Gas-liquid cyclone separator for eliminating short-circuit flow of liquid film on top cover wall surface and separation method

Abstract

This invention discloses a gas-liquid cyclone separator and separation method for eliminating short-circuit flow of liquid film on the top cover wall, belonging to the field of gas-liquid separation technology. The separator includes an inlet pipe, an overflow pipe, an underflow pipe, a separator cylinder, and a liquid-retaining ring. The inlet pipe communicates with the upper region of the separator cylinder; the underflow pipe communicates with the lower region of the separator cylinder; the overflow pipe passes through the top cover wall of the separator cylinder to reach the interior of the separator cylinder; a liquid-retaining ring is provided on the top cover wall inside the separator cylinder, and the overflow pipe is located in the liquid-retaining ring. This invention simplifies the structural design while eliminating short-circuit flow of liquid film on the top cover wall of the gas-liquid cyclone separator, significantly reducing the amount of liquid carried over in the overflow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of gas-liquid separation technology, specifically relating to a gas-liquid cyclone separator and separation method that eliminates short-circuit flow of liquid film on the top cover wall. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrocyclones utilize the density difference of fluids and the centrifugal force generated by the high-speed motion of the mixture at the tangential inlet to achieve rapid and efficient separation of two phases. They have wide applications in oil and gas extraction, transportation and metering, chemical engineering, environmental protection, aerospace, and other fields. Based on the inlet medium combination, they can be classified into various types, such as gas-solid, gas-liquid, solid-liquid, and liquid-liquid hydrocyclones. Separation performance evaluation indicators include the overflow secondary phase carryover (such as solids and liquids) and pressure drop. The overflow secondary phase carryover is closely related to the short-circuit flow phenomenon existing between the separator's top cover wall and the overflow pipe. Therefore, weakening or suppressing the short-circuit flow phenomenon is essential for improving separation performance.

[0003] The existing technology improves the overflow pipe from the perspectives of optimizing the shape and structure of the outer wall and adding a secondary separation device inside the overflow pipe, specifically including the following four aspects:

[0004] 1) Arrange spiral guide vanes or similar structures on the outer wall of the overflow pipe to generate axial flow opposite to the direction of short-circuit flow at the outer wall of the overflow pipe, thereby weakening or offsetting the short-circuit flow, such as authorization announcement numbers CN101254489B, CN2522174Y, and application publication number CN108380404A.

[0005] 2) Design the outer wall of the overflow pipe as a gradually expanding cone or install structures such as annular teeth or convex blocking rings on the outer wall of the overflow pipe to guide the short-circuit flow to the main separation zone outside the overflow pipe, thereby achieving further separation, such as the authorization announcement numbers CN2183824Y, CN205217164U, CN201470493U, CN200991661Y, etc.

[0006] 3) A double-layered pipe structure combining a central overflow pipe and an outer overflow pipe is adopted. The outer overflow pipe guides the short-circuit flow to the inlet to achieve circulation separation or directly guides it to the bottom outlet for discharge. Alternatively, secondary fluid is introduced to fill the annular space formed by the outer overflow pipe and the central overflow pipe to prevent the short-circuit flow from flowing directly into the central overflow pipe. Examples include application publication numbers CN114226085A, CN114308420A, CN102688811A, and authorization announcement CN106493005B. However, this type of structure is relatively complex and has additional flow losses.

[0007] 4) Openings / slots are made on the overflow pipe wall, or guide vanes are arranged inside the overflow pipe to further achieve cyclone separation of the mixture, and a cavity is arranged to collect the separated heavy phase medium, as shown in application publication number CN101822924A. Installing an annular liquid film suction device on the GLCC overflow pipe expands the range of overflow without liquid, but the device structure is relatively complex and requires an additional liquid return pipe, resulting in a significant increase in overall weight.

[0008] Therefore, the existing technology has the following shortcomings: 1) Due to the significant differences in the flow characteristics of liquids and solids, especially since solids usually appear in the form of discrete particles or discrete particle groups, while liquids can wet the wall surface and flow along the wall surface in the form of a continuous liquid film, the external forces on solids and liquids are different during short-circuit flow. Therefore, the existing structures for suppressing short-circuit flow in gas-solid cyclone separators cannot be applied to gas-liquid cyclone separation; 2) The existing structural designs for suppressing short-circuit flow in gas-liquid cyclone separators are usually quite complex or cannot completely eliminate liquid film short-circuit flow. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the problems of existing gas-solid cyclone separators having complex structural designs for suppressing short-circuit flow and being unsuitable for gas-liquid cyclone separation, this invention provides a gas-liquid cyclone separator that eliminates short-circuit flow of the liquid film on the top cover wall. While simplifying the structural design, it can also eliminate short-circuit flow of the liquid film on the top cover wall of the gas-liquid cyclone separator, significantly reducing the amount of liquid carried over in the overflow.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution.

