MXPA99007178A - Gas filter separator/coalescer and multi-stage vessel - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (11) for separating liquids and solids from a gas stream and simultaneously coalescing liquids from the gas stream. The apparatus (11) includes a closed vessel (12) having a longitudinally extending length, an initially open interior, an input port (21) at an extent and an output port (25) at an opposite extent thereof. There is a partition (59) located within the vessel interior that divides the vessel interior into a first stage (51) and a second stage (53). There is at least one opening (60) in the partition (59). A separator/coalescer element (61) is disposed within the vessel (11) to sealing extend from within the first stage (51) through the opening (60) into the second stage (53). There is a chevron-type seal (87) or an O-ring seal between the filter element (61) and the opening (60). The input port (21), vessel interior, separator/coalescer filter element (61) and output port (25) together define a flow passage within the apparatus (11), whereby the gas stream flows into the first stage (51) through the input port (21) and through the filter element (61) hollow core, thereby filtering solids out of the gas stream, separating liquids from the gas stream, and pre-coalescing liquids in the gas stream. The gas stream then flows along the hollow core (61) past the partition (59) and back through the filter element (61) into the second stage (53), thereby coalescing liquids out of the gas stream, the gas stream exiting the second stage (53) through the outlet port (25).

Description

SEPARATOR / GAS FILTER COALSCENT AND MULTIPLE STAGE RECIPIENT TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to gas separator / coalescer filter elements and in particular to gas separator / coalescer filter elements in multi-stage containers.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND Gas filter elements for separating solids and liquids from contaminated gas streams are well known, since they are gas filter elements for coalescing liquids trapped in a gas stream. Often these types of gas filter are installed in multi-stage containers, which are themselves installed in a gas pipe, to perform these filtering functions. For example, the Patent of E.U.A. No. 3,888,644 issued to Holland et al. Describes an apparatus with multiple compartments. In the Holland patent, one compartment contains filter elements for separating solids and another compartment contains different filter elements for coalescing liquids trapped in the gas stream. The same is true for the U.S. Patent. No. 4,297,116 issued to Cusick. Although these and other devices are capable of filtering solids and coalescing liquids trapped in a gas stream, they require completely different types of filter elements to perform the separation and coalescence functions. This increases the cost of the devices and makes them difficult to maintain. There is a need for an apparatus with gas separator / coalescer filter elements that only needs a simple type of filter element to perform solids separation, liquid filtration, and liquid coalescence.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is the object of the invention to provide a multi-stage container having replaceable tubular gas filter separator / coalescer elements which are installed through openings in a partition in the container. A chevron seal or an O-ring ensures that a gas stream flows into the first stage of the multi-stage container through an inlet and then through the gas filter separator / coalescer elements from the outside to the inside . The first stage of the multi-stage container provides filtration of solids, separation of large drops of liquid, and precooling of liquids. Subsequently, the gas stream flows through the gas separator / coalescer elements from the interior to the exterior in a second stage of the multi-stage container and out of the multi-stage container through an outlet. The second stage of the multi-stage container provides coalescence and final removal of fine liquids. The gas filter separator / coalescer elements are each surrounded by a flow diffuser in the second stage of the multi-stage container which directs the flow of the gas stream and provides a drainage surface for coalesced liquids. Both the first stage and the second stage of the multi-stage container are in fluid communication with a collection manifold.

A main advantage of the present invention is that a simple type of the gas filter coalescer / separator element is used to perform the functions of solids separation, liquid filtration, and fluid coalescence out of the gas stream. The filter elements can be changed quickly and easily through a single opening in the multi-stage container, significantly reducing maintenance costs.

The foregoing as well as the objects, features and additional advantages of the invention will be apparent in the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating a multi-stage container for gas filter separator / coalescer elements.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view to ll-ll of the gas filter separator / coalescer elements installed in the multi-stage container of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a graph, in broken section, of a gas filter coalescer / separator element of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the sealing step of a gas filter separator / coalescer element.

Figure 5 is an enlarged view, in fractional section of the chevron seal.

