes in the first tube sheet 1150, so that the gasket associated with the coalescer 300 slides through more easily.

[0101] As noted above, the device 600 in system 2000 (and in system 2000’, and device 600A in system 2000A as described below) can be assembled and / or serviced, for example, a filter-coalescer arrangement 500 can be inserted into the pressure vessel for assembly, or the filter-coalescer arrangement 500 or prefilter 100 removed from the pressure vessel, and a replacement filter-coalescer arrangement 500 or prefilter 100 can be inserted, wherein the prefilter can be removed after disengaging the couplers and the prefilter replaced. Using Figures 8A and 8B for illustrative reference, during insertion, removal, and replacement, the filter-coalescer arrangement 500 is slid along parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails 575 comprising parallel prefilter rails 585 and parallel coalescer rails 595 (shown in the pressure vessel arranged along (below) the low er surfaces of the filter-coalescer arrangements), and during removal and replacement of the prefilter 100, the prefilter is slid along parallel prefilter rails 585. A generally similar procedure can be followed with removing and replacing coalescer arrangement 500A, wherein the coalescer arrangement 500A is slid along coalescer rail 595’ (the rail arranged along (above) an upper surface of the coalescer arrangement), typically the coalescer arrangement can be removed and replaced without the use of a coupler.

[0102] In the aspect shown in Figures 9A-9D. a plurality of filter-coalescer arrangements are arranged in another aspect of the filter-coalescer system. The illustrated filter-coalescer arrangement 500 comprises (a) at least one prefilter 100 comprising a hollow- porous medium 150 (optionally a pleated hollow porous medium) having a first open prefilter end 151 and a second open prefilter end 152 (the prefilter optionally includes a perforated metal core, typically having a minimum open area of 30% (core not shown), optionally also including a baffle 111), and a closed prefilter endcap 160 in the first open prefilter end (including an optional handle 161; see. Figure 2); (b) a first inertial separator 200 comprising (i) a vortex generator 210 comprising helical vanes 211 (see, Figures 2 and 3C-3D, the vortex generator in fluid communication with the at least one prefilter 100; and (ii) an axial flow separator 250 comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow7body 255 having a first open separator end 261 and a second open separator end 262 (see, Figure 2; see also, Figs 4G-4J with respect to axialflow separators 250’and 250”), the axial flow separator 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 endcap 360 in the second open coalescer end 312, the endcap including a handle 365; see, Figure 4C), the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end 262 and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator 250.

[0103] However, with respect to coalescer 300 in arrangement 500. the illustrated aspect of the system 2000’ also has, contacting the second end plate 502 and the second tube sheet 1250, a curved plate 350’ plate having a first end 351 ’ contacting the second tube sheet, and a second end 352’ contacting the second end plate, the curved plate arranged below the hollow coalescer 300, and surrounding the lower portion of the coalescer, and partially surrounding the sides of the coalescer, for separating additional liquid (e.g., droplets) from the gas, wherein the additional liquid passes (drains) from outside of the coalescer and along the curved plate and through a drain point 353’ (located between the first and second ends 351’, 352’) into the second sump (thus minimizing or preventing coalesced liquid from re-entering into the clean gas stream and isolating flow from each individual coalescer while directing gas flow upwards), and the gas passes along the hollow coalescer and from the pressure vessel through an outlet of the pressure vessel. Preferably, the curved plate covers in the range of 50-75% of the sides of the coalescer (see, Fig. 9E). In some aspects, the curved plate has a radius that varies along the length of the coalescer, the shell having a larger radius R1 at the drain point 353’, and a lesser radius R2, R3 at ends 351 ’ and 352’ respectively (see. Fig. 9B), and including a conduit 354’ plumbed to direct coalesced liquid away from the coalescer to the second sump.

[0104] As show n in Figure 9E, near the drain point 353’ of the curved plate 350’, wherein the plate surrounds the lower portion of the coalescer as well as portions of the sides 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 sides of the coalescer.