[0011] A gas-liquid cyclone separator for eliminating short-circuit flow of liquid film on the top cover wall includes an inlet pipe, an overflow pipe, an underflow pipe, a separator cylinder, and a liquid-retaining ring. The inlet pipe is connected to the upper region of the separator cylinder. The underflow pipe is connected to the lower region of the separator cylinder. The overflow pipe passes through the top cover wall of the separator cylinder and reaches the interior of the separator cylinder. A liquid-retaining ring is provided on the top cover wall inside the separator cylinder, and the overflow pipe is located in the liquid-retaining ring.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the liquid-blocking ring is placed coaxially with the overflow pipe.

[0013] As a further improvement of the invention, the overflow pipe passes through the central region of the top cover wall.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the height of the liquid-retaining ring is less than the depth to which the overflow pipe is inserted into the separator cylinder.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the distance between the liquid-retaining ring and the outer wall of the overflow pipe is greater than the maximum distance at which the liquid bridge can stably exist between the liquid-retaining ring and the outer wall of the overflow pipe.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, the distance between the liquid-retaining ring and the outer wall of the overflow pipe is less than the difference between the radius of the air core at the height of the end face of the liquid-retaining ring and the outer radius of the overflow pipe.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, the distance between the liquid-retaining ring and the outer wall of the overflow pipe is greater than the radial movement distance of the droplet at the bottom end of the liquid-retaining ring as it falls to the height of the overflow pipe inlet.

[0018] As a further improvement of the present invention, the distance between the liquid-retaining ring and the inner wall of the separator cylinder is greater than the diameter of the inlet pipe.

[0019] A separation method for a gas-liquid cyclone separator that eliminates short-circuit flow of liquid film on the top cover wall includes:

[0020] After the gas-liquid mixture enters the separator cylinder through the inlet pipe, the gas and liquid phases gradually separate under centrifugal force. After the gas and liquid collide with the inner wall of the separator cylinder, a spreading liquid film is formed on the top cover wall. The liquid-blocking ring prevents the liquid film from flowing radially to the overflow pipe. After separation, the gas is discharged from the overflow pipe and the liquid flows out from the bottom pipe.

[0021] As a further improvement of the present invention, after the liquid film moves to the liquid-retaining ring, it flows downward along the outer wall of the liquid-retaining ring under the action of gravity and quickly forms droplets at the bottom end face of the liquid-retaining ring and falls off.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] This invention, by incorporating a liquid-retaining ring structure on the top wall of the separator cylinder, alters the flow direction of the short-circuit liquid film. Gravity causes the liquid to form droplets at the end face of the ring and fall rapidly, thus preventing the short-circuit flow from reaching the overflow pipe and effectively mitigating overflow liquid carryover. Furthermore, this invention features a simple structure, low weight, and ease of installation. Therefore, this invention eliminates short-circuit liquid film flow on the top wall of the gas-liquid cyclone separator, significantly reducing overflow liquid carryover and resulting in a marked improvement in gas-liquid separation efficiency. Moreover, due to its simple structural design and convenient machining and installation, it is applicable to traditional tubular gas-liquid separators, expanding their overflow liquid-free operating range. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Furthermore, the shapes and proportions of the components in the drawings are merely schematic to aid in understanding the invention and do not specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of a gas-liquid cyclone separator for eliminating short-circuit flow of liquid film on the top cover wall according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the gas-liquid interface of a gas-liquid cyclone separator that eliminates short-circuit flow of liquid film on the top cover wall according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a comparison diagram of the overflow liquid volume of a gas-liquid cyclone separator that eliminates short-circuit flow of liquid film on the top cover wall according to the present invention.

[0028] In the figure, 1 is the inlet pipe; 2 is the top cover wall; 3 is the overflow pipe; 4 is the underflow pipe; 5 is the separator cylinder; 6 is the liquid baffle ring; 71 is the first gas-liquid interface; 72 is the second gas-liquid interface. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this invention, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0030] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiments.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the gas-liquid cyclone separator of the present invention for eliminating short-circuit flow of liquid film on top cover wall includes an inlet pipe 1, a top cover wall 2, an overflow pipe 3, a bottom flow pipe 4, a separator cylinder 5, and a liquid baffle ring 6.

