Separator

Abstract

A separator for separating contaminants suspended within an effluent stream is disclosed. The separator includes: an inlet conduit configured to receive an effluent stream comprising contaminants from an abatement apparatus, the effluent stream flowing in a first main direction from a lower portion of the separator toward an upper portion of the separator; a spray nozzle configured to spray an entrained fluid within the inlet conduit in a first main direction to entrain contaminants within the effluent stream; a first flow redirecting structure downstream of the inlet conduit; and a first separation conduit downstream of the first flow redirecting structure, wherein the first flow redirecting structure is configured to redirect a flow of the effluent stream and entrained fluid from an axial flow from the inlet conduit to a circumferential flow within the first separation conduit in a second main direction opposite the first main direction. In this way, the separation of contaminants entrained by the entrained fluid from the effluent stream is facilitated, since the change in flow direction contributes to creating a longer flow path while maintaining the footprint and size of the separator to a minimum. Further, this may provide a separator that discharges an effluent containing less entrained fluid as compared to a conventional venturi-ejector scrubber. This may avoid the need for additional downstream equipment, such as cyclones, which may increase the cost and size of the equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the invention relates to separators. Background Art

[0002] Separators are known. Separators can be used to separate contaminants suspended in a fluid stream. Although such separators exist, they can have disadvantages. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved separator. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect, a separator for separating pollutants suspended in an effluent flow is provided, comprising: an inlet conduit configured to receive an effluent flow containing pollutants from an emission reduction device, the effluent flow flowing along a first main direction from a lower portion of the separator toward an upper portion of the separator; an injection nozzle configured to inject an entrainment fluid along the first main direction in the inlet conduit to entrain the pollutants in the effluent flow; a first flow redirection structure located downstream of the inlet conduit; and a first separation conduit located downstream of the first flow redirection structure, wherein the first flow redirection structure is configured to redirect the flow of the effluent flow and the entrainment fluid from an axial flow from the inlet conduit to a circumferential flow in the first separation conduit along a second main direction opposite to the first main direction.

[0004] The first aspect recognizes that the venturi scrubber typically includes a venturi tube, which itself includes an initial convergent section (sometimes a throat section with parallel sides), followed by a divergent section, which is combined with some methods of introducing a liquid phase flow. The liquid phase flow input can be located upstream or in the throat, and can include a jet nozzle, a nozzle, or an overflow weir. The venturi scrubber has long been used as a method for turbulent mixing of multiphases (gas-liquid, gas-particle-liquid) for the purpose of transferring materials from one phase to another. For gas-liquid mixtures, this is often to facilitate the transfer of water-soluble gases (usually the minor component of the gas mixture) to the liquid phase. The liquid phase is usually water, although other liquids and solutions are also used, such as solutions of alkaline compounds, such as lime (CaO), for enhanced acid washing or desulfurization processes. For gas-particle-liquid operations, the purpose is usually to transfer particles from the gas phase to the liquid phase, and the particles can be solid dust particles (dust removal) or liquid droplets (misting). Depending on how the fluid motive force is applied to the system, the venturi scrubber can be classified as one of two configurations. The first configuration, usually referred to as a venturi scrubber, uses a venturi tube into which a liquid is introduced at low to medium pressure. When a multiphase mixture passes through the venturi tube, it undergoes turbulent mixing. Although the hydrostatic pressure in the venturi throat decreases with the increase of fluid velocity (Bernoulli's principle), there is a total pressure drop from the inlet to the outlet of the venturi tube. The degree of turbulence and therefore the efficiency of interphase mixing and material transfer depend on the speed at which the gas flows through the venturi tube. High efficiency can only be obtained by high speed, and therefore only by high pressure drop. Therefore, the fluid motive force must be applied to the gas phase via a gas pumping mechanism (such as a fan or blower). The second configuration (commonly referred to as a venturi-ejector scrubber) uses a high pressure / high speed jet or jet of liquid phase flow to provide a motive force for the combined fluid flow and the turbulent mixing of each phase. A beneficial side effect of doing this is that the gas phase is effectively pumped through the venturi tube, so there is no need to use a fan or blower. When the gas phase is hot or chemically very active, this is particularly advantageous. The inventors selected the venturi-ejector configuration as part of the abatement system for development because they realized that it could solve three problems at the same time: powder discharge, water-soluble gas washing and system pressure drop. An integral part of any configuration of the venturi scrubber system is the need to separate the post-venturi multiphase mixture so that the liquid phase (sometimes referred to as entrained fluid, scrubber liquid or scrubber liquid in this article) can be either disposed of or recycled. Traditionally, both of the above configurations are configured so that the fluid flows under gravity. The exhaust gas of the scrubber is discharged into a gas-liquid separator. This gas-liquid separator is usually in the form of a tank that allows gravity settling of large liquid droplets. Typically, the tank gas phase exhaust flow contains smaller mist-like liquid droplets, and it then passes through the last stage, such as a cyclone separator or a cyclone separation tower. This design results in a large amount of floor space and cost associated with an additional downstream separator.For integration into abatement systems, where floor space is at a premium, compact designs of gas-liquid separators and venturi-ejector scrubbers were envisioned. Initial designs of the separator section focused on implementing multiple cyclones in parallel. However, the high liquid / gas ratios (>1 liter liquid / m3 gas) employed by the venturi-ejector scrubber overwhelmed the cyclones, resulting in unstable flows with unacceptable pressure drop and excessive liquid (droplet) carryover.