BEST WAY TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, number 11 indicates the preferred embodiment of a multi-stage container for gas filter separator / coalescer elements of the present invention. The multi-stage container 11 has a generally tubular hull 12 with one end permanently surrounded by a preferably elliptical cover 13 and the opposite end surrounded by a conventional closure member, preferably a quick opening closure 15, consisting of a head 16 and means Conventional Clamps 17. The head 16 is releasably attached to the multi-stage container 11 by means of a fastening means 17 to allow access to the interior of the helmet 12 to replace and maintain gas filter spacers / coalescers 61 (see Figures 2 and 3). The fastening means 17 provide a fluid tight seal between the helmet 12 and the head 16 preferably with a conventional O-ring (not shown). The helmet 12 is supported by means of clamp brackets 19.

Located on the upper side of the hull 12, near the head 16 is an entrance door 21 through which a gas stream (indicated by the arrows) enters the hull 12. The entrance door 21 ends with a flange 23 which is adapted for connecting the multi-stage container 11 to conventional gas lines. Located on the upper side of the hull 12 near the lid 13 is an exit door 25 through which the gas stream leaves the hull 12. The exit door 25 ends with a rim 27 which is adapted for connection from the multi-stage container 11 to conventional gas pipes. The multi-stage container 11 is preferably manufactured from steel materials that meet the published standards for pressure vessels, such as the ASME heater and the Pressure Vessel Code, Section 8, Division 1.

Located on the underside of the hull 12, near the head 16 and opened within a first stage 51 (see Figure 2), there is an inlet side gas inlet 29 which provides fluid communication between the inside of the hull 12 and a manifold 31. The manifold 31 is generally tubular and is permanently enclosed at both ends by the lids 32. Located on the underside of the hull 12, and open within the first stage 51 is a first stage side gas outlet 33 which provides fluid communication between the hull 12 and the manifold 31. The side inlet gas inlet 29 and the first stage side gas inlet 33 allow the draining of solids and precooked liquids that are separated at the inlet port 21 and in the first stage 51 of the multi-stage container 11. Located on the underside of the hull 12, and opened within a second stage 53 (see Figure 2), there is a second side gas outlet. stage 35 which provides fluid communication between the hull 12 and the manifold 31. The second stage side gas outlet 35 allows the drainage of coalesced liquids and fine liquids which are separated in the second stage 53 of the multi-stage container 11. Located on the upper side of the hull 12 and open inside the first stage 51 is a door of the first stage manometer 37 which receives a conventional manometer (not shown) for monitoring the pressure or differential pressure in the first stage 51 of the container multiple stages 11. Located on the upper side of the hull 12 and open within the second stage 53 is a second stage pressure gauge door 39 that receives a conventional pressure gauge (not shown) to monitor pressure or differential pressure in the second stage. step 53 of the multi-stage container 11.

Now also with reference to Figure 2 in the drawings, the collector 31 is preferably divided into a first stage compartment 55 and a second stage compartment 57 by means of an impermeable separating screen 56 separating the first stage compartment 55 from the compartment second stage 57. The first stage compartment 55 collects solids and liquids that are separated from the gas stream in the inlet port 21, and pre-liquids solids and liquids that are separated from the gas stream in the first stage 51 of the container multi-stage 11. The second stage compartment 57 collects coalesced liquids and fine liquids that are separated from the gas stream in the second stage 53 of the multi-stage container 11.

Located opposite one another on the upper and lower sides of the manifold 31 and open within the first stage compartment 55 are the level indicator glass connections of the first stage compartment 41 which receive a conventional level indicator tube (not shown). sample) to monitor the liquid level in the first stage compartment 55. Located opposite each other on the upper and lower sides of the collector 31 and open within the second stage compartment 57 are the connections of the level indicator tube of the second stage compartment 43 receiving a conventional level indicator tube (not shown) for monitoring the liquid level in the second stage compartment 57. Located on the lower and rear sides of the collector 31 and open within the first stage compartment 55 are a large number of connections of the first stage compartment 45, operated by means of of valves (not shown), for draining or siphoning solids, liquids, and precooked liquids out of the first stage compartment 55 of the manifold 31. Located on the lower and rear sides of the manifold 31 and open within the second stage compartment 57 are find a large number of connections of the second stage compartment 47, operated by means of valves (not shown), to drain or siphon coalesced liquids and fine liquids out of the second stage compartment 57 of the manifold 31.

