Liquid hydrocarbon coalescer separator

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of liquid hydrocarbon coalescence separator, belongs to filter purification related technical field, including: cylinder, cylinder is horizontal cylinder structure;Coalescence system, coalescence system includes coalescence filter element;Separation system, separation system includes separation filter element;Coalescence filter element and separation filter element are arranged in cylinder, along the long axis direction of cylinder, coalescence filter element and separation filter element interval arrangement;The component length of the axis of coalescence filter element in horizontal direction is greater than in vertical direction, and / or, the component length of the axis of separation filter element in horizontal direction is greater than in vertical direction, to increase the sedimentation distance of water phase.The utility model discloses horizontal vessel structure, i.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of filtration and purification technology, and more specifically, to a liquid hydrocarbon coalescence separator. Background Technology

[0002] In petroleum refining or hydrocarbon processing, moisture inevitably gets mixed into the process media or finished products due to the raw materials themselves or the use of processes such as stripping, alkali washing, and amine treatment. The presence of moisture has many adverse effects on process efficiency, equipment, and final product quality. Therefore, refining and chemical enterprises need to invest significant amounts of equipment, materials, and labor to solve the problem of dehydration of hydrocarbon media.

[0003] The following are typical technical solutions provided in the existing technology:

[0004] 1. Chinese Patent Application No. CN204973247U discloses an aviation kerosene filter separator that integrates the functions of filtering impurities and dehydration. It can not only filter out small particles in the fuel, but also effectively filter out moisture, fibers and suspended solids in the fuel.

[0005] 2. Chinese Patent Application No. CN113198244A discloses a high-efficiency filter coalescing separator for aviation kerosene. This high-efficiency filter coalescing separator for aviation kerosene has the functions of filtration, coalescence, and separation. This application reduces equipment investment costs and reduces maintenance and filter replacement workload by half, which has great economic significance.

[0006] Analysis of existing technologies reveals that existing coalescing separators are mainly vertical structures. In vertical structures, the settling distance of the aqueous phase is small, which is not conducive to the separation of liquid hydrocarbons and water. In particular, when the densities of liquid hydrocarbons and water are relatively close, the aqueous phase does not settle in time and is prone to adhering to the surface of the separation filter element, affecting the separation effect. Utility Model Content

[0007] (I) Technical Issues

[0008] In summary, how to solve the problem of poor separation effect caused by the short water phase settling distance in existing vertical coalescing separators has become an urgent problem to be solved by those skilled in the art.

[0009] (II) Technical Solution

[0010] To address the problems of existing technologies, this invention provides a liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator. In this invention, the liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator adopts a horizontal container structure, which significantly increases the settling distance of water, and includes a collection bag to achieve the aggregation and discharge of the aqueous phase. The liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator includes a coalescing filter element and a separating filter element, which are horizontally installed on corresponding coalescing trays and separating trays, respectively. The liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator provided by this invention not only has high dewatering efficiency and low operating costs, but can also meet various complex process and operating condition requirements.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0012] This utility model provides a liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator, which includes:

[0013] The cylindrical body is a horizontal cylindrical structure;

[0014] A coalescing system, the coalescing system including a coalescing filter element;

[0015] A separation system, the separation system including a separation filter element;

[0016] The coalescing filter element and the separating filter element are disposed in the cylinder, and are arranged at intervals along the long axis of the cylinder.

[0017] The horizontal component of the coalescing filter element's axis is longer than its vertical component, and / or the horizontal component of the separating filter element's axis is longer than its vertical component, in order to increase the settling distance of the aqueous phase.

[0018] Preferably, in the liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator provided by this utility model, the coalescing filter element is arranged parallel to the cylinder; and / or, the separating filter element is arranged parallel to the cylinder.

[0019] Preferably, in the liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator provided by this utility model, a coalescing filter tray is provided inside the cylinder, and the coalescing filter element is detachably installed on the coalescing filter tray. A medium inlet for inputting liquid hydrocarbon medium is connected to the coalescing filter tray, and the medium inlet, the coalescing filter tray, and the coalescing filter element form a coalescing path for unidirectional input of liquid hydrocarbon medium. A separation filter tray is provided inside the cylinder, and the separation filter element is detachably installed on the separation filter tray. A liquid hydrocarbon outlet for outputting separated liquid hydrocarbon medium is connected to the separation filter tray, and the separation filter element, the separation filter tray, and the liquid hydrocarbon outlet form a separation path for unidirectional output of separated liquid hydrocarbon medium. The coalescing filter tray and the separation filter tray are disposed between the coalescing filter element and the separation filter element to increase the settling distance of the aqueous phase.