[0005] Therefore, a separator for separating pollutants or particulate matter that are usually suspended in a flue gas flow or an effluent flow is provided. The separator may include an inlet duct configured to receive an effluent flow containing pollutants flowing along a first main direction from an emission reduction device. The separator may include an injection nozzle configured to inject an entrained fluid in the inlet duct along a first main direction to entrain or capture pollutants in the effluent flow. The first main direction may be from a lower portion of the separator toward an upper portion of the separator. The separator may include a first flow redirection structure located or positioned downstream of the inlet duct. The separator may include a first separation duct located or positioned downstream of the first flow redirection structure. The first flow redirection structure may be configured to redirect the flow of the effluent flow and the entrained fluid to a second main direction opposite to the first main direction in the first separation duct. The first flow redirection structure may redirect the flow of the effluent flow and the entrained fluid from an axial flow to a circumferential flow. The circumferential flow may transport the effluent flow and the entrained fluid having a circumferential component along a second main direction. In this way, separation of contaminants entrained by the entrained fluid from the effluent stream is facilitated, as the change in flow direction helps to create a longer flow path while keeping the space and size of the separator to a minimum. In addition, this can provide a separator that discharges an effluent containing less entrained fluid than a conventional venturi-ejector scrubber. This can avoid the need for additional downstream equipment (such as a cyclone separator), which would increase the cost and size of the equipment.

[0006] The contaminants of the effluent stream may include suspended particles or powders and unwanted gases that may be acidic. The primary direction is generally the direction of the main, net or total fluid flow. The separation conduit is generally a conduit in which separation of an entrained fluid from the effluent stream may occur. Other processes may also occur in the separation conduit. The entrained fluid to be separated from the effluent gas may be water.

[0007] The inlet conduit may expand in a first main direction toward the first flow redirection structure. The inlet conduit may include a narrowing portion, an expanding portion, and a neck portion therebetween, a venturi tube. The inlet conduit may have an inlet at a base or lower portion of the separator for receiving the effluent stream and an outlet at a top or upper portion of the separator. The first main direction may be from a base or lower portion of the separator to a top or upper portion of the separator.

[0008] The first flow redirecting structure may be located between the inlet conduit and the first separation conduit.

[0009] The first flow redirecting structure may be configured to redirect axial flow from the inlet conduit to circumferential flow in the first separation conduit.

[0010] The separator may include a second flow redirection structure located downstream of the first separation conduit and a second separation conduit located downstream of the second flow redirection structure. The second flow redirection structure may be configured to redirect the flow of the effluent stream and the entrained fluid into a first main direction opposite to the second main direction in the second separation conduit. Thus, further changes in the main flow direction may occur, which helps to further extend the flow path while minimizing the space and size of the separator. The second flow redirection structure and the second separation conduit provide additional length for the flow path, thereby allowing further separation to occur. The conditions in the first separation conduit and the second separation conduit may be different to improve the overall separation. For example, the effluent stream may be changed from a high speed to a low speed and / or from a rotational flow to a linear flow.

