Integrated cooling and separation system

Abstract

A system (10) includes a passageway (14) disposed in a housing (12), and a fluid inlet (22) configured to receive a process fluid, the process fluid caused to flow through the housing (12) along a first path and exchange thermal energy with a coolant in the passageway (14). The system includes an internal course (42) disposed at an interior of an end portion (26) of the housing (12), the internal course (42) defining an annular flow path (44) within the end portion (26), the annular flow path (44) surrounding a portion of the passageway (14). The internal course (42) is configured to divert the process fluid from the first path subsequent to exchanging thermal energy, and cause the process fluid to follow the annular flow path (44), the annular flow path (44) configured to cause separation of an initial amount of a component from the process fluid.

Description

71PRO-510822-WO-2_BHI0581PCTINTEGRATED COOLING AND SEPARATION SYSTEMCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Italian Application No. IT 102025000000498, filed on January 14, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Heat exchangers are used in a variety of industries and contexts. In the industrial process, waste recovery and fluid sequestration industries, as well as other industries, heat exchangers are utilized in systems to add or remove heat from various streams of fluids, and in combination with other equipment (e.g., separators, drums, etc.) are used to remove solids, liquids, gases, vapors, and other components from fluids (e.g., flue gas, air, etc.). Heat exchangers are also used in compression systems for compression of fluids such as natural gas, nitrogen and others. Compression systems may be used in conjunction with various other systems, such as resource production systems (e.g., oil and gas treatment systems).SUMMARY

[0003] An embodiment of a system includes a housing, a passageway disposed in the housing, the passageway configured to receive a coolant, and a fluid inlet configured to receive a process fluid and direct the process fluid into the housing, the process fluid caused to flow through the housing along a first path toward a fluid outlet and exchange thermal energy with the coolant in the passageway. The system also includes an internal course disposed at an interior of an end portion of the housing, the internal course defining an annular flow path within the end portion of the housing, the annular flow path surrounding a portion of the passageway. The internal course is configured to divert the process fluid from the first path subsequent to exchanging thermal energy, and cause the process fluid to follow the annular flow path to the fluid outlet. The annular flow path is configured to cause separation of an initial amount of a component from the process fluid.

[0004] An embodiment of a method includes introducing a process fluid into a housing of a heat exchanger, and flowing the process fluid through the housing along a first path toward a fluid outlet, where flowing the process fluid causes the process fluid to interact with a passageway disposed in the housing and exchange thermal energy with the passageway. The method also includes, subsequent to exchanging thermal energy, diverting the process fluid71PRO-510822-WO-2_BHI0581PCTfrom the first path to an annular flow path within an end portion of the housing, the annular flow path defined by an internal course disposed at an interior of the end portion of the housing, the annular flow path surrounding a portion of the passageway. The method further includes directing the process fluid along the annular flow path to the fluid outlet by the internal course. The annular flow path causes an initial amount of a component to separate from the process fluid.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

[0006] Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a system for heat exchange and / or fluid separation;

[0007] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional axial view of the system of Figure 1;

[0008] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a flow control assembly;

[0009] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a flow control assembly;

[0010] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional axial view of the flow control assembly of Figure 4;

[0011] Figure 6 is a side view of a cross-section of the flow control assembly of Figure 4;

[0012] Figure 7 is a bottom view of a cross-section of the flow control assembly of Figure 4;

[0013] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a flow control assembly;

[0014] Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the flow control assembly of Figure 8;

[0015] Figure 10 is a side view of a vertical cross-section of the flow control assembly of Figure 8;

[0016] Figure 11 is a side view of a horizontal cross-section of the flow control assembly of Figure 8; and

[0017] Figure 12 is a side view of the flow control assembly of Figure 8.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed system and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.71PRO-510822-WO-2_BHI0581PCT

[0019] Systems and methods are provided for heat transfer and / or separation of fluid components. A heat transfer system includes a heat exchanger configured to receive a process fluid (e.g., flue gas, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.). The heat exchanger includes a body defining an internal volume, and a set of fluid passageways configured to receive a heat exchange fluid (e.g., a coolant). The heat exchanger, in an embodiment, is a shell- and-tube heat exchanger that includes a tube bundle.

