Gas-liquid separation device
By introducing centrifugal separation and dual-swirl coupling technology into the gas-liquid separation device of the cryogenic submersible pump, the foaming problem was solved, achieving efficient and stable gas-liquid separation and improving the stability of cryogenic liquid transportation and equipment life.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520568531.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing cryogenic submersible pumps have gas-liquid separation devices that generate bubbles during the separation process, resulting in uneven temperature distribution within the pump body and affecting equipment stability and efficiency.
A gas-liquid separation device is adopted, including a first separation component, a separation element and a second separation component in a separation tank. It utilizes the density difference between gas and liquid for centrifugal separation, and destroys bubbles through the reciprocating movement of the separation element and the pulsating pressure gradient. It achieves efficient gas-liquid separation by combining the double swirling coupling of the spiral and the reverse flow channel.
It significantly improves gas-liquid separation efficiency, reduces cold loss and energy consumption, extends equipment life, and enhances the stability and reliability of cryogenic liquid transportation.
Smart Images

Figure CN223930916U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cryogenic liquid separation, and in particular to a gas-liquid separation device. Background Technology
[0002] Cryogenic submersible pumps play an important role in the field of gas-liquid separation. They are mainly used to transport cryogenic liquids such as liquefied natural gas (LNG). In the air separation oxygen production process, cryogenic liquid pumps are responsible for transporting liquids with extremely low temperatures (such as -183℃ to -200℃). It is required to maintain the low temperature and minimize cold loss during the transportation process to prevent the cryogenic liquid from vaporizing and affecting the normal operation of the pump. To achieve this goal, a gas-liquid separation device is often installed at the liquid inlet of the submersible pump.
[0003] In addition, the existing pump pool inlet method of cryogenic submersible pumps results in a large temperature difference distribution throughout the pump body, which is not friendly to the pump's operating environment. At the same time, the setting of the gas-liquid separation device increases the amount of vaporization of cryogenic liquid to a certain extent, forming a foaming form. Utility Model Content
[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a gas-liquid separation device that aims to solve the problem of foaming during the separation process in existing separation devices.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a gas-liquid separation device, including a separation tank. The separation tank is provided with a liquid inlet, a gas outlet, and a liquid outlet. A first separation component, a separation element, and a second separation component are sequentially connected in the separation tank along the direction away from the liquid inlet. The first separation component includes a separation seat, and the separation seat is provided with a separation chamber. The separation element is rotatably disposed above the separation chamber. The second separation component is fixedly connected to the first separation component.
[0006] Optionally, the separation tank is internally connected to a rotating shaft, and the first separation component, the separation element, and the second separation component are all connected to the rotating shaft. The separation chamber is spirally provided with several separation channels, which are used for gas-liquid separation.
[0007] Optionally, the separating component includes a rotating cylinder rotatably mounted on a rotating shaft, and an elastic element disposed between the rotating cylinder and the second separating component, wherein the outer periphery of the rotating cylinder is provided with a plurality of air holes at an incline.
[0008] Optionally, the lower end face of the second separation component forms a liquid cavity with the upper end face of the first separation component, and a liquid outlet is provided on the side of the second separation component near the liquid cavity.
[0009] Optionally, the second separation component is provided with a liquid distribution channel communicating with the liquid distribution port, and the liquid distribution channel communicating with the liquid outlet.
[0010] Optionally, the interior of the second separation component is connected to the center of the separation chamber to form a gas chamber, and the gas chamber is connected to the gas outlet.
[0011] Optionally, the outer periphery of the separating seat is provided with a flow channel that rotates in the opposite direction to the separating channel.
[0012] Optionally, the separate channels are interconnected.
[0013] Optionally, the first separation component, the separation element, and the second separation component are all rotatably connected to the rotating shaft.
[0014] This invention achieves gas-liquid separation by combining a first separation component, a separation element, and a second separation component within a separation tank. Specifically, the first separation component performs a single separation process based on the density difference between gas and liquid in the separation channel. The separation element is rotatably mounted on a rotating shaft and located above the separation chamber. As the shaft rotates, the separation element tends to move upwards under the influence of flowing gas / liquid. Furthermore, its internal structure exerts a downward force, and this cyclical movement results in the reciprocating motion of the separation element on the rotating shaft. This reciprocating motion directly manifests as unsteady wall shear stress on the bubble formation, decomposing large-scale bubble structures into low-scale micro-vortices. Simultaneously, the reciprocating motion of the separation element applies a pulsating pressure gradient to disrupt the bubble growth relaxation time, thereby solving the problem of bubble formation in existing separation devices and achieving stable separation in the gas-liquid separation device. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the axial view structure of the separation device of this utility model;
[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the separation device of this utility model;
[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first separation component and the second separation component of this utility model;
[0018] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified structural diagram of A in the diagram.
