This invention relates to a device for separating liquid from a gas stream within a liquid injected compressor, said device comprising a first vessel comprising a first bottom p1ate, a first l-ateral wall comprising an inlet fluidly connected with a compressed gas outlet and a Iid comprising the outfet, the device further comprising:

a first separati-on means comprising a first and a second liquid separation areas, sai-d first and second liquid separati-on areas being in ftuid communication with the inlet; whereby each of the first and second 1j-quid separation area comprises a first plate onto which a circular wall is mounted, whereby a first and a second fluid channel is created between each of said circular wal-I and the first lateral wall-;

a second separation means provided in each of the flrst and second liquid separation area, said second separation means comprising at least a cyclone mounted therein,'

a third separati-on means comprising at least a fil-ter mounted therein, whereby said filter is fluidly connected to one of said cyclones and whereby the third separation means is in fluid communication with the outlet; and the inlet channel comprisi-ng a fin type of structure for dividing the gas flowing through the Ínlet j-nto two fl-ows.

Perfecting existing Iiquid separators is a continuous focus within the industry since the requirements for the purity of the gas exiting such Iiquid separators become more and more stringent. VÍhile existing liquid separators might provide a good solution, às for example the one defj-ned within WO 20L6/I'72,110 A having Atlas Copco Airpower as applicant, the companies usi-ng such Iiquid separators are continuously looking to perfect such devi-ces.

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide an efficient liquid separator for which the purity of the gas flowing through the outlet is enhanced.

It is another object of the present i-nvention to provide a solution for protecting even more the components of the liquid separator from the potentiaJ-1y damaging force of the fluid entering therej-n. Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple and low cost al-ternatj-ve to exi-stlng devices.

The present lnvention solves at least one of the above and/or other problems by providing a device for separating a tiquid from a gas stream within a liquid injected compressor, said device comprlsing a first vessel comprisi-ng a f irst bottom p1ate, a f irst lateral_ waf f comprising an inlet fluidly connected with a compressed ^gas outlet and a lid comprising an outlet, the device further comprislng: a ^first separation ^means comprisj-ng a first and ^a second liquid separation area, said first _and second liquid separation area being in fluld communication with the inlet; whereby each of the first and second liquid separation area comprises a first plate onto which a _circular waII is mounted, whereby a first and a second fluid channel is created between each of said circul-ar wall and the first lateral wall;

a _{second separation} means provided ^j-n _{each of} the first and second liquld separation area, said second separat ion means ^{compr j- s} i-ng at Ieast a ^cyc lone mounted therein;

a third separation ^means comprising ^{at least a fil-ter} mounted therein, whereby said filter is fluidly c _{onnected to one of} said cyclones and whereby the third separation ^means is in fl-uid ^{communication} with the outlet;

an inl-et channel being in f luid communj-cation with said inlet, the inlet channel- comprlsing a fin type of structure for dividing the gas flowing through the lnlet into two flows; ^whereby the device further ^comprises said inlet channel comprising a top panel and a bottom panel having one end adapted to be mounted onto the flrst lateral wafI, whereby at Ieast said top panel is creating a slope, having the highest point onto the f lrst f ateral wal-l and the l_owest point at the opposj-te end.

Because the inlet channel- comprises a top panel and a bottom pane1, the fluid flowing through the inlet is guided in a downwards movement, being pushed in the direction of the bottom p1ate. By adopting such a movement, the liquid droplets comprised within said fluid wi-ll more ef f icientl-y drop under the ef f ect of the gravitational force and more liquid wiIl be collected. Further a symbiotlc effect is encountered because the device comprises such an inlet channel with at least the top panel provided under an angle and the two circular waIls creating a first and second fluid channel, because not only the fluid is guided in a downward movement as the fluid flows towards the fi-rst and second fluid channel but such a movement is maintained through such channels increasing even more the quantity of liquid extracted.