[0033] An inlet pipe 1 is located on the upper part of the separator cylinder 5 and is connected to the separator cylinder 5. An underflow pipe 4 is located on the lower part of the separator cylinder 5 and is also connected to the separator cylinder 5. An overflow pipe 3 is located in the middle of the top cover wall 2 above the separator cylinder 5, passing through the top cover wall 2 from the outside of the separator cylinder 5 to the inside of the separator cylinder 5. A liquid-retaining ring 6 is located on the top cover wall 2 inside the separator cylinder 5, with the overflow pipe 3 located in the middle of the liquid-retaining ring 6. The overflow pipe 3 vertically penetrates the top cover wall 2 and is inserted to a certain depth into the separator cylinder 5. The liquid-retaining ring 6 is an annular structure, fixed to the top cover wall 2, and coaxially arranged with the overflow pipe 3.

[0034] The number of inlet pipes 1 can be increased or decreased as needed for the operation.

[0035] This invention utilizes a liquid-blocking ring 6 to prevent the liquid film on the top cover wall 2 from flowing radially to the outer wall of the overflow pipe, and causes it to gather at the end face of the liquid-blocking ring 6 to form droplets and fall off, thereby effectively suppressing short-circuit flow of the liquid film and improving gas-liquid separation efficiency.

[0036] The distance between the liquid-retaining ring 6 and the outer wall of the overflow pipe 3 is greater than the maximum distance at which the liquid bridge can stably exist between the liquid-retaining ring 6 and the outer wall of the overflow pipe 3, and less than the difference between the radius of the air core at the height of the end face of the liquid-retaining ring 6 and the outer radius of the overflow pipe 3. Simultaneously, the distance between the liquid-retaining ring 6 and the outer wall of the overflow pipe 3 must also be greater than the radial distance that the liquid droplet at the end face of the liquid-retaining ring 6 travels as it falls to the height of the overflow pipe 3 inlet.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, when the first gas-liquid interface 71 is formed, the height of the baffle ring 6 should be less than the distance between the first continuous gas-liquid interface 71 and the top cover wall 2 in the separator at the corresponding radial position. At the same time, the height of the baffle ring 6 is also less than the depth of the overflow pipe 3 inserted into the separator cylinder 5.

[0038] When the second gas-liquid interface 72 is formed, the distance between the liquid-retaining ring 6 and the inner wall of the separator cylinder 5 is greater than the maximum distance at which the liquid bridge between the liquid-retaining ring 6 and the inner wall of the separator cylinder 5 can stably exist. The distance between the liquid-retaining ring 6 and the inner wall of the separator cylinder 5 is also greater than the diameter of the inlet pipe 1.

[0039] The thickness of the liquid-retaining ring 6 should be a small value without affecting its structural strength and installation welding conditions, so as to promote the formation and fall of liquid droplets, reduce interference with the swirling flow field, and reduce the structural weight.

[0040] A separation method for a gas-liquid cyclone separator that eliminates short-circuit flow of liquid film on the top cover wall includes:

[0041] After the gas-liquid mixture enters the separator cylinder 5 through the inlet pipe 1, the two phases gradually separate under centrifugal force. After the gas and liquid collide with the inner wall of the separator cylinder 5, a spreading liquid film is formed on the top cover wall 2. The liquid-retaining ring 6 prevents the liquid film from flowing radially to the overflow pipe 3. After separation, the gas is discharged from the overflow pipe 3, and the liquid flows out from the bottom flow pipe 4. After the liquid film moves to the liquid-retaining ring 6, it flows downward along the outer wall of the liquid-retaining ring 6 under the action of gravity and quickly forms droplets at the bottom end face of the liquid-retaining ring 6 and falls off.

[0042] After the gas-liquid mixture enters the separator cylinder 5 through the inlet pipe 1, the two phases gradually separate under centrifugal force, forming an air nucleus within the separator cylinder 5. After separation, most of the gas is discharged through the overflow pipe 3, and the liquid flows out through the underflow pipe 6. The gas and liquid entering from the inlet pipe 1 collide with the inner wall of the separator cylinder 5, forming a spreading liquid film on the top cover wall 2. This portion of the liquid moves to the baffle ring 6 and, under gravity, flows downwards along the outer wall of the baffle ring 6, rapidly forming droplets at the bottom end of the baffle ring 6 and falling off, effectively preventing the liquid film from flowing radially to the overflow pipe 3. By rationally designing the structural dimensions of the baffle ring 6, the short-circuit flow phenomenon can be completely suppressed.

