A method including the steps of providing fluid through an inlet into a vessel at atmospheric pressure. The method further includes passing the fluid through a filtration unit utilizing a downstream pump, the filtration unit creating a flux of less than or equal to about 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (GPM/ft.sup.2), and moving the fluid processed by the filtration unit through an outlet of the vessel.

A method including the steps of providing fluid through an inlet into a vessel at atmospheric pressure. The method further includes passing the fluid through a filtration unit utilizing a downstream pump, the filtration unit creating a flux of less than or equal to about 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (GPM/ft.sup.2), and moving the fluid processed by the filtration unit through an outlet of the vessel.

A filter for filtering contaminants from a fluid. The filter includes a cylinder of pleated filter media, a first end cap coupled to a first end of the filter media and a second end cap coupled to a second end of the filter media. The second end cap including a wall formed to include a central opening. The filter also includes a central core positioned radially inward of filter media and extends from the first end cap to the second end cap. The central core has a cylindrical side wall that is formed to include a plurality of apertures that are adapted to allow for the passage of the fluid. The filter also includes an annular collar that is adapted to be positioned within the central core. The annular collar is adapted to be rotatable with respect to the central core and includes a sidewall formed to include a series of space projections that extend radially inwardly from the sidewall.

A filter element for a filter unit for filtering a fluid may include a filter element body. The filter element body may include at least one structural body and a support body. The structural body may have a filter structure which is permeable for the fluid. The filter structure may have a plurality of meshes/pores. The filter structure may be structured as a three-dimensionally interlinked lattice structure having a repeating regularity. The plurality of meshes/pores may be formed as a plurality of clear spaces by a plurality of lattice rods that are securely connected to one another. The support body may include a support structure that is permeable for the fluid. The structural body and the support body may each be produced via a 3D printing method. The structural body and the support body may be 3D printed from at least one of various materials and material compositions.

A phase separation device has a device housing (2) accommodating at least one coalescer element (42). The device housing (2) has an inlet (38) for the supply of an emulsion, which flows through the respective coalescer element (42) for separation into at least two of its constituents, has an outlet (46) for a separated constituent, and has a further outlet (22, 64) for a further separated constituent having a lower density than the one constituent and floating on the separated constituent having a higher density.

A phase separation device has a device housing (2) accommodating at least one coalescer element (42). The device housing (2) has an inlet (38) for the supply of an emulsion, which flows through the respective coalescer element (42) for separation into at least two of its constituents, has an outlet (46) for a separated constituent, and has a further outlet (22, 64) for a further separated constituent having a lower density than the one constituent and floating on the separated constituent having a higher density.

A filter bypass tool for use in a subterranean well can include an inner tube having a flow passage extending longitudinally through the inner tube, a pipe surrounding the inner tube, with an annulus formed radially between the pipe and the inner tube, the pipe being perforated to permit fluid communication between the annulus and an exterior of the pipe, and a bypass valve having closed and open configurations. In the closed configuration the bypass valve blocks fluid flow from the annulus to the flow passage. In the open configuration the bypass valve permits fluid flow from the annulus to the flow passage. The bypass valve is configured to open in response to a predetermined pressure differential from the annulus to the flow passage.

A filter bypass tool for use in a subterranean well can include an inner tube having a flow passage extending longitudinally through the inner tube, a pipe surrounding the inner tube, with an annulus formed radially between the pipe and the inner tube, the pipe being perforated to permit fluid communication between the annulus and an exterior of the pipe, and a bypass valve having closed and open configurations. In the closed configuration the bypass valve blocks fluid flow from the annulus to the flow passage. In the open configuration the bypass valve permits fluid flow from the annulus to the flow passage. The bypass valve is configured to open in response to a predetermined pressure differential from the annulus to the flow passage.

A variable configuration modular fluid filter assembly includes one or more discrete filter housing assemblies that each include a mount body constructed to support a cap and a filter sleeve. A plurality of bosses are formed on radially outward facing sides of the mount body and are each discretely selectable to fluidly connect the discrete mount body to one another to provide a desired flow characteristic of the discrete filter assembly arrangement. Preferably, each discrete filter assembly includes a seal arrangement disposed between the cap and the mount body and which orients the sealing interface therebetween at an acute angle relative to an axis of rotation of the cap relative to the mount body when the cap and mount body are engaged with one another.

A variable configuration modular fluid filter assembly includes one or more discrete filter housing assemblies that each include a mount body constructed to support a cap and a filter sleeve. A plurality of bosses are formed on radially outward facing sides of the mount body and are each discretely selectable to fluidly connect the discrete mount body to one another to provide a desired flow characteristic of the discrete filter assembly arrangement. Preferably, each discrete filter assembly includes a seal arrangement disposed between the cap and the mount body and which orients the sealing interface therebetween at an acute angle relative to an axis of rotation of the cap relative to the mount body when the cap and mount body are engaged with one another.