By collecting a bigger quantity of Iiquj-d immediately after it enters the device, the cyclones and said at least one filter are further protected from the potential damaging properties of the liquid, decreasing the frequency of service interventions and increaslng the lifetime of the cyclones and of sai-d the at least one filter. The present invention is further directed to a method for separating a liquid from a gas stream within a Iiquid injected compressor, said method comprising the steps of: provlding a flrst separation means comprising a first and a second Iiquid separati_on area, each of the fi-rst and second liquid separation area comprising a first plate onto which a circu1ar wall is mounted and providing a f irst and second f l-uld channel_ between each of said circular wall and a first lateral wall_; providing a second separation means i-n each of the first and second Ii-quid separation area, and providing at Ieast a cyclone therein; providing a third separation means comprising at l-east a f11ter, said filter being provided in fluid communication with one of said cyclones,.

providj-ng a first vessel comprising the first and second Iiquid separation area, the second separation means and the third separation means, said first vessel comprising the first lateral wall comprising said inlet, a flrst bottom plate and a Iid comprising an outlet; providing a fin type of structure for splitting the fluid fl-ow from the inlet through the first and second fluid channefs; guiding the fluid from the first and second Iiquj-d separation area through the second separation means, collecting the Iiquid dripping from said fluid onto the first bottom plate, and further guiding the fluid through said third separation means before directing it through said outlet;

whereby the method further comprises the steps of: providing an inlet channel- comprising a top panel and a bottom panel and guiding the fluid flowing through said inlet channel in a downwards movement and further splittinq it into two flows, through the flrst and second fluid channef, by a fin.

In the context of the present invention it should be understood that the benefits presented with respect to the device for separating liquid from a gas stream also apply for the method for separating a liquid from a gas stream. The present invention is further directed towards a device for separating liquid from a gas stream within a liquid injected vacuum pump, said device compri-sing a first bottom p1ate, a first Iateral wall comprising an inlet fluidJ-y connected with an outlet of the vacuum pump and a 1id comprising an outlet, the device further comprising: a first separation means comprising a first and a second liqui-d separation area, said first and second Iiquid separation area being in fluid communication wj-th the inlet; whereby each of the flrst and second tiquid separatlon area comprises a first plate onto which a circular wafl is mounted, whereby a first and a second fluid channel 1s created between said each of said circular wall and the first ]ateral wall,- a second separatlon means provided 1n each of the first and second liquid separation area, said second separation means comprising at least a cyclone mounted therein; a third separation means comprising at least a filter mounted therein, whereby said fil_ter is fluidly connected to one of said cyclones and whereby the third separation means is in fluid communicatlon with the outlet,'

an inlet channel being in fluid communication with said inl-et, said inlet channel- comprising a f in type of structure for dividing the gas flowing through the inlet into two flows whereby the device further comprises: said inlet channel comprising a top panel and a bottom panel having one end adapted to be mounted onto the lateraf wal1, whereby at feast said top panel is creating a slope, having the highest point onto the first lateral walI and the lowest point at the opposite end. In the context of the present invention it shoul-d be understood that the benefits presented with respect to the device for separating riquid from a gas stream within a riquid injected compressor also apply for device for separating liquid from a gas stream within a liquid injected vacuum pump. with the intention of better showing the characterj_stics of the inventj-on, some preferred configurations according to the present invention are described hereinafter by way of an example, without any rimlting nature, with reference to the accompanying drawi-ngs, wherein: figure 1 schematically represents a device for separating Iiquj-d from a gas stream mounted within a liquid injected compressor,. figure 2 schematically represents a cut-through of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention, according to l-ine I-I from figure 1,; figure 3 represents a top view of the first 1iquid separation area, the second Ilquid separation area and part of the inlet channel_ according to an embodiment of the present invention; figure 4 schematically represents a cut-through of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention, according to line II-II from figure l; figure 5 schematicalJ-y represent a lateral view of a second vessel and of a circul-ar wall according to an embodiment of the present invention; figure 6 represents a top view of the first liquid separation area, the second liquid separation area and the inlet channel according to an embodiment of the present inventioni and