[0011] A second flow redirecting structure may be located between the first separation conduit and the second separation conduit.

[0012] The second flow redirecting structure can be configured to redirect circumferential flow from the first separation conduit to axial flow in the second separation conduit.

[0013] The first separation conduit and / or the second separation conduit may coaxially surround the inlet conduit.

[0014] The first separation conduit and the second separation conduit can include nested annular tubes coaxially surrounding the inlet conduit. The second separation conduit can be radially located between the first separation conduit and the inlet conduit. The first separation conduit can be radially located between the second separation conduit and the inlet conduit. These coaxial formations can provide a compact separator. The first separation conduit can be formed between or defined by an outer annular housing and an intermediate annular housing, and the second separation conduit can be defined by an intermediate annular housing and an inner annular housing structure. This provides a nested structure, in which one conduit feeds another coaxially positioned conduit, and the flow path alternates in direction through each conduit.

[0015] At least one of the first flow redirection structure and the second flow redirection structure can be configured to present a curved or wavy surface to the effluent stream and the entrained fluid to redirect the flow of the effluent stream and the entrained fluid. The curved surface can facilitate the redirection of the effluent-entrained fluid mixture, and in some arrangements, an element of rotational flow can be provided. The rotational flow can be a circumferential flow around the first separation conduit. The curved surface of the first flow redirection structure can be provided by a curved cone structure. This can provide a uniform distribution of the effluent-entrained fluid mixture to the first separation conduit, which can improve separation efficiency.

[0016] The first flow redirecting structure may include first radial elements or vanes extending between the inlet duct and the first separation duct.

[0017] The first radial element may be positioned circumferentially around the inlet duct.In addition to the cone, the first radial element may additionally be used to direct fluid through the redirecting structure.

[0018] The inlet duct may define a longitudinal axis. The first radial element may be configured to impart a rotation or circumferential flow around the longitudinal axis to the effluent flow and entrained fluid in the first separation duct. By inducing a rotation or circumferential flow, a spiral or helical fluid flow path may be generated in the first separation duct along a second principal direction. The rotational flow may greatly increase the path length of the effluent flow, thereby providing a greater opportunity for separation. In addition, a centrifugal effect may be generated, which pushes the heavier entrained liquid radially outwardly of the first separation duct, thereby separating it from the lighter effluent gas. This is a similar effect achieved in a cyclone separator, however, advantageously, no moving / rotating element is required to induce centrifugal force in this arrangement.

[0019] The rotational flow may include a circumferential flow around the first separation conduit.

[0020] The first radial element may be shaped to present a curved surface to the effluent flow and entrained fluid to impart a rotational flow. In other words, the first radial element may present a non-linear surface that changes direction from generally radial to generally circumferential to impart a rotational or circumferential flow.

[0021] The first radial element may include a claw-shaped or curved teardrop-shaped cross-section.

[0022] Adjacent first radial elements may at least partially define a tortuous passage to impart rotational flow.

[0023] The first radial element may define a discharge conduit that is fluidly coupled to the second separation conduit and configured to deliver an effluent stream from the second separation conduit to a discharge portion. The discharge portion may lead to a downstream device, such as a packed bed scrubber. The discharge conduit may be oriented to deliver the effluent stream to the discharge portion along a first main direction. The discharge conduit may be positioned at an upper portion of the separator.

[0024] The second flow redirecting structure may include a second radial element extending between the first separation conduit and the second separation conduit.

[0025] The second radial element can be positioned circumferentially around the first and second separation conduits.

[0026] The second radial elements are configured to inhibit or restrict rotational flow of the effluent stream and the entrained fluid within the first separation conduit and the second separation conduit.

[0027] The second radial elements may be shaped to present a flat surface to the effluent flow and the entrained fluid to inhibit rotational flow. In other words, the second radial elements may present a linear surface to impart a linear flow.

[0028] An adjacent second radial element may at least partially define a radial passage to inhibit rotational flow.

[0029] The second radial element can include a flat plate or baffle. The second radial element can slow down the flow of entrained fluid and effluent, which can facilitate separation. In addition, the second radial element can suppress the rotational flow caused by the first redirection structure upstream. This allows slow, substantially laminar and / or linear flow through the second separation conduit, making the discharge portion of the separator less turbulent.