[0020] The heat exchanger includes internal flow control device or devices, which is / are configured to enhance heat transfer and may also be configured to facilitate separation of undesired components (e.g., water) from a process fluid. In an embodiment, the flow control device(s) include a flow control body, such as a cylinder surrounding a portion of fluid passageways located in an enlarged portion of the heat exchanger. In an embodiment, the flow control device(s) include one or more fluid guides that define a circuitous flow path. The flow control body and the one or more fluid guides are each configured to cause the process fluid to circulate around a portion of the fluid passageways, or otherwise follow a circuitous or indirect path from the fluid passageways to a fluid outlet. This induced circulation provides for enhanced fluid separation.

[0021] In an example, the flow control device(s) include a flow control body in the form of a cylindrical process baffle that includes a set (i.e., one or more) of windows and defines an internal flow path in the heat exchanger. The internal flow path is an indirect or circuitous flow path from a region of the fluid passageways to a fluid outlet. In an embodiment, the internal flow path is generally orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger. The internal flow path may be any indirect or circuitous path. A region may be defined for collection and removal of water droplets (or other separated components).

[0022] Embodiments described herein provide for a number of advantages. The embodiments described herein allow for a reduction in mass and weight while maintaining effective cooling and / or separation. For example, embodiments permit use of a fluid separation device at an end portion of a heat exchanger, instead of requiring a fluid separation device that extends along a full length of passageways in the heat exchanger. In addition, as embodiments combine cooling and enhanced separation, the embodiments can be used to simplify and reduce the required footprint of compression systems, which typically require a distinct separation stage after cooling.

[0023] Figures 1 and 2 depict an embodiment of a system for heat exchange and / or fluid separation, referred to herein as a heat exchanger 10. Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross71PRO-510822-WO-2_BHI0581PCTsectional view of the heat exchanger 10 (shown in a y-z plane), and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional axial view (shown in a x-z plane).

[0024] The heat exchanger 10 may be incorporated into various systems, such as carbon capture, cooling and / or compression systems. For example, the heat exchanger 10 forms an inter-stage or final stage of a fluid compression system, in which cooling of an input fluid and / or separation of fluid constituents (e.g., a gas and water) is performed.

[0025] Embodiments described herein are applicable with any suitable type of system that utilizes heat exchange or cooling processes. Although embodiments are described in conjunction with compression systems, embodiments are not so limited and can be applied to any suitable system that uses heat exchange and / or fluid separation. Examples of such systems include cooling and temperature control systems, drying systems, carbon capture systems and others.

[0026] The heat exchanger 10 includes a housing 12, such as a cylindrical outer shell. The housing 12 houses a plurality of fluid passageways 14 configured to receive a coolant, which may be a liquid, gas or combination thereof. Examples of the coolant include air and water.

[0027] The fluid passageways 14 may be linear passageways as shown, which extend axially along a longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger 10 (the x-axis in this example). Alternatively, the fluid passageways 14 may be non-linear. For example, the fluid passageways 14 may follow a spiral path, forming a centrifugal heat exchanger.

[0028] In an embodiment, the heat exchanger 10 is a shell- and-tube type heat exchanger, in which the fluid passageways are formed by a bundle of cylindrical tubes made from a thermally conductive material (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.) interconnected each other by one or more tube-sheet.

[0029] The heat exchanger 10 may receive a fluid (referred to as a “process fluid”) that includes a target gas (i.e., gas to be cooled and / or compressed) and one or more additional components. In some cases, such additional components are undesirable.

[0030] For example, the process fluid includes a target gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, ammonia, etc.) combined with water. The heat exchanger 10, in addition to cooling, provides separation functionality for removing water and / or other undesirable component(s).