The covers of the manifold 32 contain clean doors 49, operated by means of valves (not shown), which open within the first stage compartment 55 and the second stage compartment 57, to allow the introduction of level control instruments and other measuring devices within the first stage compartment 55 and the second stage compartment 57. Permanently attached to the upper side of the hull 12 are a large number of openings 50 for lifting the multi-stage container 11 during manufacture, transportation, installation And maintenance.

Now with reference to Figure 2 in the drawings, the multi-stage container 11 is shown divided into the first stage 51 and the second stage 53 by a partition, or tube sheet 59. The tube sheet 59 forms a watertight seal. fluid around the inner wall of the hull 12 and has a large number of annular guides 60 through which the separator / coalescer elements of the gas filter 61 pass from the first stage 51 to the second stage 53. The tube sheet 59 and the guides 60 are preferably made of steel. The gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 extend longitudinally along the length of the first stage 51 from the first stage support screen 63 to the tube sheet 59. The gas filter separator / coalescer elements pass through. through the guides 60 of the tube sheet 59 and extend longitudinally along the length of second stage 53 to a second stage support screen 65. The first stage support screen 63 and the support screen of Second stage 65 both are preferably made of a rigid material, such as steel or expanded metal, but are perforated to allow the gas stream to flow through them. The gas stream passes through the annular space 67 between the second stage support screen 65 and the inside cover 13 before exiting through the exit door 25.

The inlet spacer screen 69, located within the first stage 51, extends longitudinally from the first stage support screen 63 through the inlet port 21. The inlet spacer screen 69 separates some of the liquids and solids from the inlet gas stream and directs the gas stream over the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61. In the first stage 51, the gas stream is forced through the side walls of the filter separator / coalescer elements of gas 61 from the outside to the inside. The gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 trap pre-liquids solids and liquids from the gas stream by creating a pressure drop through the side walls of the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61. The outlet separator screen 71, located within the second stage 53, extends downwardly from the upper interior wall of the second stage 53 and longitudinally through the exit door 25 within the annular space 67. The exit separator screen 71 directs to the gas stream within of the annular space 67 and outside the exit door 25.

The selected density and porosity of the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 prevent solids and precooked liquids from passing through the gas filter separator / coalescer element 61 and into the second stage 53 of the multi-stage container 11. The droplets 73 of solids and liquids separated by means of the inlet separating screen 69 drip the inlet separating screen 69 and flow through the inlet side gas inlet 29 and the first stage side gas inlet 33 within the first stage compartment 55 of the manifold 31. Drops 73 of precooled liquids separated by means of the separator element / gas filter coalescer 61 drip the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 and flow through the side gas inlet inlet 29 and the first stage side gas intake 33 within the first stage compartment of the collector 31. When the collected droplets 73 of solids and precooked fluids in the first stage compartment 55 reach a selected level, as indicated by the level indicator tube connected to the connections of the level 41 indicator tube, solids and precooked liquids are drained or siphoned out of the first compartment. step 55 of the collector 31 through the connections of the first stage compartment 45.

The gas stream passes from the first stage 51 through the tube sheet 59 and into the first stage 53 along the interior of the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61. In the second stage 53, the current of gas is forced through the side walls of the separator / coalescer elements of the gas filter 61 from the inside to the outside. The gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 coalesce liquids from the gas stream by creating a pressure drop through the side walls of the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61. In the second stage 53, each separator element / The gas filter coalescer 61 is concentrically surrounded by a tubular flow diffuser 75 which is attached at one end to a guide 60 of the tube sheet 59 and at the end opposite the second stage support screen 65. The diffusers flow 75 are preferably manufactured with a perforated steel and are dimensioned so that there is a free space selected between each separator / gas filter coalescer element 61 and the corresponding flow diffuser 75.