[0030] The second flow redirecting structure may define at least one outlet, drain, or drainage hole positioned or configured to drain the accumulated entrained fluid into the sump.

[0031] The separator may include at least one other discharge channel, discharge conduit or outlet configured to discharge liquid accumulated in the discharge portion of the separator and the discharge conduit downstream to a storage tank, and the at least one discharge channel is configured to maintain the separation between the discharged liquid and the entrained fluid and the effluent stream in the inlet conduit, the first flow redirection structure, the first separation conduit, the second flow redirection structure, the second separation conduit and the discharge conduit to prevent re-entrainment. The discharge channel can provide a discharge route to the storage tank for any entrained fluid or liquid contaminants left in the effluent stream after passing through the separator and before entering any downstream equipment. This enables liquid from the discharge conduit in the upper part of the separator to be transported to the storage tank in the lower part of the separator.

[0032] The at least one exhaust passage may extend through the first flow redirecting structure, the first radial element and the second separator conduit.Such an arrangement provides an exhaust passage that does not increase the footprint or height of the separator.

[0033] The size of the second separation conduit can be arranged so that the average velocity in the second separator conduit is less than 6m / s, preferably less than 3m / s. Low speeds such as these can be convenient for entrained fluid and pollutant to separate from effluent stream. Although the second radial element of the second flow redirection structure can contribute to realize this flow velocity, the size of the second separation conduit can determine the flow velocity by it. Larger conduit can provide slower flow, and smaller conduit can provide faster flow. It should be noted that the size of the whole separator should be selected so that in the discharge conduit, there are enough pressures to discharge effluent stream.

[0034] The first main direction may be substantially vertically upward (against gravity), and the second main direction may be substantially vertically downward (with the aid of gravity). As described above, conventional venturi-ejector scrubbers eject entrained fluid in a downward direction. The inventors have realized that by operating in the opposite direction, a concealed path of changing direction may be created without adversely affecting the venturi-ejector scrubber.

[0035] In an embodiment, the entrained fluid is one of water, an alkaline solution, and an acidic solution. Alkaline compounds such as lime (CaO) can provide enhanced acid scrubbing or desulfurization processes. Acidic solutions can enhance the capture of alkaline gases such as ammonia.

[0036] A second aspect provides a method for separating pollutants from an effluent flow using a separator, comprising: receiving the effluent flow along a first main direction at an inlet conduit of the separator; injecting an entrained fluid along the first main direction in the inlet conduit to entrain the pollutants; redirecting the flow of the entrained fluid and the effluent flow to a second main direction opposite to the first main direction using a first flow redirection structure positioned downstream of the inlet conduit; and separating the entrained fluid containing the pollutants from the effluent flow using a first separation conduit.

[0037] The method may comprise steps corresponding to the steps performed by the features of the first aspect set out above.

[0038] Further particular and preferred aspects are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate or in a manner other than that explicitly set out in the claims.

[0039] Where an apparatus feature is described as being operable to provide a function, it will be appreciated that this includes apparatus features that provide that function or that are adapted or configured to provide that function. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 shows a cross section of a separator according to one embodiment;

[0042] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A cross section of a separator with some parts removed for clarity;

[0043] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A cross section of the separator is shown with the outer casing removed for clarity;

[0044] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A cross section of the top portion of the separator;

[0045] Figure 5 Shown from another angle Figure 4 The top portion shown;

[0046] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 a dashed line drawing of another top portion of a separator; and

[0047] Figure 7 shows the connection to the packed bed Figure 1 part of the separator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Before discussing the embodiments in more detail, an overview will first be provided. Some embodiments provide a separator for separating pollutants, such as particulate matter in a flue gas stream or a processed effluent stream, using an entrained fluid. The separator is configured to redirect the flow of a processed effluent stream and an entrained fluid traveling in a first main direction to a second main direction opposite to the first main direction. This extends the flow length in the separator, which increases the residence time and increases the possibility of the entrained fluid capturing and separating pollutants while keeping the separator compact. The separator can further redirect the flow of the processed effluent stream and the entrained fluid (effluent-entrained fluid mixture) back toward the first main direction opposite to the second main direction in the second separation conduit. This further extends the flow length in the separator, which increases the residence time and increases the possibility of the entrained fluid capturing and separating pollutants while keeping the separator compact.