[0020] Preferably, in the liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator provided by this utility model, a plurality of coalescing filter elements are provided on the coalescing filter element tray; and a plurality of separating filter elements are provided on the separating filter element tray.

[0021] Preferably, in the liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator provided by this utility model, the number of coalescing filter elements arranged on the coalescing filter element tray gradually increases from top to bottom in the height direction of the cylinder; and the number of separating filter elements arranged on the separating filter element tray gradually decreases from top to bottom in the height direction of the cylinder.

[0022] Preferably, in the liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator provided by this utility model, a liquid collection bag is provided on the cylinder body. The liquid collection bag is located below the cylinder body and connected to the bottom surface of the cylinder body for the collection of the sedimented aqueous phase.

[0023] Preferably, in the liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator provided by this utility model, an interface gauge is provided on the liquid collection bag to observe the interface height between the liquid hydrocarbon medium and the aqueous phase in the liquid collection bag.

[0024] Preferably, the liquid hydrocarbon coalescence separator provided by this utility model further includes a support, which is disposed below the cylinder and is used for supporting the cylinder and adjusting its height; an mounting plate is provided on the support, which is an arc-shaped plate that matches the arc of the lower side of the cylinder.

[0025] Preferably, in the liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator provided by this utility model, a flow equalization tube is provided inside the coalescing filter element, and a flow equalization opening is provided on the flow equalization tube. The spacing between the flow equalization openings gradually decreases from the inlet end of the coalescing filter element to the other end.

[0026] Preferably, in the liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator provided by this utility model, the separation filter element is a cylindrical structure, a metal or plastic skeleton is provided inside the separation filter element, and a polytetrafluoroethylene coating is provided on the outside of the skeleton.

[0027] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0028] Through the above structural design, the liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator provided by this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects compared with the existing technology: 1. This utility model adopts a horizontal container structure, that is, the cylinder is a horizontal cylinder structure, and the special installation method of the filter element (preferably horizontal installation method) can greatly increase the settling distance of the aqueous phase and improve the removal efficiency of the aqueous phase in liquid hydrocarbons; 2. This utility model uses two types of filter elements, coalescing and separation, integrating the functions of filtering impurities and removing water, reducing equipment investment costs; 3. This utility model uses a tray structure to replace the traditional partition structure, which facilitates the cleaning of the cylinder and greatly reduces labor costs; 4. This utility model has a liquid collection bag at the bottom of the coalescing separator, which is conducive to the collection and discharge of the aqueous phase. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. Wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid hydrocarbon coalescence separator in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the coalescing filter element in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the filter element separation in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0033] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the diagram, the correspondence between component names and reference numerals is as follows:

[0034] 1. Cylinder body; 2. Coalescing filter element; 3. Separating filter element; 4. Coalescing filter element tray; 5. Media inlet; 6. Separating filter element tray; 7. Liquid hydrocarbon outlet; 8. Liquid collection bag; 9. Interface gauge; 10. Support; 11. Mounting plate; 12. End cap.

[0035] Aqueous phase a. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Various examples are provided by way of explanation of the present invention and not by way of limitation. In fact, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is desirable that the present invention encompass such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," and "bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and do not require that this utility model be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. The terms "connected" and "linked" used in this utility model should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through intermediate components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 ,in, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid hydrocarbon coalescence separator in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the coalescing filter element in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the filter element separation in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0039] This invention provides a liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator. The separator includes a cylindrical body 1, which forms the main structure of the separator, with all other components mounted on it. The cylindrical body 1 is a horizontal structure, designed to allow for horizontal installation of the internal filter element, thereby increasing the lateral flow of the aqueous phase and increasing the settling distance. A coalescing system and a separation system are installed within the cylindrical body 1. The coalescing system enables the coalescence of the aqueous phase and the filtration of particulate impurities within the liquid hydrocarbon medium, while also demulsifying the liquid hydrocarbon medium. The separation system further removes the aqueous phase from the liquid hydrocarbon medium.

[0040] Compared with the prior art, the present invention mainly solves the following technical problems:

[0041] 1. Effectively solves the problem of insufficient aqueous phase settling distance in existing liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separators;

[0042] 2. Effectively solves the problem of insufficient dehydration capacity and efficiency in existing liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separators;

[0043] 3. Effectively solves the problem of insufficient sedimentation of the aqueous phase when the density of liquid hydrocarbon and water is close in existing liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separators.