figure 7 schematically represents a device for separating liquid from a gas stream mounted within a liquid injected vacuum pump. Figure 1 shows a device 1 for separating liquid from a gas stream, said device 1 comprising an inlet 2 connected to a compressed gas outfet 3 of the compressor 4 and an outlet 5 providlng relatively pure gas to a user, s network 6. The compressor 4 being a Iiquid injected compressor. The compressor 4 typically having a gas inlet 7 throughwhich ambient air is drawn in or process gas from a user, s system (not shown) . As seen from fj-gure 2, the devlce 1 comprises a first vessel B comprising a first bottom pJ_ate 9, a first lateraf wall 10 comprising said inlet 2 fJ_uidly connected with said compressed gas outl-et 3 and a lid 11 comprising the outlet 5. The device 1 further comprises a separation means comprising a fj-rst and a second Iiquid separation areas, 72a and 12b, whereby the fluid entering through the inl_et 2 ts flowing towards said first and second liquid separation areas , 12a and l2b. Each of the first and second liquid separation area, l2a and 72b, further comprises a first ptate, 13a or 13b, onto which a circular wall , 74a or 74b, j_s mounted. Eor efficiently separating t.he Iiquid particles from the gas stream, the device 1 further comprises a first and a second fluid channel, 15a and 15b, created between each of said circular waI1s, 14a and ]-Ab, and the first lateral walf 10, as ill-ustrated in figure 3. Returning to figure 2, the device 1 is further provided with a fj-rst separation means comprising the first and second Iiquid separation area, 72a and I2b, said first separation means comprising at least a cyclone 16 mounted therein. The devlce further comprises a second separation means comprising at least a filter l'7 mounted therein. For facilitating an efficient erimination of the fruid particles, the filter )-1 is being fluidly connected to one of said cyclones 16.

Preferably, the inlet of the filter 1-1 is mounted directly onto the outfet of the cycJ-one 16. Conseguently, the fluid flowing out of the filter lj is further flowing throuqh the outfet 5. As illustrated in figures 3 and 4 the device 1 further comprises an inlet channel 1B being in fluid communication with said infet 2. Such i-nfet channel 18 preferably comprising a top panel 79 and a bottom panel 20, whereby each of said top panel 79 and sald bottom panel 20 have one end adapted to be mounted onto the first lateral wall 10. The top panel 79 is preferably fixed onto the first Iateraf wall 10 above the inlet 2, and the bottom panel 20 is fixed onto the first lateral wa]l 10 under the inlet Z. Accordingly, the inlet 2 ts received between the bottom panel 20 and the t.op panel 19.

Eor facilitatlng the extraction of the fluid particles from the fluid f1ow, at least the top panel 19 is creating a s1ope, having the highest point onto the first lateral- wall 10 and the l-owest point at the opposite end. By the top panel 19 creating a slope should be understood as mounting said top panel 79 such that it is projectj_ng downwards from the lateral wal110 and in the directlon of the first and second fluid channefs 15a and 15b. In other words at the intersection between the top panel 19 and the first Iateral wafl 10, an acute angle 1s encountered, said acute angle being realized by the top panel 79 and the first lateral wafl 10. An acute angle should be understood as an angle smaller than 900 (ninety degrees).

Further, for dlviding the gas flowing through the inlet 2 into two flows, the inlet channel 1B comprises a fin 2l type of structure. Preferably, said fin 27 is belng mounted onto the bottom panel 20.

Because the fin 2l is mounted onto the bottom panel 20, the fluid flowing through the inlet 2 can only flow through the first and second fluid channels 15a and 15b. Eurthermore, because the fin 2l helps in spritting the flow of fluid ln two fl-ows, the device 1 is buirt in such a way that two approximately identj-cal ha]ves are created, one comprising the first liquid separation area l2a and the second one comprising the second liquid separation area 72b, and because the pressure within the two halves is approximately equaI, the fluid flowing through said inlet 2 is being split into two approximatefy equal flows. Because the fluld entering the device 1 adopts such a pattern, the efficiency of the oil separation is maintalned for a longer period of time, since such a device 1 would minimize the possibility of one hatf to encounter functionaf issues due to a bigger volume of liquid reachi-ng its components when compared to the other half.

