Process reflection techniques are described in which a reflected process is created to facilitate analysis of a process. OMC assigns the same weight to each minterm, while WMC assigns a weight that can vary. Decisions are made concerning the received information bit values, which the method accepts as processed information, with soft decisions and corresponding initial hard decisions. The portable media device can use one or more status indicators. A bypass conduit allows cleaned gas to be re-circulated from the gas-oil separator outlet to the compressor inlet to balance the blow-by production with the capacity of the compressor. The plate wall forming each aperture has an hourglass configuration which, inter alia, reduces pressure drop, turbulence and local deposition of magnetite and other particulates on the support plates.