[0031] This is useful, for example, to enhance separation of water from a process stream in a compression system. When a process fluid includes water, at each compression discharge stage and after relevant cooling, the heat exchanger 10 can induce condensation and allow the water to be removed before feeding to a subsequent stage. As noted above, an71PRO-510822-WO-2_BHI0581PCTadvantage of the heat exchanger 10 is the ability to provide both cooling and separation in a single device, without the need for a distinct external separation device.

[0032] In an embodiment, the housing 12 includes a first end portion 16 that has a coolant inlet 18 for introducing a coolant into the fluid passageways 14. A coolant outlet 20 is configured to permit coolant to be removed.

[0033] The housing 12 also includes a fluid inlet 22 for introducing a fluid to be cooled (i.e., a “process fluid”). A fluid outlet 24 is in fluid communication with an interior volume of the housing 12. The fluid outlet 24 may be connected to any suitable device or system, such as another stage of a compression system or a storage tank.

[0034] In an example, as shown in Figure 1 , the fluid inlet 22 is disposed proximate to the first end portion 16, and the fluid outlet 24 is disposed at a second end portion 26. Generally, the inlet and outlet are positioned so that the process fluid traverses the full length (or a substantial length) of the fluid passageways 14.

[0035] The interior volume of the housing 12 may include one or more fluid guides 28, such as fins, plates or baffles. The fluid guides 28 are configured to cause the process fluid to follow a first path, such as a cross-flow path (or other predetermined path) to interact with the fluid passageways 14. Embodiments are not so limited, as the heat exchanger may be configured to direct process fluid according to any suitable flow regime or predetermined flow path.

[0036] In an embodiment, the second end portion 26 is an enlarged portion that has a cross-sectional area that is larger than the cross-sectional area of other parts of the housing 12. For example, the heat exchanger 10 is a floating head heat exchanger, and the enlarged portion 26 is sized to allow for inclusion of a floating head 30 attached at one end of the fluid passageways to a relevant tube-sheet. The head 30 may be elliptical as shown, or have a different shape (e.g., conical). The head 30 is “floating” in that the head 30 can move within the enlarged portion to accommodate thermal expansion of the fluid passageways.

[0037] The enlarged portion 26 includes a separation device 32, such as a demister, for removing a fluid (e.g. water) from the process fluid. The volume of the enlarged portion 26 is selected based on the components to be disposed therein. For example, the volume of the enlarged portion 26 is limited to that which is necessary to accommodate the separation device 32 and a flow control assembly as described herein.

[0038] It is noted that the heat exchanger 10 and the housing 12 may be configured for a variety of different pressure regimes. The thickness of the walls of the housing 12 and the enlarged portion 26 are selected to withstand expected operating pressures plus a suitable71PRO-510822-WO-2_BHI0581PCTmargin, therefore the thicknesses are selected based on an assumed design pressure. For example, the thicknesses are selected to withstand medium to high pressures (e.g., 30-40 bar discharge pressure, such as in second and / or third compression stages).

[0039] The heat exchanger 10 further includes a flow control assembly 40, which is configured to divert a flow of the process fluid to the fluid outlet 24 from the first path, such that the process fluid follows a circuitous path to the fluid outlet 24. The flow control assembly 40 is disposed at an interior of the enlarged portion 26. The flow control assembly 40 is not so limited, and can be configured for inclusion in any suitable portion of the heat exchanger 10.

[0040] Figures 3-7 depict embodiments of the flow control assembly 40, and also illustrate aspects of a method of thermal control and / or separation of a process fluid. The method may include two phase separation of a fluid from a process fluid. In this embodiment, the flow control assembly 40 includes an internal course 42, which is configured to direct or guide process fluid along a circuitous path 44 to the fluid outlet 24. The internal course 42 may be a cylindrical body as shown, having a central axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the enlarged portion (y-axis).