[0105] In contrast with the capture element 555 shown in Figures 7D and 7F. capture feature 555’ for receiving a handle as shown in Figure 11 A (see also, Figures 15D, 15F, 16A and 16B) lacks central support 557 and openings 558, thus providing surface area on the second plate 502 or end plate 512 for the second end 352' of the curved plate 350’to sit against.

[0106] System 2000’ also differs from system 2000 in that system 2000’ does not require a second inertial separator, a third liquid port, or a third sump.

[0107] The illustrated aspect of the filter-coalescer arrangement 500 is arranged in filter-coalescer system 2000’, illustrated as comprising a pressure vessel 1000’, the pressure vessel comprising a pressure vessel inlet 1001, a pressure vessel outlet 1002, a first chamber 1100, a first liquid port 1101 for passing separated liquid into a first sump 1102, a first tube sheet 1150. a second chamber 1200. a second liquid port 1201 for passing separated liquid into a second sump 1202, a second tube sheet 1250, a third chamber 1300; the first chamber 1100 comprising the pressure vessel inlet 1001, the at least one prefilter 100, and the first liquid port; the second chamber 1200 comprising the first inertial separator 200 and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet 1150 separates the first chamber 1100 from the second chamber 1200; the third chamber 1300 comprising the coalescer 300 and the curved plate 350’ and the conduit 354’ (the system 2000’ without a second inertial separator, a third liquid port or a third sump), the pressure vessel outlet 1002, wherein the second tube sheet 1250 separates the second chamber 1200 from the third chamber 1300.

[0108] As described with respect to the aspect of the system 2000, in the illustrated aspect of the system 2000’, the tube sheets have concentric holes dividing the interior of the pressure vessel into the three chambers. Gaskets by the second open prefilter end 152 and the first open coalescer end 311 provide seals between the prefilter and coalescer and the tube sheets. In some aspects, the diameter of the holes in the second tube sheet is less than the diameter of the holes in the first tube sheet.

[0109] The pressure vessel 1000’ has a first end 1000A before the at least one prefilter and the pressure vessel inlet, and a second end 1000B after the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hinged openable hatch 1400 and the second end is closed.

[0110] The aspects of the invention described with reference to Figures 12A-12F, 13, 14A-14B, 15A-15F, 16A and 16B, have anumber of elements similar, or identical to, to those described previously, and function in a similar manner. However, in contrast with aspects described above involving a filter-coalescer arrangement 500 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end; (b) an inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with the at least one prefilter; and (ii) an axial flowseparator comprising a hollow cylindrical axial flow body having a first open separator end and a second open separator end, the axial flow separator in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; wherein (a), (b), and (c) are sequentially arranged, the aspects of the invention described with reference to Figures 12A-12F, 13, 14A-14B15A-15F, 16A and 16B, involve a coalescer arrangement 500A comprising (a) an inertial separator comprising: (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes; 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 slots; or, the hollow cylindrical axial flow body comprising an inner hollow cylindrical porous metal element and an outer hollow cylindrical metal mesh; wherein the axial flow separator 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; wherein (a) and (b) are sequentially arranged.

[0111] In the aspect shown in Figures 12A-12F. a plurality of coalescer arrangements 500A are arranged in an aspect of a coalescer system 2000 A. The illustrated coalescer arrangement 500A comprises (a) an inertial separator 200A comprising (i) a vortex generator 210 comprising helical vanes 211; 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, an adapter / gasket 290 (providing a front portion) attached to the first open separator end 261. the adapter / gasket having a front face 290A and a rear face 290B. the front face 290A including a handle 267 A, the rear face 290B attached to the flow body 255 (see. Figures 13 and 14A-14B; the axial flow7separator 250’ comprising the hollow7cylindrical axial flow body 255' as shown in Figures 4G-4I can also be utilized); the axial flow separator in fluid communication with the vortex generator 210; (b) a coalescer 300 comprising a hollow porous coalescer medium 301 , a first open coalescer end 31 1 and a second open coalescer end 312, and a closed coalescer endcap 360 in the second open coalescer end 312, the endcap including ahandle 365 (see, Figures 4C and 13), the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end 262 and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator250. In accordance with the illustrated aspect of the inertial separator 200A, the separator 200A typically does not include a coupler. The gasket in 290 creates a gas tight seal around the first tube sheet between the first chamber and the second chamber, and the gasket in adapter / gasket 355 creates a gas tight seal around the second tube sheet between the second chamber and the third chamber.