[0049] Existing venturi-ejector scrubbers spray entrained fluid in a downward direction. Entrained fluid is collected in a sump at the scrubber base, and effluent gas is allowed to leave through an outlet above the sump. However, this arrangement can have a large footprint. In addition, entrained fluid droplets are often carried by the discharge stream through the outlet, resulting in the need for additional equipment downstream of the scrubber, such as a cyclone separator, which further increases size, cost and complexity. In contrast, in some embodiments, the first main direction can be an upward direction, and the second main direction can be a downward direction.

[0050] Therefore, some embodiments are intended to provide a novel venturi-ejector scrubber combined with a gas (e.g., effluent)-liquid (e.g., entrained fluid) separator, which overcomes at least one of the above-mentioned problems. Mainly, some embodiments facilitate improved separation by redirecting the effluent-entrained fluid mixture once or multiple times while minimizing the size of the separator. If the first redirection provides a rotating flow that produces a centrifugal separator type, the separation can be further improved. If the path length increases, the separation can also be improved. The separation of droplets can also be caused by a low-speed section, such as less than 6m / s, preferably less than 3m / s. Some embodiments are intended to provide these different conditions that contribute to separation. In some cases, different pollutants can be easily separated under different conditions. The first and second flow redirection structures and the first and second separation conduits can be appropriately shaped and sized to provide conditions that contribute to separation.

[0051] Figures 1 to 6 An embodiment of a separator 2 is shown, which is also referred to herein as a combined venturi-ejector scrubber and gas-liquid separator, including an inlet 3, an inlet conduit 6, a first flow redirection structure 7, a first separation conduit 31, a second flow redirection structure 33, a second separation conduit 32 and an exhaust conduit 16.

[0052] The inlet 3 positioned at the lower portion of the separator 2 is configured to receive an effluent stream 1 containing pollutants such as particulate matter. The inlet 3 leads to an inlet conduit 6, also referred to herein as a venturi tube, which is defined by an inner tube or housing 30. The inlet conduit 6 defines a longitudinal axis. A first main direction is defined by the effluent in the inlet conduit 6 in a generally upward direction along its longitudinal axis. The inlet conduit 6 can be formed by two tapered portions - an initial narrowing portion followed by an expanding portion - to form a venturi tube.

[0053] The high-speed jet 4 is released in a neck portion of the inlet conduit 6, which neck portion is defined between two tapered portions. The hydraulic atomizing injector nozzle 5 associated with the jet 4 is configured to inject an entrainment fluid in the inlet conduit 6 along a first main direction to entrain contaminants in the effluent stream 1. The entrainment fluid may be a high-pressure hydraulically atomized water jet.

[0054] Downstream of the inlet conduit 6, a first flow reversing structure or flow redirecting structure 7 is configured to redirect the effluent-entrained fluid mixture (sometimes referred to as the effluent flow) toward a second main direction different from the first main direction. The second main direction can be directly opposite to the first main direction and parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first flow redirecting structure 7 includes an axially mounted conical portion or cone 8, and a plurality of first radial elements 9, sometimes referred to as flow redirecting elements. The cone 8 is mounted with the pointed side facing downward and presents a curved surface toward the effluent-entrained fluid mixture. The cone 8 may include a vortex-like shape.

[0055] Figure 2 and 3 The first radial elements 9 are shown as being positioned circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and comprising claw-shaped elements having curved surfaces. Adjacent first radial elements 9 define channels through which the effluent-entrained fluid mixture is directed. Preferably, the channels are curved, however, it will be appreciated that other shapes, not necessarily curved shapes, are also suitable for the first radial elements 9 to direct the effluent-entrained fluid mixture.

[0056] The cone 8 and the first radial element 9 are configured to redirect the effluent-entrained fluid mixture into a first separation conduit 31 defined between the outer tube or outer shell 10 and the intermediate tube or intermediate shell 13, which is sometimes referred to herein as an inner flow guide. The first separation conduit 31 is coaxial with the inlet conduit 6 and is positioned around the inlet conduit 6 so that the first separation conduit 31 includes an annular passage.