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, in an embodiment, the internal course 42 defines the circuitous path 44 as an annular path at a periphery of the internal volume of the enlarged portion 26. The internal course 42 causes the process fluid to swirl or otherwise follow a circuitous path to the fluid outlet 24, which enhances separation. The internal course 42 may form a body that is operably connected to a last fluid guide 28 (e.g., integral with the last fluid guide 28, attached to the fluid guide 28 and / or surrounding a portion of the fluid guide 28 as shown).

[0042] The internal course 42 may have any suitable wall thickness. The wall thickness may be significantly less than the thickness of the wall forming the enlarged portion 26, as the internal course 42 is not subject to significant pressure.

[0043] In an embodiment, the internal course 42 includes or is attached to a diverter plate 46. The diverter plate 46 functions to direct the process fluid so that the flow follows the internal course 42 (i.e., follows the circuitous flow path 44), increasing the separation effect (e.g., like a cyclone). In this way, fluid separation is enhanced by causing an initial amount of water (or other undesired component) to be removed from the process fluid before entering the separation device 32 to remove additional water or complete the separation.

[0044] In an embodiment, the diverter plate 46 is located directly below the separation device 32, such that a volume is defined between the diverter plate 46 and the separation device 32. The volume forms part of an upper flow path 48 that is defined between the diverter plate71PRO-510822-WO-2_BHI0581PCT46 and the separation device 32, and is connected to the flow path 44. The upper flow path 48 is configured so that fluid flowing along the external surface of the internal course 42 is forced into the volume between the diverter plate 46 and the separation device 32, and then forced through the separation device 32. Therefore, the diverter plate 46 also prevents any fluid shortcut or backflow.

[0045] Figures 4-7 depict an embodiment in which the internal course 42 includes a set of windows or openings 50, such as slots. For example, the openings 50 include a plurality of vertical slots that permit process fluid to flow from an interior to an exterior of the internal course 42. It is noted that the openings 50 may have any suitable size, shape and location. In the embodiment of Figures 4-7, the internal course 42 is disposed behind the last fluid guide 28 (in a direction of the y-axis) and may be attached to the last fluid guide 28 so that fluid flows into an interior volume defined by the internal course 42).

[0046] In this embodiment, the diverter plate 46 is provided to ensure that process fluid flowing through the openings 50 is directed into the circuitous path 44. The diverter plate 46 also prevents any fluid shortcut or backflow towards the openings 50.

[0047] The shape and volume of the enlarged portion 26 allows for water pooling and draining. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the flow control assembly 40 includes one or more components that facilitate collection of water and / or other separated components.

[0048] For example, as shown in Figures 3-6, the flow control assembly 40 includes a separator plate 52, which separates a fluid collection region 54 from the remainder of the internal volume of the enlarged portion 26. The separator plate 52 includes a series of openings 56, such as perforations, which permit water droplets to collect in the collection region 54.

[0049] In use, for example, a process fluid including a gas to be compressed and an additional component such as water, is fed through the fluid inlet 22. The process fluid flows in a cross-flow manner typically across process baffles (shown as fluid guides 28 in Fig.l) and generally proceeds to the enlarged portion 26 and the fluid outlet 24. For example, the process fluid crosses the last fluid guide 28 and enters the enlarged portion 26.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, the process fluid flows around a portion of the passageways 14 as a last cross-flow path (represented by arrow fl), and is forced to exit through the openings 50 (represented by arrow f2).

[0051] The process fluid does not flow directly to the outlet 24, but is instead forced to swirl around the internal course 42 (represented by arrows f3 and f4), which increases the separation effect so that more water (or other liquid component of the process fluid) is separated from the process fluid (as compared to a conventional flow regime). The circulated process71PRO-510822-WO-2_BHI0581PCTfluid proceeds toa region on (over) the diverter plate 46 (arrow 5), is forced through the separation device 32 and then exits through the outlet 24 (arrow f6).