While the gas stream passes through the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 in the second stage 53, fine droplets of liquids 11 coalesce on the fibers of the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61. While the flow of gas comes out of gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61, the flow diffusers 75 prevent the drops 77 from being trapped within the gas stream. The coalesced liquid droplets 77 drip from the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 and the flow diffusers 75 and flow through the second stage side gas inlet 35 into the second stage compartment 57 of the collector 31. When the collected droplets 77 of the coalesced fluid and the fine liquids in the second stage compartment 57 reach the selected level, as indicated by the level indicator tube connected to the connections of the level 43 indicator tube, the coalesced fluids and fine liquids are drain or siphon out of the second stage compartment 57 of the manifold 31 through the connections of the second stage compartment 47.

Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 in the drawings, annular seal caps 79 provide a fluid tight seal at each end of each gas filter separator / coalescer element 61. Sealing caps 79 are permanently attached to the screen first stage support 63 and the second stage support screen 65. The sealing lids 79 have outlets 80 that draw gas separator / coalescer elements 61 from the interior to center the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 in the sealing caps 79. The threaded compression rods 81 extend longitudinally through the center of the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 to guide the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 while being installed in the stage container. multiple 11 The internal teeth 83 and the external teeth 85 of the sealing caps 79 are compressed within the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 to prevent the gas stream from escaping through the ends of the filter separator / coalescer elements of the gas filter. gas 61 and ensure that the gas stream passes completely through the side walls of the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61. The compression rods 81 are fitted to one end of the first stage support screen 63 and at the opposite end of the second stage support screen 65 with conventional fasteners (not shown).

Referring to Figure 5 in the drawings, numeral 87 illustrates an annular chevron seal that surrounds the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 and is compressed between gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 and gas filter guides 60. the tube sheets 59. The chevron seal, preferably similar to commercially available chevron seals at Longhorn Gasket located in Dallas, Texas, United States, provides a fluid tight seal between the first stage 51 and the second stage 53 of the container of multiple stages. The chevron seal is preferably made of an elastomer. The chevron seal 87 allows the tubular gas filter separator / coalescer element 61 to filter precooked solids and liquids while the gas stream flows from the outside to the interior in the first stage 51 of the multi-stage container 11, and simultaneously coalesces fluids and fine liquids while the gas stream flows from the inside to the outside in the second stage 53 of the multi-stage container 11.

When the pressure drop across the multi-stage container 11, as indicated by the pressure calibrators connected in the first first stage pressure gauge port 37 and the second second stage pressure gauge port 39, they reach a value selected, the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 are removed and cleaned or discarded. The gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 are removed by releasing the fastening means 17, opening the head 16 of the quick opening closure 15 and removing the fasteners forming the compression rods 81. The first stage support screen 63 is removed to expose the sealing lids 79. The sealing lids 79 are removed from the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61, which are then removed from the multi-stage container 11 for cleaning or replacement. The cleaned or replacement gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 are inserted through the guides 60 of the tube sheet 59 and the sealing caps 79 are placed on the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61. The first stage bracket 63 is replaced and fasteners are tightened around compression rods 81 to compress inner teeth 83 and outer teeth 85 of sealing lids 79 in gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61. Opening closure The container is then closed and sealed with the fastening means 17 and the multi-stage container 11 is ready to be used again. The gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 for use in the present invention are preferably constructed in the manner and materials described in copending application Serial No. 08/547, 352, filed on October 24, 1995, the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference. A suitable filter element for use in the present invention is the Peach ™ filter commercially available from Perry Equipment Corporation of Mineral Wells, Texas. For example, in a typical application, the gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 consist of four multi-layer layers of non-woven fabric strip of variable composition. The first layer is composed of equal amounts per volume of fibers purchased from Hoechst Celanese of Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, sold under the designation "252", "271" and "224" fiber, has a basis weight of 176 grams per square meter, measures 25.4 centimeters wide and overlaps itself five times. The fiber denier "252" is 3 and its length is 3,810 centimeters. The fiber denier "271" is 15 and its length is 7,620 centimeters. The fiber denier "224" is 6 and its length is 5,080 centimeters. The second layer is composed of equal amounts by volume of "252", "271" and "224", has a basis weight of 176 grams per square meter, measures 20.3 centimeters in width and overlaps itself four times. The third layer is composed of equal amounts by volume of "252", "271" and "224", has a basis weight of 176 grams per square meter, measures 20.3 centimeters in width and overlaps itself four times. The fourth layer is composed of equal amounts per volume of "252" and one fiber sold with the name of "Tairilin", has a basis weight of 176 grams per square meter, measures 15.2 centimeters in width and overlaps itself three times . The "252" fiber is of the center and cover type and serves as the binder fiber in each of the aforementioned blends. The gas filter separator / coalescer elements 61 and the multi-stage container manufactured in this manner can coalesce and remove 99.5% of all liquid drops of 0.3 microns and more, and can remove 99.99% of all solid particles of 0.3 microns and more at a combined pressure drop across the multi-stage container 11 from about .0703 to 0.211 kilograms per square nanometer.