[0043] The present invention will be further explained and illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments:

[0044] Example

[0045] The wall thickness of the baffle ring 6 is 3.24 mm, the height of the baffle ring 6 is 20.2 mm, the distance between the baffle ring and the outer wall of the overflow pipe is 13.96 mm, and the distance between the baffle ring 6 and the inner wall of the separator cylinder 5 is 34.8 mm. The inlet water flow rate is 50 L / min, and the inlet air flow rate is 0–63 L / min. After thorough mixing and development, the gas-liquid mixture enters the separator. After the flow stabilizes, the liquid at the outlet of the overflow pipe 3 is sampled for 3 minutes, repeated 3 times, and the average value is taken as the overflow water flow rate under this operating condition. Then, the inlet air flow rate is gradually increased to obtain the overflow water flow rate under different operating conditions.

[0046] The results of the examples are as follows Figure 3 As shown, when the baffle ring is not installed, the overflow water flow gradually increases with the increase of the inlet air flow. After the baffle ring is installed, the overflow water flow is greatly reduced, and the result is basically 0. It can be seen that setting the baffle ring 6 in the separator cylinder 5 can eliminate the short-circuit flow phenomenon of the liquid film on the wall of the separator top cover 2, so as to significantly improve the gas-liquid separation performance.

[0047] Many embodiments and applications beyond the examples provided will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Therefore, the scope of this teaching should not be determined by reference to the foregoing description, but rather by reference to the foregoing claims and the full scope of their equivalents. For purposes of completeness, all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference. The omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the foregoing claims is not intended as a waiver of that subject matter, nor should it be construed as an indication that the applicant has not considered that subject matter as part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

[0048] The above content provides a further detailed description of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific embodiments of the present invention are limited to this. For those skilled in the art, several simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such deductions or substitutions should be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention as defined by the submitted claims.

Claims

1. A gas-liquid cyclone separator for eliminating short-circuit flow of liquid film on the top cover wall, characterized in that, It includes an inlet pipe (1), an overflow pipe (3), a bottom flow pipe (4), a separator cylinder (5), and a baffle ring (6); The inlet pipe (1) is connected to the upper part of the separator cylinder (5); the underflow pipe (4) is connected to the lower part of the separator cylinder (5). The overflow pipe (3) passes through the top cover wall (2) of the separator cylinder (5) and reaches the interior of the separator cylinder (5); a liquid-retaining ring (6) is provided on the top cover wall (2) inside the separator cylinder (5), and the overflow pipe (3) is located in the liquid-retaining ring (6); The height of the baffle ring (6) is less than the depth to which the overflow pipe (3) is inserted into the separator cylinder (5); the distance between the baffle ring (6) and the inner wall of the separator cylinder (5) is greater than the diameter of the inlet pipe (1); The distance between the liquid-blocking ring (6) and the outer wall of the overflow pipe (3) is greater than the maximum distance at which the liquid bridge can stably exist between the liquid-blocking ring (6) and the outer wall of the overflow pipe (3); The distance between the liquid-retaining ring (6) and the outer wall of the overflow pipe (3) is less than the difference between the radius of the air core at the height of the end face of the liquid-retaining ring (6) and the outer radius of the overflow pipe (3); The distance between the liquid-blocking ring (6) and the outer wall of the overflow pipe (3) is greater than the radial movement distance of the liquid droplet at the bottom end of the liquid-blocking ring (6) as it falls to the height of the overflow pipe (3) inlet.

2. The gas-liquid cyclone separator for eliminating short-circuit flow of liquid film on the top cover wall according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid-retaining ring (6) is placed coaxially with the overflow pipe (3).

3. A gas-liquid cyclone separator for eliminating short-circuit flow of liquid film on the top cover wall according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overflow pipe (3) passes through the central area of ​​the top cover wall (2).

4. A separation method for a gas-liquid cyclone separator that eliminates short-circuit flow of liquid film on the top cover wall according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, include: After the gas-liquid mixture enters the separator cylinder (5) through the inlet pipe (1), the gas and liquid phases gradually separate under centrifugal force. After the gas and liquid collide with the inner wall of the separator cylinder (5), a spreading liquid film is formed on the top cover wall (2). The liquid-blocking ring (6) prevents the liquid film from flowing radially to the overflow pipe (3). After separation, the gas is discharged from the overflow pipe (3), and the liquid flows out from the bottom flow pipe (4).

5. The separation method of a gas-liquid cyclone separator for eliminating short-circuit flow of liquid film on the top cover wall according to claim 4, characterized in that, After the liquid film moves to the liquid-retaining ring (6), it flows downward along the outer wall of the liquid-retaining ring (6) under the action of gravity and quickly forms droplets at the bottom end of the liquid-retaining ring (6) and falls off.

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