[0052] As the process fluid circulates and separation occurs, water droplets fall towards the bottom of the enlarged portion to the collection region 54, and the diverter plate 46 functions to prevent water droplets from falling into a region that includes the passageways 14. For example, water droplets fall, flow through the separator plate 52 and collect in the collection region 54.

[0053] The collected water may be removed as desired. For example, referring again to Figure 1, the enlarged portion 26 includes a separated fluid outlet 60, which is opened manually or automatically to drain water or other separated fluid components. In another example, a fluid measurement device 62 may be included and connected to a liquid trap 64, which automatically opens the separated fluid outlet 60 when a certain amount of fluid has collected in the collection region 54.

[0054] Figures 8-12 depict an embodiment of the system 10, which includes a conical floating head 30. The floating head 30 is not so limited, in that the floating head 30 may have any suitable shape (e.g., cylindrical, pyramidal, polyhedral, etc.).

[0055] The floating head 30 defines part of the circuitous flow path 44, which in this embodiment is an annular spiral flow path. The spiral flow path 44 may be defined in part by a fluid guide 70. The fluid guide 70 may be configured as an elongated protrusion, wall or other structure that extends along a surface of the floating head 30. For example, fluid guide 70 is formed as a spiral wall (e.g., similar to a screw thread). It is noted that the flow path may be any path around the floating head, and is not limited to that shown in Figures 8-12.

[0056] The fluid guide 70 may have any desired height (e.g., may extend any suitable distance from the surface of the floating head 30). For example, as shown in Figures 8-13, the fluid guide 70 has a height that results in a selected gap between the fluid guide 70 and an interior surface of the enlarged end portion 26. The gap may be constant as shown, or vary along the longitudinal axis of the floating head 30.

[0057] Set forth below are some embodiments of the foregoing disclosure:

[0058] Embodiment 1: A system (10), comprising: a housing (12); a passageway (14) disposed in the housing (12), the passageway (14) configured to receive a coolant; a fluid inlet (22) configured to receive a process fluid and direct the process fluid into the housing (12), the process fluid caused to flow through the housing (12) along a first path toward a fluid outlet (24) and exchange thermal energy with the coolant in the passageway (14); and an internal course (42) disposed at an interior of an end portion (26) of the housing (12), the internal course71PRO-510822-WO-2_BHI0581PCT(42) defining an annular flow path (44) within the end portion (26) of the housing (12), the annular flow path (44) surrounding a portion of the passageway (14), the internal course (42) configured to divert the process fluid from the first path subsequent to exchanging thermal energy, and cause the process fluid to follow the annular flow path (44) to the fluid outlet (24), the annular flow path (44) configured to cause separation of an initial amount of a component from the process fluid.

[0059] Embodiment 2: The system (10) of any prior embodiment, wherein the annular flow path (44) is configured to direct the process fluid to a fluid separation device (32) disposed in the end portion (26) of the housing (12).

[0060] Embodiment 3: The system (10) of any prior embodiment, wherein at least part of the annular flow path (44) is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the housing (12).

[0061] Embodiment 4: The system (10) of any prior embodiment, wherein the internal course (42) defines the annular flow path (44) along an inner surface of the end portion (26) of the housing (12).

[0062] Embodiment 5: The system (10) of any prior embodiment, wherein the internal course comprises a window (50) configured to permit the process fluid to flow through a wall of the internal course (42), and enter the annular flow path (44).

[0063] Embodiment 6: The system (10) of any prior embodiment, further comprising a separator plate (52) defining a collection region (54) within the housing end portion (26) of the housing (12), the separator plate (52) including a set of openings (56) configured to allow the initial amount of the component to collect in the collection region (54).

[0064] Embodiment 7: The system (10) of any prior embodiment, further comprising a diverter plate (46) disposed in the end portion (26) of the housing (12), the diverter plate 46 configured to direct the process fluid into the annular flow path (44), the diverter plate 46 defining an upper flow path (48), the upper flow path 48 including a volume defined between the diverter plate (46) and the fluid separation device (32).