For maintaining the manufacturing costs Iow, the fi_n 2l comprises a first and a second continuous vertical structure, 27a and 21b, adjoj_ned together under an angIe. Pref erabJ-y, the first and second continuous vertical structures 27a and 27b are fixed onto the first lateral wal-I 10 . The fin 2\ being mounted on the opposite side from the infet 2 and relatively central_ wlth respect to said inlet 2. Preferably, for maintaining a cj-rcular movement of the fluid flowing through the first and second fl-uid channels 15a and l-5b, each one of the first and second continuous vertical structures, 27a and 2!b, are in the shape of a circular arc. Eurther preferably, the first l-aterar walr 10 and each of the first and second continuous vertical- structures, 21a and 21b, are creating a clrcu1ar arc. In other words, àt the point where one of the two conti-nuous vertical structure 2La and 2Lb is being mounted onto the first lateral warl 10, the circul-ar arc created by each of the flrst and second continuous vertical_ structures, 21,a and 2]-b, is continued by the curvature of said first r-aterar wall 10. Preferably, but not llmiting thereto, the circular arc created by each of the first and second continuous vertical structures, 21a and 2!b, and the curvature of said first rateral- walr 10 is a continuous clrcurar arc, without any turning points. Because such a contj-nuous cj-rcular arc is being formed, the riquid partlcres comprised withln the fruld flowing through the inl-et 2 will not directly hit the first and second continuous vertical- structures, 27a and 2lb, or the first laterar wall but wirr adhere to them and sl-ide under the gravitationaf force towards the bottom panel zo and further towards the first bottom plate 9, eriminating the risk of such llquid particres to bounce back into the flow stream and increasing the quantity of liquid extracted throughout the length of the inlet channel 18, the first fluid channel 15a and second fluid channel 15b. Accordlngly, as can be seen from figure 3, the first rateral wall- 10 wirl- have the shape of two semic j-rcres adjoined by a middle section comprising the inlet channel 18.

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, and not limiting thereto, each of the two continuous vertical structures, 2la and Z1,b, is paral IeI to each of said circul-ar waIls, L4a and 14b.

Preferably, each of the circular walls 74a and 14b are mounted on the one end onto the first lateral wall 10, next to the in1et 2, and on the other end onto the respective first plate 13a and 13b. Accordingly the i-nlet 2 is bordered by the circul-ar wall-s l4a and 74b, the top panel 19 and the bottom panel 20 as can be seen in figure 2. fn a preferred embodiment but not limiting thereto, the top panel 19 at its l-ower end, or the end from the opposite side of the inlet 2, is adjoined to the fin 21. Accordingly, the fluid flowing through the inlet 2 wiII be continuously guided downwards at least until reaching the fin 21, increasing the efficiency of liquid extraction. In another embodiment accordj-ng to the present invention, the top panel 19 can be fixed only on the first lateral- wall 10.

fn a further embodiment according to the present invent j-on, the top panel 19 can be fixed to the first lateral wall 10 and to the circul-ar wal-Is l4a and 14b.

By be j-ng f ixed it shoul-d be understood any mounting technique for adjoining the top panel 19 to the first Iateral wall 10 and possibly to the circular walls 74a and 14b such as: welding, gtf uing or boJ-ting, by using screws or any other technique. It should be further not excluded that said top panel 19 can be a casted component within said first Iateral wall and possibly within the circular walf s l-4a and 14b.

In yet another embodiment according to the present invention, the top panel 79 can be of any length LL' , selected between approximately 252 from the depth LL" of the first vessel B, and approximately 908 from said depth LL,, .

Preferably but not limiting thereto, the Iength LL' of the top panel 19 is selected such that it at least reaches the find 21.

In another embodiment accordi-ng to the present invention, the top panel 19 and the bottom panel 20 are parallel to each other. Because of such a structural feature, the device 1 according to the present invention el-j-minates the rlsk of the liquid particles to directly hit the bottom panel 20 and bounce back into the fluid stream. In another embodi-ment according to the present invention, the slope of the top panel 19 and/or of the bottom panel 20, or the angle cx from figure 4, is of at least approxj-mately 100 (ten degrees), the angle of 100 being measured at the intersection between the top panel 19 and a horizontal surface. As i-l-lustrated in figure 4 the angle Cx can be measured at the intersection between the separatj-ng plate 22 and the top panel 19 if the separating plate 22 and the top panel 79 are fixed onto the flrst lateral wall 10 at the same location.