[0112] With respect to coalescer 300 in arrangement 500A, the illustrated aspect of the system 2000A also has, contacting the end plate 512 and the second tube sheet 1250. a curved plate 350’ plate having a first end 351 ’ contacting the second tube sheet, and a second end 352’ contacting the end plate 512, the curved plate arranged below the hollow coalescer 300, and surrounding the lower portion of the coalescer, and partially surrounding the sides of the coalescer, for separating additional liquid (e.g., droplets) from the gas, wherein the additional liquid passes (drains) from outside of the coalescer and along the curved plate and through a drain point 353’ (located between the first and second ends 351’, 352’) into third sump 1300 (thus minimizing or preventing coalesced liquid from re-entering into the clean gas stream and isolating flow from each individual coalescer while directing gas flow upwards), and the gas passes along the hollow coalescer and from the pressure vessel through an outlet of the pressure vessel. Preferably, the curved plate covers in the range of 50-75% of the sides of the coalescer (see, Figs. 12E-12F). In some aspects, the curved plate has a radius that varies along the length of the coalescer, the shell having a larger radius R1 at the drain point 353', and a lesser radius R2. R3 at ends 351 ’ and 352’ respectively (see, Fig. 12B). and including an optional conduit 354A’ plumbed to direct coalesced liquid away from the coalescer to the third sump.

[0113] As shown in Figures 12E-12F, near the drain point 353’ of the curved plate 350’, wherein the plate surrounds the lower portion of the coalescer as well as portions of the sides 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 sides of the coalescer.

[0114] In contrast with the capture element 555 shown in Figures 7D and 7F, capture feature 555’ for receiving a handle as shown in Figures 15D, 15F, 16A and 16B (see also. Figure 11 A) lacks central support 557 and openings 558, thus providing surface area on the second plate 502 or end plate 512 for the second end 352’ of the curved plate 350’to sit against.

[0115] System 2000A also differs from system 2000’ in that system 2000A includes a third liquid port, and a third sump.

[0116] The illustrated aspect of the filter-coalescer arrangement 500A is arranged in coalescer system 2000A, illustrated as comprising a pressure vessel 1000”, the pressure vessel comprising a pressure vessel inlet 1001, a pressure vessel outlet 1002, a first chamber 1100, a first liquid port 1101 for passing separated liquid into a first sump 1102, a first tube sheet 1150. a second chamber 1200. a second liquid port 1201 for passing separated liquid into a second sump 1202, a second tube sheet 1250, a third chamber 1300, a third liquid port for passing separated liquid into a third sump 1302; the first chamber 1100 comprising the pressure vessel inlet 1001, the first liquid port; the second chamber 1200 comprising the inertial separator 200A and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet 1150 separates the first chamber 1 100 from the second chamber 1200; the third chamber 1300 comprising the coalescer 300, the curved plate 350’, the third liquid port 1301, the optional conduit 354A’, and the pressure vessel outlet 1002, wherein the second tube sheet 1250 separates the second chamber 1200 from the third chamber 1300.

[0117] As described with respect to the aspect of the systems 2000 and 2000’, in the illustrated aspect of the system 2000A, the tube sheets have concentric holes dividing the interior of the pressure vessel into the three chambers. A gasket by the first open coalescer end 311 provides a seal at the second tube sheet. In some aspects, the diameter of the holes in the second tube sheet is less than the diameter of the holes in the first tube sheet.

[0118] 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 hinged openable hatch 1400 and the second end is closed.

[0119] A variety of prefilters, coalescers, and second inertial separators (if present; such separators are sometimes referred to as ‘‘mesh pad eliminators,” and ‘‘vane packs”), are suitable for use in aspects of the invention and are commercially available.