[0065] Embodiment 8: The system (10) of any prior embodiment, wherein the system (10) comprises a head portion (30) disposed at the end portion (26) of the housing (12), and the annular flow path (44) is defined by the head portion (30) and a fluid guide (70) disposed on the head portion (30).

[0066] Embodiment 9: The system (10) of any prior embodiment, wherein the end portion (26) of the housing (12) comprises an enlarged portion (26), and the internal course (42) is disposed within the enlarged portion (26).71PRO-510822-WO-2_BHI0581PCT

[0067] Embodiment 10: The system (10) of any prior embodiment, wherein the internal course (42) is configured to direct the process fluid toward a fluid separation device (32) disposed in the enlarged portion (26) of the housing (12).

[0068] Embodiment 11: A method, comprising: introducing a process fluid into a housing (12) of a heat exchanger (10); flowing the process fluid through the housing (12) along a first path toward a fluid outlet (24), wherein flowing the process fluid causes the process fluid to interact with a passageway (14) disposed in the housing (12) and exchange thermal energy with the passageway (14); subsequent to exchanging thermal energy, diverting the process fluid from the first path to an annular flow path (44) within an end portion (26) of the housing (12), the annular flow path (44) defined by an internal course (42) disposed at an interior of the end portion (26) of the housing (12), the annular flow path (44) surrounding a portion of the passageway (14); and directing the process fluid along the annular flow path (44) to the fluid outlet (24) by the internal course (42), wherein the annular flow path (44) causes an initial amount of a component to separate from the process fluid.

[0069] Embodiment 12: The method of any prior embodiment, wherein the process fluid is directed by the annular flow path (44) to a fluid separation device (32) disposed in the end portion (26) of the housing (12).

[0070] Embodiment 13: The method of any prior embodiment, wherein at least part of the annular flow path (44) is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the housing (12).

[0071] Embodiment 14: The method of any prior embodiment, wherein the internal course (42) defines the annular fluid flow path (44) along an inner surface of the end portion (26) of the housing (12).

[0072] Embodiment 15: The method of any prior embodiment, wherein diverting the process fluid includes directing the process fluid from an interior of the internal course (42) through a window (50) of the internal course (42).

[0073] Embodiment 16: The method of any prior embodiment, further comprising collecting the initial amount of the component at a collection region (54) within the end portion (26) of the housing (12).

[0074] Embodiment 17: The method of any prior embodiment, further comprising removing the initial amount of the component from the collection region (54).

[0075] Embodiment 18: The method of any prior embodiment, further comprising directing the process fluid along the annular flow path (44) to a fluid separation device (32) disposed in the end portion (26) of the housing (12), the fluid separation device (32) configured to separate an additional amount of the component from the process fluid.71PRO-510822-WO-2_BHI0581PCT

[0076] Embodiment 19: The method of any prior embodiment, wherein the heat exchanger (10) is configured as a tube-and-shell heat exchanger, the passageway (14) being a bundle of tubes.

[0077] Embodiment 20: The method of any prior embodiment, wherein the end portion (26) of the housing (12) comprises an enlarged portion (26), and the internal course (42) is disposed within the enlarged portion (26).

[0078] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” 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. Further, it should be noted that the terms “first,” “second,” and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms “about”, “substantially” and “generally” are intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, “about” and / or “substantially” and / or “generally” can include a range of ± 8% of a given value.

[0079] While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited.