Or said angle cx can be measured between the top panel 19 and a surface paraIleI to the separating plate 22, saj-d surface being drawn through the focation where the top panel 19 is j-ntersecting the flrst lateraf waII 10. Accordingly, if we turn to figure 4, the angle Cx can be measured between the virtual surface AA' drawn alongside and in continuation of the surface defined by the top panel 19 and the virtual surface AA", drawn from the l-ocation where the top panel 19 is intersecting the first lateral- wa11 10 and para11e1 to or alongside and in continuation of the surface defined by the separating plate 22. In the context of the present invention it shoul-d be understood that said slope can be bigger or smaller than 100 (ten degrees) and preferably said slope is different than 0o (zero degrees) .

Preferably, but not limiting thereto, if we were to draw a surface CC' alongside and in continuatj-on of the surface defined by the bottom panel 20, the maximum angle cx of the slope can be determined as follows: if we were to consider the virtual point HH at the intersection between the surface CC' and the first lateral waII 10. The virtual point HH being Iocated at a height H1 measured. from the l-evel of the first bottom plate 9, said height H1, at its lowest point, can be of approximately three times the maximum height H2 of liquid which can be found in the first vessel- B, said height H2 being measured also from the Ievel of the first bottom plate 9.

It should be further understood that the present invention can also be implemented for a devi_ce t having an angle q for the slope with any value selected between approxlmately 100 and a maximum angle determined by a virtual surface drawn through the point HH,, like for example and not limiting thereto: sai-d angle cx can be selected as any va1ue between approximateJ_y 100 and approxlmately 450 (forty-five degrees), more preferably said angle cx can be selected as any value between approximately 100 and approximately 300 (thirty degrees), even more preferably said angl-e Cx can be sefected between approximately 100 and approximately 200 (twenty degrees). In another embodiment according to the present inventJ-on, the slope of the top panel 19 can have the same value as the slope of the bottom panel 20 or can be of different val-ue. The f irst vessel- B further compri-ses a f irst liquid extraction means such as for example a valve, a pi-pe, a tap or the l-ike, mounted onto the first l-ateral- walI 10, for draining the tiquid gathered onto the first bottom plate 9 and possibly recirculating such liquid by injecting it into the compressor 4.

The maximum height H2 of liquid which can be found in the first vessel B is the maximum allowed height at which the first Iiquid extraction means starts to extract liquid from the first vessel B.

In a preferred embodiment and not limiting thereto, said liquid is oil. Another liqui-d such as water or another lubricating aqent should also not be excl-uded from the present invention. For separating the second separation means from the third separation means, the device 1 further comprises a separati-ng plate 22 onto which the filter 71 i-s mounted. Because such separating plate 22 is mounted, the fluid flowing through the flrst and second liquid separati-on areas l2a and l2b cannot reach the third separating means without fJ-owing through said at least one cyclone 16. Accordingly, a minimum requirement for the concentration of liquid in the fluid flowing through the third separation means is assured.

Preferably, for controlling even more the path of the f l-uid f lowlng through the inlet 2, the circul-ar wa11s l-4a and L4b, are extending between the respective fj-rst plate 13a or 13b and the separatlng plate 22. Accordingly, the fluid flowing through the inlet 2 cannot directly reach the third separatlon means, but wiIl first have to flow through the inlet channel 18, the first and second fl-uid channels 15a and 15b and further through the at least one cyclone 15.

In another preferred embodiment and not limiting thereto, the fin 27 is mounted onto the bottom panel 20 and onto the separating plate 22.