[0019] Figure label:
[0020] 1-Separation tank, 2-Rotating shaft, 3-Liquid inlet, 4-Gas outlet, 5-Liquid outlet, 6-First separation component, 7-Separation element, 8-Second separation component; 61-Separation seat, 62-Separation chamber, 63-Separation channel, 64-Flow channel; 71-Rotating cylinder, 72-Elastic element, 73-Gas hole; 81-Liquid chamber, 82-Liquid distribution port, 83-Liquid distribution channel, 84-Gas chamber.
[0021] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0023] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.
[0024] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixing" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0025] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0026] Example 1:
[0027] Please refer to the attached document as well. Figures 1 to 4A gas-liquid separation device is characterized in that it includes a separation tank 1, which is provided with a liquid inlet 3, a gas outlet 4 and a liquid outlet 5. A first separation component 6, a separation element 7 and a second separation component 8 are sequentially connected in the direction away from the liquid inlet 3 in the separation tank 1. The first separation component 6 includes a separation seat 61, which is provided with a separation chamber 62. The separation element 7 is rotatably disposed above the separation chamber 62. The second separation component 8 is fixedly connected to the first separation component 6.
[0028] It should be noted that existing cryogenic submersible pumps are often used in conjunction with gas-liquid separation devices to prevent excessive gas from entering the submersible pump and causing cavitation in the pump body. In this embodiment, the gas-liquid separation device is set at the liquid inlet of the submersible pump. It should also be noted that the gas-liquid separation device in the prior art has a foaming form. According to Henry's Law, the solubility of gas increases sharply as the temperature decreases. However, during the rapid depressurization process (such as when the separated liquid is about to enter the submersible pump area), the dissolved gas becomes supersaturated and precipitates to form bubbles. In addition, strong turbulence with a high local Reynolds number is generated at the submersible pump inlet, and the gas-liquid interface is sheared to form bubbles.
[0029] Based on the above problems, the applicant proposes a gas-liquid separation device that uses a first separation component 6, a separation element 7, and a second separation component 8 within a separation tank to jointly achieve the gas-liquid separation process. Specifically, the first separation component 6 performs a single separation process based on the density difference between gas and liquid through the separation channel 63 to achieve centrifugal separation. The separation element 7 is rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft 2 and located above the separation chamber 62. Under the action of flowing gas / liquid, the separation element 7 tends to move upwards. Under the action of its internal structure, it is also subjected to a downward force. This cycle repeats, enabling the separation element 7 to reciprocate on the rotating shaft 2. The reciprocating movement of the separation element 7 directly manifests as unsteady wall shear stress on the bubble-forming form, decomposing the large-scale bubble structure into low-scale micro-vortices. Simultaneously, the reciprocating movement of the separation element 7 can also apply a pulsating pressure gradient to disrupt the bubble growth relaxation time, thereby solving the problem of bubble-forming in the separation process of existing separation devices and achieving stable separation in the gas-liquid separation device.
[0030] Based on the above process, the first separation component 6 and the second separation component 8 are fixedly connected and communicate with each other through the internal gas chamber 84, which effectively avoids the re-mixing of gas / liquid after the initial gas-liquid separation. It can be understood that the structures of the first separation component 6 and the second separation component 8 are similar, both having structures such as the separation channel 63 for centrifugal separation. The difference is that the second separation component 8 has a liquid outlet 82, which is connected to the liquid chamber 81 to realize the liquid transport. Considering that the first separation process with the separation component 7 has a good gas-liquid separation effect, the liquid chamber 81 and the gas chamber 84 are not connected during the transport process of the liquid chamber 81.
[0031] In this embodiment, a rotating shaft 2 is internally connected to the separation tank 1. The first separation component 6, the separation element 7, and the second separation component 8 are all connected to the rotating shaft 2. A plurality of separation channels 63 are spirally formed inside the separation chamber 62, and the separation channels 63 are used for gas-liquid separation. The first separation component 6, the separation element 7, and the second separation component 8 are all rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 2. The connection method of the first separation component 6, the separation element 7, and the second separation component 8 on the rotating shaft 2 can be either a fixed connection or a rotatable connection. Taking a rotatable connection as an example, under the drive of the fluid, the first separation component 6 and the second separation component 8 rotate relative to the rotating shaft 2 within the separation tank 1. Based on the gas-liquid separation achieved by the physicochemical properties of the fluid, gas-liquid separation can also be achieved by centrifugal force. Taking a fixed connection as another example, the first separation component 6, the second separation component 8, and the separation tank 1 are regarded as a whole, and the gas-liquid separation process is achieved through the internal separation channels 63 and other structures.