Although the multi-stage container 11 has been shown in a generally horizontal configuration, it should be apparent that the multi-stage container 11 can be configured in a generally vertical fashion with the inlet port 21 located on the lower end and the exit port. 25 located on the upper port. In the vertical mode, the collector 31 may be optional, since the separated and coalesced fluids may be collected inside the container 11. It should be apparent from the foregoing that an invention having significant advantages has been provided. Although the invention is shown only in one of its forms, it is not so limited but is susceptible to several changes and modifications without departing from the spirit of the same.

Claims (20)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - An apparatus for separating liquids and solids from a gas stream and simultaneously coalescing liquids from the gas stream, the apparatus comprises: a closed container having a longitudinally extending length, an initially open interior, an inlet port in a point and an exit port at an opposite point thereof; a separation located inside the container, the separation dividing the interior of the container in a first stage and a second stage; at least one opening in the gap and a separating / coalescing element disposed within the container for sealingly extending from the interior of the first stage through the opening to the interior of the second stage; the inlet port, inside the vessel, separator / coalescer filter element and outlet port together define a flow passage within the apparatus, whereby the gas stream flows in the first stage through the inlet port and through the hollow center of the filter element, thereby filtering the solids out of the gas stream, separating liquids from the gas stream and precooling the liquids in the gas stream; and wherein the gas stream then flows along the hollow center beyond the separation and back through the filter element in the second stage, thereby coalescing the liquids out of the gas stream, the Gas leaving after the second stage through the exit port.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an annular chevron seal disposed between the filter element and the opening to prevent the gas stream from flowing from the first stage to the second stage without flowing through of the filter element.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one manifold in fluid communication with the first stage and the second stage, the manifold collecting the filtered solids, the separated liquids, the pre-liquids and the coalesced liquids.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a tubular guide member coupled to the gap and extending within the first stage, the guide member facilitates the disposal of the filter element through the opening.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a tubular flow diffuser arranged in the second stage concentrically around the filter element, the flow diffuser facilitating the coalescence of the liquids.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: a first support member disposed in the first stage opposite the separation, the first support member supporting the filter element; and a second support member disposed in the second stage opposite the separation, the second support member supporting the filter element.

The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a first partition member arranged in the first stage between the inlet port and the filter element; further characterized in that the first partition member separates at least some liquids and solids from the gas stream, the first partition member directing the gas stream over the filter element.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a second partition member arranged in the second stage between the outlet port and the filter element; further characterized in that the second partition member directs the gas stream out of the outlet port.

9. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a calibrator in fluid communication with the collector to monitor a level of the filtered solids, separated liquids, precooked liquids and coalesced liquids.

10. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: an outlet port in fluid communication with the collector to remove filtered solids, separated liquids, pre-liquors and coalesced liquids from the collector.

11. - The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the filter element consists of multilayer layers of strips of non-woven fabric.

12. The apparatus according to claim 2, further characterized in that the chevron seal is made of an elastomer.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first pressure gauge in fluid communication with the first stage and a second pressure gauge in fluid communication with the second stage.

