Study of phase distribution in pipe cyclonic compact separator using wire mesh sensor

Abstract

Separation of gas-liquid mixture, which is achieved by using either large gravity separators or compact separators is a common and vital operation in the petroleum industry. Where space and cost are key project considerations, gas-liquid compact separators are very attractive because of their versatility and cost effectiveness. Efficiencient performance of the cyclonic separator depends on smooth and steady swirling flow. Unsteady swirling flow in the separator may be due to capacity constraint, improper design or unforeseen flow instability at the inlet. An understanding of phase distribution in gas discharge section of these separators would help design engineers make a better decision when selecting and sizing inlet nozzle, diameter and length of the separator. In this paper, the structure of phase distribution and liquid holdup in the gas discharge section of the separator was obtained using a 24x24 resolution wire mesh sensor (WMS). The acquired area average liquid holdup and the images were analysed using time series and 2D slice to discriminate between partial separation and critical separation condition.The liquid holdup as a function of separator inlet superficial velocity was quantified.

Void Fraction Measurement in a Gas-Liquid Swirling Flow Using an Ultrasonic Sensor

“…This type of flow is characterized by a swirling liquid film on the pipe wall and a swirling gas flow at the center of the pipe. This condition is explored in applications such as heat exchangers [2], steam separators [3], gas-liquid separators [4]- [7], and multiphase flow distribution systems [8] [9]. The swirling motion promotes the gas accumulation in the center of the pipe due to the pressure gradient in the radial direction.…”

Investigation on separation performance of vane-type gas-liquid tube separator

“…Correspondingly, type of gas-liquid separator appears from gravity style to compact cyclone that can be further divided into tangential induced and axial induced separators [1][2][3]. The tangential induced cyclone gas-liquid separator has long been investigated and reformed through researchers' continuous efforts [4][5][6][7] on the mechanism and refinement method. While the axial induced cyclone gas-liquid separator, whose representation is vane-type separator, has long been applied in molten salt reactor but seldom in crude extraction process techniques.…”

On Upward Swirling Liquid Film in Gas-liquid Pipe Compact Separator

“…Hence, operating the separator at high liquid/gas flow rate is usually avoided to minimise liquid carryover (LCO) into the gas outlet. Liquid carryover is therefore a fundamental issue regarding the design and operation of compact separators [1][2]. The upward swirling liquid film (USLF) is known to be a source of liquid entrainment into the gas stream [1][2][3][4].…”