[0057] The curved surfaces of the cone 8 and first radial elements 9 of the first flow redirecting structure 7 are configured to impart a rotational or circumferential flow to the effluent-entrainment fluid mixture such that the effluent passes through the first separation conduit 31 in a helical or spiral flow path.

[0058] The separator 2 also includes a second flow redirection structure 33 positioned downstream of the first separation conduit 31. The second flow redirection structure 33 is configured to redirect the flow of the effluent-entrained fluid mixture back from the second main direction toward the first main direction. The second flow redirection structure 33 may further include a second radial element 14, which is configured to prevent the rotational flow of the effluent-entrained fluid mixture, thereby stopping the rotational flow from the first separation conduit and restoring linear flow. The second radial element 14 includes a baffle or a flat plate. These plates extend between the outer surface of the inner shell 30 and the inner surface of the outer shell 10.

[0059] The second flow redirecting structure 33 may further include at least one drain hole or outlet 11. The outlet 11 allows water to drain into a sump 12 positioned below the separator 2. The sump 12 may be formed integrally with the separator 2 or separately.

[0060] The second separation conduit 32 positioned downstream of the second flow redirecting structure 33 is configured to provide a flow path for the effluent-entrained fluid mixture in a second main direction to the exhaust conduit 16 .

[0061] The second separation duct 32 is coaxial with the inlet duct 6 and the first separation duct 31 and is radially positioned between the inlet duct 6 and the first separation duct 31. It is defined between the inner shell 30 and the intermediate shell 13 so that the second separation duct 32 comprises an annular passage. The first and second flow redirecting structures 7, 33 are positioned at the axial ends of the nested coaxial tubes forming the inlet duct 6, the first separation duct 31 and the second separation duct 32.

[0062] Downstream of the second separation conduit 32, the exhaust conduit 16 includes a plurality of gas conduits positioned circumferentially around the downstream end of the second separation conduit 32. The gas conduits extend through the first flow redirection structure 7, in particular through the first radial element 9. The gas conduits interconnect the second separation conduit 32 with the exhaust fluid at the upper portion of the separator 2. It will be appreciated that the exhaust conduit 16 may include a different number of gas conduits than that depicted in this embodiment. For example, the exhaust conduit 16 may include one or more gas conduits. The exhaust conduit 16 may include the same number of gas conduits as the first radial element 9 present, although this is not necessarily the case.

[0063] Each gas duct includes a vertical column 19 that extends above the first flow redirecting structure 7 to prevent liquid accumulated on the top of the separator 2 from falling back through the discharge portion and being "re-entrained". In order to discharge the accumulated fluid without the risk of re-entrainment, the separator 2 includes a discharge or discharge channel 20 that also extends through the first flow redirecting structure 7, and in particular the first radial element 9. The discharge channel 20 is configured to allow scrubber water or other accumulated liquid to be discharged into the collection tank 12 without mixing with the effluent passing through the separator 2. The discharge channel 20 is located radially outward from the discharge conduit 16 gas duct circumference and extends through the first flow redirecting structure 7 toward the tank 12 below. It should be understood that the discharge channel 20 may include one or more discharge channels.

[0064] Figure 7 An embodiment is shown in which the separator 2 is followed by a packed bed wet scrubber 17 to enhance the gas scrubbing performance. Figure 7A support plate 18 for the scrubber packing is shown (the scrubber packing is not included for clarity). This embodiment features a short vertical post 19 on the outlet of the gas conduit 16 which allows the scrubber liquid to collect and then drain into the liquid collection sump 12 via a channel 20 without significant contact with the gas stream 21. This prevents liquid droplets from being re-entrained back into the gas stream.

[0065] In order to maximize the efficiency of a packed bed scrubber, it is helpful to ensure that the gas flow entering the bottom of the packed tower is as evenly distributed as possible. To this end, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) flow modeling of the flow leaving the gas-liquid separator allows optimization of the hole size and distribution in the scrubber packing support plate 18. To optimize the support plate configuration, the size and density of the holes in the direct line of sight of the gas-liquid separator discharge port / vertical column 19 of the discharge conduit should be reduced, thereby forcing the gas flow to spread out.