[0120] The prefilter can comprise a depth filter (for example, with a tightest pore structure on the downstream side and a coarser pore structure on the upstream side) and / or comprise a pleated and / or corrugated medium. The prefilter can be arranged as a media pack, in some aspects, a corrugated pleat pack. In some aspects, the prefilter comprises cellulose orglass fibers. While the prefilter primarily removes particulates from the fluid stream, in some aspects, it preconditions the disperse liquid phase by coalescing some of the liquids.

[0121] Typically, the coalescer provides a minimum of 99.97% efficiency at 0.3 micrometers. The coalescer can include a combination of media, and / or can be arranged as a media pack, in some aspects, a corrugated pack and / or a pleated pack. The coalescer is covered with a coalescer sleeve, for example, a nonwoven medium, that directs large droplets of coalesced liquid out of the gas stream.

[0122] Typically, the second inertial separator (if present) removes large droplets (e.g., > 10 micrometers) from a gas stream.

[0123] Typically, the sumps are removable for cleaning, and each have valves for draining collected liquid. Preferably, they each have automated level sensors to actuate the valve.

[0124] Some components according to embodiments of the invention can be monolithic, preferably manufactured via additive manufacturing (sometimes referred to as “additive layer manufacturing"’ or “3D printing"’). They are typically formed by repeated depositions of a metal powder bound together with an activatable binder (e.g.. binder jetting, sometimes referred to as “drop on powder”), typically followed by agglomerating the powder, e g., by sintering. Some components can be manufactured together via additive manufacturing in a continuous operation at substantially the same time. Any suitable additive manufacturing equipment can be used, and a variety of production 3D printers are suitable and commercially available.

[0125] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0126] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of twoor more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms ‘'comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary’ language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0127] Preferred aspects of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred aspects may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

CLAIM(S):1 . A filter-coalescer system comprising:

1. at least one filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end;(b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator; the filter-coalescer system further comprising a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), and (c) are sequentially arranged;II. wherein the filter-coalescer arrangement is arranged 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, a second chamber, a second liquid port, a second tube sheet, and a third chamber; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet, the prefilter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising 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 comprising the coalescer, the curved plate, and the pressure vessel outlet, wherein the second tube sheet separates the second chamber from the third chamber.

2. The filter-coalescer system of claim 1, wherein the pressure vessel further comprises a first end plate and a second end plate; wherein the first chamber comprises the first end plate and the third chamber comprises the second end plate, and the closed prefilter endcap in the first open prefilter end contacts the first end plate, the second open prefilter end contact the first tube sheet, the first open coalescer endcap contacts the second tube sheet, and the closed coalescer endcap in the second open coalescer end contacts the second end plate.

3. A method of servicing a filter-coalescer system wherein the filter-coalescer system comprises:I. at least one filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end;(b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, the filter-coalescer system further comprising a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), and (c) are sequentially arranged;II. wherein the filter-coalescer arrangement is arranged in a pressure vessel, the 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 parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails arranged along a lower surface of the filter-coalescer arrangement in the pressure vessel; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet, the prefilter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising 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 comprising 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 prefilter and the pressure vessel inlet, and the second end of the pressure vessel is located after thepressure vessel outlet, wherein the first end has a hinged openable hatch that when closed covers the front end, and the second end is closed; the method comprising: opening the hinged openable latch; 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 vortex generator along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails comprising parallel prefilter rails and through the opened latch; sliding a replacement at least one prefilter and the vortex generator into the pressure vessel by sliding the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator through the opened latch and along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails comprising parallel prefilter rails until the at least one prefilter and the vortex generator is connected to the axial flow separator and the coalescer; and. closing the hinged openable latch.