Claims

1. 71PRO-510822-WO-2_BHI0581PCTCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system (10), comprising:a housing (12);a passageway (14) disposed in the housing (12), the passageway (14) configured to receive a coolant;a fluid inlet (22) configured to receive a process fluid and direct the process fluid into the housing (12), the process fluid caused to flow through the housing (12) along a first path toward a fluid outlet (24) and exchange thermal energy with the coolant in the passageway (14); andan internal course (42) disposed at an interior of an end portion (26) of the housing (12), the internal course (42) defining an annular flow path (44) within the end portion (26) of the housing (12), the annular flow path (44) surrounding a portion of the passageway (14), the internal course (42) configured to divert the process fluid from the first path subsequent to exchanging thermal energy, and cause the process fluid to follow the annular flow path (44) to the fluid outlet (24), the annular flow path (44) configured to cause separation of an initial amount of a component from the process fluid.

2. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the annular flow path (44) is configured to direct the process fluid to a fluid separation device (32) disposed in the end portion (26) of the housing (12).

3. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein at least part of the annular flow path (44) is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the housing (12).

4. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the internal course (42) defines the annular flow path (44) along an inner surface of the end portion (26) of the housing (12).

5. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the internal course comprises a window configured to permit the process fluid to flow through a wall of the internal course (42), and enter the annular flow path (44).

6. The system (10) of claim 1, further comprising a separator plate (52) defining a collection region within the housing end portion (26) of the housing (12), the separator plate (52) including a set of openings (56) configured to allow the initial amount of the component to collect in the collection region.

7. The system (10) of claim 2, further comprising a diverter plate (46) disposed in the end portion (26) of the housing (12), the diverter plate 46 configured to direct the process fluid into the annular flow path (44), the diverter plate 46 defining an upper flow path (48), the71PRO-510822-WO-2_BHI0581PCTupper flow path 48 including a volume defined between the diverter plate (46) and the fluid separation device (32).

8. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the system (10) comprises a head portion (30) disposed at the end portion (26) of the housing (12), and the annular flow path (44) is defined by the head portion (30) and a fluid guide (70) disposed on the head portion (30).

9. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the end portion (26) of the housing (12) comprises an enlarged portion (26), and the internal course (42) is disposed within the enlarged portion (26).

10. The system (10) of claim 9, wherein the internal course (42) is configured to direct the process fluid toward a fluid separation device (32) disposed in the enlarged portion (26) of the housing (12).

11. A method, comprising :introducing a process fluid into a housing (12) of a heat exchanger (10);flowing the process fluid through the housing (12) along a first path toward a fluid outlet (24), wherein flowing the process fluid causes the process fluid to interact with a passageway (14) disposed in the housing (12) and exchange thermal energy with the passageway (14);subsequent to exchanging thermal energy, diverting the process fluid from the first path to an annular flow path (44) within an end portion (26) of the housing (12), the annular flow path (44) defined by an internal course (42) disposed at an interior of the end portion (26) of the housing (12), the annular flow path (44) surrounding a portion of the passageway (14); and directing the process fluid along the annular flow path (44) to the fluid outlet (24) by the internal course (42), wherein the annular flow path (44) causes an initial amount of a component to separate from the process fluid.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the process fluid is directed by the annular flow path (44) to a fluid separation device (32) disposed in the end portion (26) of the housing (12).

13. The method of claim 11, wherein at least part of the annular flow path (44) is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the housing (12).

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the internal course (42) defines the annular fluid flow path (44) along an inner surface of the end portion (26) of the housing (12).

15. The method of claim 11, wherein diverting the process fluid includes directing the process fluid from an interior of the internal course (42) through a window (50) of the internal course (42).71PRO-510822-WO-2_BHI0581PCT16. The method of claim 11, further comprising collecting the initial amount of the component at a collection region within the end portion (26) of the housing (12).

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising removing the initial amount of the component from the collection region.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising directing the process fluid along the annular flow path (44) to a fluid separation device (32) disposed in the end portion (26) of the housing (12), the fluid separation device (32) configured to separate an additional amount of the component from the process fluid.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the heat exchanger (10) is configured as a tube-and-shell heat exchanger, the passageway (14) being a bundle of tubes.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the end portion (26) of the housing (12) comprises an enlarged portion (26), and the internal course (42) is disposed within the enlarged portion (26).

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