In yet another embodiment, the bottom panel 20 is a continuous structure having a length DD' of any value selected between approximately 252 from the depth LL" of the flrst vessel B and approximately 95U from the depth LL,, . In another embodiment accordi-ng to the present invention, the bottom panel 20 is a continuous structure along the depth of the first vessel B. In other words, the bottom panel 20 can have a length DD' equal to the depth LL" of the f irst vessel- B. In yet another embodiment according to the present invention, the bottom panel 20 can be a continuous structure extending along at Ieast a part of the first and second fluid channel- 15a and 15b. A further posslbility is for the bottom panel 20 to extend along the length of the fi-rst and second fluid channel 15a and 15b.

In a further embodiment according to the present inventi-on, the bottom panel 20 can be in the shape of a perforated paneI, or said bottom panel 20 can comprise perforations at certain intervals, allowing the liquid to reach the first bottom plate 9.

For maintaj-ning a circul-ar movement for the fluld reaching the first liquid separation area 72a and the second liquid separation area l2b, the first and second liquld separation areas 12a and 1,2b are relativeJ-y circular. Accordingly, a first cycJ-one is realized from the inlet 2, along the inlet channel 18 and the first and second fluid channel 15a and 15b. The circular movement of the fluid continulng within the first and second liquid separation areas 72a and lZb, until the fluid enters said at least one cyclone 16.

In another embodiment according to the present invention, at Ieast one circular wall, 74a or LAb, has a length of at l-east 50? from the length of the exterior contour of the first p1ate, 13a or 13b. In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention each of the circular walls 74a and 74b have a Iength of at least 50% from the length of the exterior contour of each of the respective first p1ate, 13a and 13b.

By increasing the length of the circular walls 14a and 74b, the first fluid channe] 15a and the second fluid channel- 15b are made longer, forcing the fl-uid to follow a longer path through said first and second fluid channels 15a and 15b and enhancing the quantity of }iquid extracted before reaching the first Ilquid separation area l2a and the second liquid separation area 12b respectively.

The length of the circular walls 74a and l4b can be made even longer. As shown in figure 3, if we are to draw the axis OO' and OO", the length of the circular walls \4a and l1b can be sefected at any point between the OO' axis and the OO" axis.

Preferably, but not limiting thereto the length of the circu]ar walls 74a and 14b is sefected such that the circufar waIls 1,4a and l- b end in the vicinity of the virtual axis OO'.

Because the Iength of the circular walIs 74a and 14b is increased the fluid flowing through the first and second fluid channel 15a and 15b would be maintained in a downwards and circufar movement for lonqer, forcing such fluid to Iose more Iiquid particles before reaching the inlet of the at feast one cyclone 16. Furthermore, the ci-rcular movement wi-II be still- mai-ntained within the first liquid separation area 72a and the second liquid separation area L2b, until the flui-d reaches the inlet of the at least one cyclone 76. Tests have shown that by the time the fluid reaches the first liquid separating area l2a and the second liquid separating area l2b respectively, the majority of the fl-uid entrapped therein will be under the Ievel of the first plate 13a and 13b respectively, which means that the quantity of Iiquid particles reaching said at least one cyclone 16 is much lower when compared to existing devices.

In another embodiment according to the present invention the circular walls 1,4a and 14b can have a constant height along their length, such height being defined by the distance between each of the first plate 13a and 13b respectively and the separating plate 22.

Because the space defined between the bottom panel 20 and the separati-ng plate 22 can be bigger than the space defined by each of the flrst plate 13a and 13b and the separating plate 22, the height of the cj-rcu.l-ar waIIs is defined by the distance between the bottom panel 20 and the separating plate 22, such that the inl-et channel- 1B wiIl be defined by at l-east the circular walls 74a and t|b, the top panet 19 and the bottom panel 20.

Therefore the height of the circular wall l4a and 14b after the inlet channel 18 has ended can be constant and equal to the distance between the bottom panel 20 and the separati-ng plate at the Iocation where the inl-et channel 18 has ended, and therefore, where the bottom panel 20 is at 1ts lowest point.

In another embodiment according to the present invention, each of the circufar walls \4a and 74b can maintain for a minimum distance a height equal to the distance between the bottom panel 20 and the separating plate 22 at the Iowest point of the bottom panel 20 and then such height would preferably decrease gradually in height until reaching the level of each of the first plate 13a and 13b respectively.