4. A method of servicing a filter-coalescer system wherein the filter-coalescer system comprises:I. at least one filter-coalescer 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end;(b) a first inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, the filter-coalescer system further comprising a curved plate below the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), and (c) are sequentially arranged;II. wherein the filter-coalescer arrangement is arranged in a pressure vessel, the 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 parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails arranged along a lower surface in the pressure vessel; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet, the prefilter, and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising 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 comprising 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 before the at least one prefilter 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 hinged openable hatch that when closed covers the front end, and the second end is closed; the method comprising: opening the hinged openable latch; removing the filter-coalescer arrangement from the pressure vessel by sliding the filter-coalescer arrangement along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails and through the opened latch; sliding a replacement filter-coalescer arrangement into the pressure vessel by sliding the filter-coalescer arrangement through the opened latch and along the parallel filter-coalescer arrangement support rails; and, closing the hinged openable latch.

5. A method of servicing a coalescer system wherein the coalescer system comprises:I. at least one coalescer assembly comprising:(a) an inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes; 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 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent 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 sequentially arranged;II. wherein the coalescer arrangement is arranged in a pressure vessel, the 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; and parallel coalescer arrangement support rails arranged along a lower surface of the filter-coalescer in the pressure vessel; the first chamber comprising the pressure vessel inlet and the first liquid port; the second chamber comprising the inertial separator and the second liquid port, wherein the first tube sheet separates the first chamber from the second chamber; the third chamber comprising 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 hinged openable hatch that when closed covers the front end, and the second end is closed; the method comprising: opening the hinged openable latch; removing the coalescer arrangement from the pressure vessel by sliding the coalescer arrangement along the coalescer arrangement support rail and through the opened latch; sliding a replacement coalescer arrangement into the pressure vessel by sliding the coalescer arrangement through the opened latch and along the coalescer arrangement support rail; and, closing the hinged openable latch.

6. A method of removing solid contaminants and separating liquid contaminants from a gas stream, the method comprising passing the gas stream through a filter-coalescer arrangement 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 endcap in the first open prefilter end, and an optional prefilter coupler engageable with the second open prefilter end;(b) an inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes, the vortex generator in fluid communication with the 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, wherein a curved plate is arranged below the coalescer; wherein (a), (b), and (c) are sequentially arranged, and removing solid and liquid contaminants from the gas stream.

7. A method of removing solid contaminants and separating liquid contaminants from a gas stream, the method comprising passing the gas stream through a coalescer arrangement comprising:(a) an inertial separator comprising (i) a vortex generator comprising helical vanes; 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 in 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 endcap in the second open coalescer end, the coalescer arranged adjacent the second open separator end and in fluid communication with the axial flow separator, wherein a curved plate is arranged below the coalescer;wherein (a) and (b) are sequentially arranged, and removing solid and liquid contaminants from the gas stream.

8. The filter coalescer system of any one of claim 1, including two or more filter-coalescer arrangements, arranged in the pressure vessel.

9. The method of claim 6, comprising passing gas into an inlet of a pressure vessel having the filter-coalescer arrangements] arranged therein, passing gas via outside-in flow through a hollow cylindrical prefilter, separating liquid from the gas, wherein separated liquid passes from outside of the prefilter into a first sump, and the liquid-depleted gas passes along the hollow portion of the prefilter and through a first inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator including a hollow axial flow body; separating additional liquid from the gas, the separated liquid passing from outside of the axial flow body into a second sump, wherein the further liquid-depleted gas passes along the hollow axial flow body into a hollow coalescer, separating additional liquid from the gas, wherein the liquid drains from outside of the coalescer and along the curved plate into the second sump, and the gas passes along the hollow coalescer and from the pressure vessel through an outlet of the pressure vessel.

10. The method of claim 7, comprising passing gas into an inlet of a pressure vessel having the coalescer arrangements] arranged therein, separating liquid from the gas, wherein separated liquid passes into a first sump, and the liquid-depleted gas passes through an inertial separator including a vortex generator and an axial flow separator including a hollow axial flow body; separating additional liquid from the gas, the separated liquid passing from outside of the axial flow body into a second sump, wherein the further liquid-depleted gas passes along the hollow axial flow body into a hollow coalescer, separating additional liquid from the gas, wherein the liquid drains from outside of the coalescer and along the curved plate into the third sump, and the gas passes along the hollow coalescer and from the pressure vessel through an outlet of the pressure vessel.

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