[0032] In this embodiment, the separating component 7 includes a rotating cylinder 71 rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft 2, and an elastic component 72 disposed between the rotating cylinder 71 and the second separating component 8. The outer periphery of the rotating cylinder 71 is provided with a plurality of air holes 73.
[0033] Based on the above structure, the rotating drum 71 is flexibly connected to the second separation component 8 via an elastic element 72 (such as a spring). When the rotating shaft 2 rotates, it is driven by fluid force and elastic restoring force, vibrating axially at a frequency of 10Hz to 50Hz with an amplitude of approximately 1mm to 3mm. This dynamic process generates unsteady wall shear stress, directly disrupting the interfacial stability of large-scale bubbles, decomposing them into sub-millimeter-scale microbubbles, and shortening the bubble growth relaxation time through a pulsating pressure gradient, thus suppressing the expansion of flash bubbles. The elastic element 72 not only balances fluid dynamics and mechanical restoring force, ensuring the stability of the separation component 7's movement, but also dynamically adjusts the amplitude according to the flow rate, adapting to different operating conditions. The inclined air hole 73 (preferably with an inclination angle of 45° to 60°) utilizes centrifugal force and the Coriolis effect to accelerate the migration of gas towards the central gas chamber 84. Simultaneously, its sharp edges cut the bubble membrane, preventing secondary gas entrainment and further improving separation efficiency.
[0034] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the separator 61 is provided with a flow channel 64 that rotates in the opposite direction to the separator channel 63. The dual-swirling coupling of the spiral separator channel 63 and the reverse flow channel 64 increases the gas-liquid separation efficiency from 92% to 97.5%, and reduces the gas entrainment rate to below 0.8%. Dynamic shearing and pulsating pressure regulation significantly reduce cold loss, resulting in a more uniform temperature distribution in the separator tank and extending equipment life. The reciprocating movement of the separator 7 suppresses cavitation, reducing NPSHr (Necessary Net Positive Suction Head) by 18% and improving the pump's operational stability and reliability. These improvements not only shorten the pump pool precooling time but also reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs, providing an efficient and durable solution for cryogenic industrial scenarios such as LNG transportation and air separation oxygen production, demonstrating significant engineering application value.
[0035] In this embodiment, the outer periphery of the separator 61 is provided with a flow channel 64 whose rotation direction is opposite to that of the separator channel 63. The separator channel 63 (e.g., with a helix angle of 30° to 45°) throws the gas-liquid mixture outward along a fixed rotation direction under centrifugal force, while the reverse flow channel 64 (with the opposite rotation direction and the same or slightly smaller helix angle) forms a counter-rotating swirling flow field on the outer periphery of the separator 61. This dual-rotating coupled flow field produces the following effects:
[0036] Boundary layer stripping: The adverse pressure gradient of the reverse flow channel 64 disrupts the laminar boundary layer outside the separation channel 63, stripping away attached bubbles and reducing boundary layer residence time; Turbulence suppression: The interaction between the reverse vortex and the main separating vortex decomposes large-scale vortex structures (such as Taylor vortices) into micro-vortices, increasing the turbulent kinetic energy decay rate by 2.
[0037] Three times, suppressing bubble regeneration due to turbulent shearing; gas-liquid reseparation: the reverse flow channel 64 guides part of the liquid back, forming a local secondary centrifugal field to supplement and separate residual micro bubbles, ensuring that the gas gathers efficiently into the central gas chamber 84.
[0038] In this embodiment, the lower end face of the second separation component 8 and the upper end face of the first separation component 6 form a liquid cavity 81, and a liquid distribution port 82 is provided on the side of the second separation component 8 near the liquid cavity 81. It should be noted that the liquid cavity 81 formed by the lower end face of the second separation component 8 and the upper end face of the first separation component 6 provides a relatively stable buffer space for the separated liquid. Within this space, the liquid after the first separation can further settle and accumulate, reducing gas entrainment. The liquid distribution port 82 is located on the side of the second separation component 8 near the liquid cavity 81, allowing the liquid to smoothly enter the liquid distribution channel 83 and finally be discharged from the liquid outlet 5, effectively preventing the gas and liquid from mixing again after the initial gas-liquid separation, thus improving the thoroughness and efficiency of the separation. Furthermore, the presence of the liquid cavity 81 ensures that the separated liquid has a relatively stable flow state before entering the liquid distribution channel 83, reducing liquid turbulence and disturbance, further reducing the possibility of gas entrainment.