[0066] In use, a gas-particle flow (effluent) stream 1 enters the separator 2 at its base and travels vertically upwards through an inlet 3 in the lower surface of the separator 2. Here, when a high-speed jet 4 (at Figure 1 As the jet (shown as a cone) passes through the venturi inlet conduit 6, it meets and mixes with the high-speed jet 4. As it rises further, eventually leaving the venturi inlet conduit 6, it enters the counter-flow portion of the device. Note that in the following discussion, the jet's entrained fluid may be referred to as water.

[0067] The effluent stream 1 is drawn into the separator 2 by the suction provided by the spray of water in the first main direction and by the pressurization of the upstream effluent. In this way, the effluent containing the pollutants is forced through the inlet conduit 6 and combines with the atomized water droplets. The acid gas particles and small powders in the effluent stream 1 are easily attached or absorbed into the atomized water because the droplets are usually comparable in size to the pollutants.

[0068] The use of high pressure jets allows the separator 2 to have a longer flow path. Having a low pressure water jet would reduce the pressure or energy and would reduce the ability of the effluent to be redirected one or more times and still be discharged from the separator without additional help from, for example, an external fan. The preferred velocity of the water through the inlet duct 6 is between 50 and 150 m / s. At these velocities, it is insignificant to apply the jet in an upward direction.

[0069] After leaving the venturi inlet conduit 6, the effluent-entrained fluid mixture encounters an axially mounted cone 8 which splits the flow and directs it (radially) outwardly toward a flow guide element 9 which imparts a combined tangential (rotational) and downward direction to the fluid. As the effluent-entrained fluid mixture leaves the countercurrent portion 7, it is directed toward the inner surface of the outer shell 10. Upon impacting the inner surface of the outer shell 10, the momentum of the denser liquid portion of the fluid causes it to separate from the gaseous portion. The liquid forms a film on the inner surface of the outer shell 10 and falls toward the bottom of the separator 2 under the action of gravity.

[0070] Rotational / tangential / circumferential flow is preferred to linear flow because it extends the distance traveled by the effluent-entrained fluid mixture, thereby allowing more time for separation. In addition, the rotational motion can have a centrifugal effect, which helps to separate the contaminated water from the gas effluent. It should be noted that although the effluent-entrained fluid mixture follows a substantially helical path in the first separation conduit 31, the net flow is downward (second main direction).

[0071] A hole 11 in the bottom of the separator 2 allows the liquid to drain into a sump 12. The sump 12 collects the entrained fluid (scrubber liquid) which is then either recirculated through the system or pumped to waste.

[0072] The remaining effluent-entrained fluid mixture has a significantly reduced liquid portion, but still carries liquid droplets, and continues to swirl around the outer annular chamber 31 of the gas-liquid separator. Due to the presence of the internal flow guide 13 toward the baffle 14, the flow continues to be directed downward and tangentially / rotationally. CFD simulations show that when the fluid passes between the guide elements, the peak velocity of the fluid exceeds 15ms-1, but when the fluid encounters the baffle, the peak velocity is less than 6ms-1 and further slows down, allowing the remaining water droplets to settle under gravity and discharge into the storage tank 12. The baffle helps to turn the circumferential flow into a more linear flow. The remaining flow, which is now essentially free of liquid droplets, rises to the inner annular chamber 15 of the gas-liquid separator 2 and passes through an array of gas pipes 16. The size of the inner annular chamber 15 is selected so that the typical flow rate is now less than 3ms-1, and therefore can only carry very small liquid droplets. Preferably, the effluent travels through the second separation conduit 32 at the lowest possible speed, thereby providing the greatest opportunity for separating pollutants. The separated water falls to the bottom of the second flow redirecting structure where it is discharged through the discharge holes 11 into the sump 12 .

[0073] In an alternative embodiment, the second separation conduit 32 may be positioned radially outward of the first separation conduit 31, which in turn is positioned radially outward of the inlet conduit 6. In this way, a zigzag type flow path may be formed. This arrangement may provide an alternative low cost separator, as the exhaust conduit and the drain channel may not need to pass through the first flow redirecting structure.