14. A method for separating liquids and solids from a gas stream and simultaneously coalescing liquids from the gas stream, the method comprising the steps of: providing a closed vessel having a closed interior, an inlet port, a port of outlet, a localized separation in the closed interior, the separation divides the container into a first stage and a second stage, and at least one opening into the separation; replaceably placing a closed gas filter separator / coalescer element having a side wall and a hollow center within the container, so that the filter element extends in a sealable manner from the interior of the first stage through the opening until the interior of the second stage; directing the gas stream within the first stage of the container through the inlet port; directing the gas stream through the side walls of the filter element into the hollow center, thereby filtering the solids out of the gas stream, separating the liquids from the gas stream and precooling the liquids in the gas stream; directing the gas stream along the hollow center of the filter element beyond the separation; directing the gas flow back out through the filter element sidewalls within the second stage of the container, thereby coalescing the liquids out of the gas stream and directing the gas stream out of the second stage of the container through the exit port.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of: providing an annular seal chevron disposed between the filter element and the opening, thus preventing the gas stream from flowing from the first stage to the second stage without flowing through the filter element.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the steps of: providing a pressure gauge in fluid communication with the first stage; provide a pressure gauge in fluid communication with the second stage; monitor a pressure drop across the vessel by comparing the pressure in the first stage with the pressure in the second stage and replace the filter element when the pressure drop reaches a selected amount.

17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the steps of: providing a manifold in fluid communication with the container for collecting the filtered solids, the separated liquids, the precoalesced liquids and the coalesced liquids; provide a calibrator to monitor a level of filtered solids, separated liquids, precooked liquids and coalesced liquids; provide an outlet port in fluid communication with the collector to remove filtered solids, separated liquids, precooked liquids and coalesced liquids, and remove filtered solids, separated liquids, precooked liquids, and coalesced liquids when the level exceeds a selected amount.

18. An apparatus for separating liquids and solids from a gas stream and simultaneously coalescing liquids from the gas stream, the apparatus comprises: a closed container having a longitudinally extending length, an initially open interior, an inlet port at a point and an exit port at an opposite point of the same; a separation located inside the container, the separation dividing the interior of the container in a first stage and a second stage; and a separator / coalescer filter element disposed within the container for sealingly extending from the interior of the first stage through the opening to the interior of the second stage; the inlet port, inside the vessel, separator / coalescer filter element and outlet port together define a flow passage within the apparatus, whereby the gas stream flows in the first stage through the inlet port and through the hollow center of the filter element, thereby filtering the solids out of the gas stream, separating liquids from the gas stream and precooling the liquids in the gas stream; and where the gas stream then flows along the hollow center beyond the separation, and back through the filter element in the second stage, thereby coalescing the liquids out of the gas stream, the current of gas leaving after the second stage through the port of exit.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising: at least one collector arranged in a horizontal plane generally parallel to the horizontally extending length of the closed vessel and in fluid communication with the first stage and the second stage, the collector gathering the filtered solids, the separated liquids, the pre-liquids and the coalesced liquids.

20. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an O-ring disposed between the filter element and the opening to prevent the gas stream from flowing from the first stage to the second stage without flowing through the element of filter. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for separating liquids and solids from a gas stream and simultaneously coalescing the liquids of the gas stream; the apparatus includes a closed container having a longitudinally extending length, an initially open interior, an entry port at a point and an exit port at an opposite point thereof; there is a separation located inside the container, which divides the interior of the container in a first stage and a second stage; there is at least one opening in the separation; a separating / coalescing element is disposed within the container for sealingly extending from the interior of the first stage through the opening to the interior of the second stage; there is a chevron seal or an O-ring between the filter element and the opening; the inlet port, inside the vessel, separator / coalescer filter element and outlet port together define a flow passage within the apparatus, whereby the gas stream flows in the first stage through the inlet port and through the hollow center of the filter element, thereby filtering the solids out of the gas stream, separating liquids from the gas stream and precooling the liquids in the gas stream; the gas stream then flows along the hollow center beyond the separation and back through the filter element in the second stage, thus coalescing the liquids out of the gas stream, the gas stream leaving after of the second stage through the exit port. PM / JN / khc * P99 / 1078F