[0039] In this embodiment, the second separation component 8 is provided with a liquid distribution channel 83 communicating with the liquid distribution port 82, and the liquid distribution channel 83 communicating with the liquid outlet 5. Based on the above structure, the second separation component 8 is provided with a liquid distribution channel 83 communicating with the liquid distribution port 82 and the liquid outlet 5, providing a smooth discharge path for the separated liquid. The design of the liquid distribution channel 83 ensures that the liquid flows more orderly in the separation device and reduces the liquid residence time. The direction and size of the liquid distribution channel 83 can be optimized according to actual working conditions to adapt to different flow rate and pressure requirements. In practical applications, the liquid distribution channel 83 can achieve uniform distribution and guidance of the liquid according to the flow characteristics of the liquid, further improving the separation effect.
[0040] In this embodiment, the interior of the second separation component 8 is connected to the center of the separation chamber 62 to form a gas chamber 84, which is connected to the gas outlet 4. The connection between the gas chamber 84 and the center of the separation chamber 62 forms a vertical channel, allowing the gas to rise rapidly along this channel and be discharged during the separation process. This structure utilizes the density difference between gas and liquid, making it easier for the gas to gather towards the center and enter the gas chamber 84 under the action of centrifugal force. Simultaneously, the presence of the gas chamber 84 reduces turbulence and disturbance within the separation chamber 62, further improving the separation effect. The connection between the gas chamber 84 and the gas outlet 4 allows for smooth gas discharge, reducing pressure buildup within the separation device and improving the overall operational stability of the device.
[0041] In this embodiment, the separation channels 63 are interconnected. When the gas-liquid mixture undergoes centrifugal separation within the separation channels 63, the interconnected channels allow for a more uniform distribution of the liquid under centrifugal force, preventing a decrease in separation efficiency due to localized liquid phase accumulation. Simultaneously, this interconnected structure facilitates the formation of a continuous swirling flow field, enabling the gas to migrate more smoothly towards the central gas chamber 84 under centrifugal force, reducing gas residue within the separation channels 63, and further improving the efficiency and effectiveness of gas-liquid separation. Furthermore, the interconnected separation channels 63 enhance fluid flow stability, reducing bubble re-entrainment caused by fluid fluctuations or pressure changes, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the separation process, effectively reducing cold loss, improving the overall operating performance and service life of the device, and providing a more efficient solution for cryogenic liquid transport.
[0042] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and do not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the description and drawings of this utility model, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A gas-liquid separation device, characterized in that, The device includes a separation tank, which has a liquid inlet, an air outlet, and a liquid outlet. Inside the separation tank, a first separation component, a separation element, and a second separation component are connected in sequence along the direction away from the liquid inlet. The first separation component includes a separation seat, which has a separation chamber. The separation element is rotatably disposed above the separation chamber. The second separation component is fixedly connected to the first separation component.
2. The gas-liquid separation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The separator is internally connected to a rotating shaft. The first separator, the separator component, and the second separator are all connected to the rotating shaft. The separator chamber is spirally provided with several separation channels for gas-liquid separation.
3. The gas-liquid separation device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The separating component includes a rotating cylinder rotatably mounted on a rotating shaft, and an elastic element disposed between the rotating cylinder and the second separating component. The outer periphery of the rotating cylinder is provided with a plurality of air holes at an incline.
4. The gas-liquid separation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end face of the second separation component and the upper end face of the first separation component form a liquid cavity, and a liquid outlet is provided on the side of the second separation component near the liquid cavity.
5. A gas-liquid separation device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second separation component is provided with a liquid distribution channel that communicates with the liquid distribution port and the liquid outlet.
6. The gas-liquid separation device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The interior of the second separation component is connected to the center of the separation chamber to form a gas chamber, and the gas chamber is connected to the gas outlet.
7. A gas-liquid separation device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the separator is provided with a flow channel that rotates in the opposite direction to the separator channel.
8. The gas-liquid separation device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The various separation channels are interconnected.
9. A gas-liquid separation device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first separation component, the separation element, and the second separation component are all rotatably connected to the rotating shaft.