[0074] Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be implemented therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0075] Reference numerals

[0076] 1 Outflow Logistics

[0077] 2 Separator

[0078] 3Entrance

[0079] 4 Ejecta

[0080] 5 spray nozzles

[0081] 6 Inlet duct

[0082] 7. First Flow Redirection Structure

[0083] 8 cones

[0084] 9First radial element

[0085] 10 Outer shell

[0086] 11Exit

[0087] 12 Storage tanks

[0088] 13 Intermediate housing

[0089] 14 Second radial element

[0090] 16 Exhaust catheter

[0091] 17Packed Bed Wet Scrubber

[0092] 18 Support plate

[0093] 19 vertical column

[0094] 20 Exhaust channel

[0095] 21 Exhaust Flow

[0096] 30 Inner tube / Inner shell

[0097] 31 First separation catheter

[0098] 32 Second separation catheter

Claims

1. A separator for separating pollutants in an effluent stream, comprising: an inlet conduit configured to receive the effluent stream containing pollutants from an abatement device flowing in a first principal direction from a lower portion of the separator toward an upper portion of the separator; an injection nozzle configured to inject an entrainment fluid in the inlet conduit in the first principal direction to entrain the contaminants in the effluent stream; a first flow redirecting structure downstream of the inlet conduit; and A first separation conduit located downstream of the first flow redirecting structure, wherein the first flow redirecting structure is configured to redirect the flow of the effluent stream and the entrained fluid from an axial flow from an inlet conduit to a circumferential flow within the first separation conduit in a second main direction opposite to the first main direction.

2. The separator according to claim 1, wherein: The inlet duct expands in the first main direction towards the first flow redirecting structure.

3. The separator according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The first flow redirecting structure is located between the inlet conduit and the first separation conduit.

4. A separator according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second flow redirecting structure located downstream of the first separation conduit and a second separation conduit located downstream of the second flow redirecting structure, wherein The second flow redirecting structure is configured to redirect the flow of the effluent stream and the entrained fluid into the first principal direction opposite to the second principal direction within the second separation conduit.

5. A separator according to claim 4, wherein The second flow redirecting structure is located between the first separation conduit and the second separation conduit.

6. The separator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The first separation conduit and the second separation conduit coaxially surround the inlet conduit.

7. A separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one of the first flow redirection structure and the second flow redirection structure is configured to present a curved surface to the effluent stream and the entrained fluid to redirect the flow of the effluent stream and the entrained fluid.

8. A separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first flow redirecting structure includes a first radial element extending between the inlet conduit and the first separation conduit.

9. The separator according to claim 8, wherein: The first radial element is positioned circumferentially around the inlet duct.

10. The separator according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein: The inlet conduit defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein the first radial element is configured to impart a rotational flow about the longitudinal axis to the effluent stream and the entrained fluid within the first separation conduit.

11. The separator according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The first radial element is shaped to present a curved surface to the effluent flow and the entrained fluid to impart the rotational flow.

12. A separator according to any one of claims 8 to 11, when dependent on any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein The first radial element defines a discharge conduit that is fluidly coupled to the second separation conduit and is configured to convey the effluent stream from the second separation conduit to a discharge.

13. A separator according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein: The second flow redirecting structure includes a second radial element extending between the first separation conduit and the second separation conduit.

14. The separator according to claim 13, wherein: The second radial element is positioned circumferentially around the first and second separation conduits.

15. The separator according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The second radial element is configured to inhibit rotational flow of the effluent stream and the entrained fluid within the first separation conduit and the second separation conduit.

16. A separator according to any one of claims 4 to 15, when dependent on claim 4, wherein The second flow redirecting structure defines at least one outlet positioned to discharge accumulated entrained fluid into a sump.

17. A method of separating contaminants from an effluent stream using a separator, comprising: receiving, at an inlet conduit of a separator, an effluent flow in a first main direction from a lower portion of the separator toward an upper portion of the separator; injecting an entrainment fluid in the inlet conduit along the first principal direction to entrain the contaminants; redirecting the flow of the entrained fluid and the effluent stream from an axial flow from the inlet conduit to a circumferential flow in a second primary direction opposite the first primary direction using a first flow redirecting structure positioned downstream of the inlet conduit; and An entrained fluid comprising contaminants is separated from the effluent stream using a first separation conduit.

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