In yet another embodiment according to the present invention, as il-lustrated in figure 5, the height of each of the circular walls 74a and 74b can decrease gradually from the location where the inlet channel 18 has ended and until reaching the leveI of each of the flrst plate 13a and 13b respectively, or untll reaching the location or the vicinity of the -l-ocation where the virtual axis OO' is defined on the first plate 13a and 13b. After reaching the Iocation or the vicinity of the location defined by the virtual axis OO', the circul-ar walls L4a and 14b being cut perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly onto the first plate 13a or 13b respectively. By perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly, one shoul-d understand that a 900 (ninety degrees) angle or an approximately 900 (ninety degrees) angl-e is created between the ending of the circular walI l4a or 14b and the respecti_ve first plate 13a or 13b.

In another embodiment accordj-ng to the present j-nvention, the device 1 further comprlses a second vessel_ 24 comprisj-ng a second bottom plate 25 and a second lateral waff 26, whereby each the first plate 13a and 13b is mounted onto the second lateral wall 26. Preferably, the inlet channel 1B is protruding into the second vessel- 24, traversing it through the middl-e.

Further preferably, the inlet channe1 1B is not in direct fluid communication with said second vessef 24, said inlet channef 18 being external to said second vessel 24. Preferably, each of the first plate 13a and 13b comprises a plurality of hol-es, each of the holes having a cyclone 76 mounted therein. The number of cyclones 16 is sel-ected according to the capacity of the device 7, such number being any number sefected between six and sixteen. More preferably each of the first plates 13a and 13b comprise nine, twelve or thirteen holes, each hole having a cyclone 16 mounted therein. Further preferably, a filter 71 1s mounted at the outlet of each of said cyclones 16 such that the fluid leaving the cyclone 76 is flowing through the fil-ter l'l before reaching the outfet 5. Each of the cyclones 76 being mounted within said hole of the first plate 13a and 13b, whereby the liquid extracted within the cyclones is drj-pping onto the second bottom plate 25.

Tests have shown that by adopting such a configuration, the liquid reaching the inlets of the cyclones 76 has a very high purity, and that approximately 95U of the Iiquid present in the fluid fl-owing through the inl-et 2 has been separated and col-lected on the first bottom plate 9, and reaches a very high purity at the outlet 5, where approximately 98% of the liquid would have been separated from the fl-uid.

fn a preferred embodlment according to the present invention, the second vessel 24 comprises a second liquid extraction means 21. The first liquid extraction means 23 and the second liquid extraction means 21 can be selected from a group comprising: a one way va1ve, a manually or automatically actuated valve, a hose, a tap or a pipe possibly but not necessarily connected to a suction device, or the like.

It should be further understood that the first 1 iquid extraction means 23 can be of the same type as the second liquid extraction means 21 or 1t can be different.

In another embodiment according to the present invenLi_on, each of the first plates 13a and 13b is fixed onto the first l-ateral wall 10 through for example and not limiting thereto: welding, bolting or by using additional flxing mechanisms. In yet another embodiment according to the present invention, each of the first plates 13a and 13b are fixed onto the second lateral wa1126, and said second Iateral wall 26 is further fixed to the first lateral wall- 10 through the same possible techniques as mentioned with respect to fixing said first plates 13a and 13b to the first Iateral waf1.

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, a channel is created between the second lateral waII 26 and the first lateral wal-l 10, whereby the }iquid extracted from the fluid is dripping, reaching the first bottom plate 9. Eurther preferabJ-y, the fixing means of the first plates 13a and 13b are reafized in such a manner that liquid can drip 1n between the fixing means and reach the first bottom plate 9.

In another embodiment according to the present invention, the second vessel 24 is fixed to the first bottom plate 9, said fixing being realj-zed directly between the first bottom plate 9 and the second bottom plate 25, or said fixing being done by using for example pillars between the first bottom plate 9 and second bottom plate 25. The functioning of the device 1 according to the present invention is very simple and as fol-lows.

The fluid flowing from the compressed gas outlet 3 of the liquid injected compressor 4 is guided through the inlet 2 of the device l, said f l-uid comprising a ^gas and liquid particles.

The flow of f1uid entering through said inlet 2 traverses the inlet channel 18, is then split in two flows by the fin 21, each of the two flows traverses one of the first or second fluid channel 15a or 15b ^and reaches the first 1íquid separation area ^72a or the ^second liquid separation area 72b.

The fluj-d is further reaching a second separatlon means comprising at least a cyclone 76 and further a third separation means comprising at feast a filter l'7 mounted at the outl-et of ^saj-d at ^{least one} cyclone ^16.

After the fluid is flowing thorough said at l-east ^one filter 7f, it is ^guided through the outlet 4 towards the user's network ^6.

At l-east along the inl-et channel 18 the fluid is ^guided fn a _downwards ^movement.

The downwards movement should be understood as 1n the direction of the gravitational force.

While the fl-uid is traversing the inlet channel 18, the first and second fluid channel- 15a and 15b, the first liquid separation area L2a and the second 11quid separation area 72b, the liquid separated from the ^gas stream is coll-ected on the first bottom ^plate 9 from ^where it is later extracted with the help of the first liquid extraction means 23. Because of the shape of the inlet channel 18, the shape of the circular wa1ls 14a and 14b and of the fin 27, a downwards and circul-ar movement is imprlnted to the fluid entering through said inl-et 2.

Accordingly a synergetic effect is encountered: due to the downwards movement, the liquid particles are dropping more easily towards the bottom panel 20 and further towards the first bottom plate 9 under the action of the gravitational force; and due to the cj-rcular movement, the liquid particles are pushed under the action of the centrifugal force towards the first l-ateral- wall 10, where they adhere to it and further drop towards the first bottom plate 9. Such synergetic effect increasing the efficiency of the Iiquid separation. In a preferred embodiment according to the present lnvention at l-east one hol-e is provlded onto the first plate 13a and 13b for mounting the at least one cyclone \6 therein.

Eurther, a second vessel 24 is provided, said second vessel 24 comprisi-ng a second bottom plate 25, a second lateral wal-I 26 and the first p1ate13a and 13b. The liquid dripping from the at least one cyclone L6 being col-lected onto said second bottom pJ-ate 25. Because a second vessel- 24 is provided with a second bottom plate 25, the liquid collected before and within the first liquid separation area L2a and the second liquid separation area 72b is separated from the Iiquid collected with the help of the cyclones mounted onto said first plate 13a and 13b. Consequently, the risk of the col-l-ected Iiquid to re-enter the gas stream is minimized if not eliminated.

Further, the downwards and circular movement is maintained for a longer distance by guiding the fluid flowing from the inlet 2 through the first and second fluid channel 15a and 15b, along at least 50e of the length of the exterior contour of said respective first plate, 13a and 13b. For increasing the efficiency of the 11quid separation a separating plate 22 is provi-ded for separating the second separation means from the third separation means. In the context of the present i-nvention it should be understood that the device for separating liquid from a gas stream and the method for separating a liquid from a gas stream are not restricted to liquid injected compressors, such devj-ce and method being implementable in a J-iquid injected vacuum pump as welf. If the device 101 is used withln a liquid injected vacuum pump L04, the layout of the system is very simil-ar as when the device 1 is used within a liquid injected compressor 4. The devi-ce 101 comprising an inl-et 702 connected to a gas outlet 103 of the vacuum pump 104. The only di-fferences are that the liquid _injected vacuum ^pump 104 is receiving a ^gas at its inlet 701 from _{a user's} network 706, and that the gas flowing from the outlet 105 of the device 101 is further evacuated to the atmosphere ^or to an external system 108, as illustrated in figure 7. ^In the context of the ^present invention it should be ^understood that the different features as defined within the present paper can be _used ^j-n _{any combination without} departing from the scope _{of the invention.} The ^present invention is by no means _{Iimited to} the embodiments described as an example _{and shown in} the drawings, but such a ^gas fj-lter l- can _be reafized _in all kinds of variants, without departing from _the scope _of the invention -