[0044] Specifically, the coalescing system includes a coalescing filter element 2, and the separation system includes a separation filter element 3. Both the coalescing filter element 2 and the separation filter element 3 are preferably long, straight, cylindrical tubes with hollow interiors. The liquid hydrocarbon medium to be treated first enters the coalescing filter element 2, then the separation filter element 3, and finally exits. The coalescing filter element 2 and the separation filter element 3 are disposed within a cylindrical body 1, along the long axis of the cylindrical body 1 (the cylindrical body 1 is preferably a cylindrical structure, and the axis along the length of the cylindrical body 1 is the long axis). The coalescing filter element 2 and the separation filter element 3 are arranged at intervals (the coalescing filter element 2 and the separation filter element 3 are respectively placed on both sides of the cylindrical body 1 and mounted on trays; this structure can increase the horizontal distance between the coalescing filter element and the separation filter element, thereby increasing the settling distance of the aqueous phase). The horizontal component of the axis of the coalescing filter element 2 is greater than its vertical component, and / or, the horizontal component of the axis of the separation filter element 3 is greater than its vertical component. This design is mainly used to increase the settling distance of the aqueous phase. Furthermore, this invention provides a coalescing filter element tray and a separating filter element tray inside the cylinder. The coalescing filter element and the separating filter element are installed back to back (in opposite directions) through the coalescing filter element tray and the separating filter element tray. This structure increases the horizontal distance between the coalescing filter element and the separating filter element, thereby increasing the settling distance of the water phase.

[0045] In the above design, the coalescing filter element 2 and / or the separating filter element 3 can have two installation postures: horizontal or inclined. When horizontally installed, the filter element only has a horizontal component, but when inclined, the length of the horizontal component must be greater than the length of the vertical component to ensure a longer settling distance for the aqueous phase. Furthermore, the external outline shape of the cylinder 1 can be limited according to the operating environment. The external outline shape of the cylinder 1 will affect its internal spatial structure. The above-mentioned structural design of this utility model can improve the installation posture of the filter element (coalescing filter element 2 or separating filter element 3) according to the internal spatial structure of the cylinder 1, meeting the shape requirements of the liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator under various environments.

[0046] Specifically, the coalescing filter element 2 is provided with a flow equalization tube, and the flow equalization opening is provided on the flow equalization tube. The spacing between the flow equalization openings gradually decreases from the inlet end of the coalescing filter element 2 to the other end.

[0047] Specifically, the separator filter element 3 has a cylindrical structure, with a metal skeleton inside and a polytetrafluoroethylene coating on the outside of the skeleton.

[0048] The coalescing filter element 2 and the separating filter element 3 are arranged at intervals along the long axis of the cylinder 1, that is, the coalescing filter element 2 and the separating filter element 3 are arranged on both sides of the cylinder 1, and each type of filter element is arranged at intervals.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the coalescing filter element 2 is arranged parallel to the cylinder 1, and / or the separating filter element 3 is arranged parallel to the cylinder 1. Further, when multiple coalescing filter elements 2 and multiple separating filter elements 3 are provided, the horizontal projection of the space occupied by all the coalescing filter elements 2 and the space occupied by all the separating filter elements 3 coincides.

[0050] A coalescing filter tray 4 is installed inside the cylinder 1, and a coalescing filter element 2 is detachably installed on the coalescing filter tray 4. A media inlet 5 is provided outside the cylinder 1, connected to the coalescing filter tray 4, for the input of liquid hydrocarbon media. The media inlet 5, the coalescing filter tray 4, and the coalescing filter element 2 form a coalescing path for the unidirectional input of liquid hydrocarbon media. A separating filter tray 6 is installed inside the cylinder 1, and a separating filter element 3 is detachably installed on the separating filter tray 6. A liquid hydrocarbon outlet 7 is provided outside the cylinder 1, connected to the separating filter tray 6, for the output of separated liquid hydrocarbon media. The separating filter element 3, the separating filter tray 6, and the liquid hydrocarbon outlet 7 form a separating path for the unidirectional output of separated liquid hydrocarbon media.

[0051] Mounting surfaces are provided on the trays (coalescing filter tray 4 and separating filter tray 6), with threaded holes or flange structures on the mounting surfaces. Filter elements (coalescing filter element 2 and separating filter element 3) are fixedly mounted on the trays via threaded installation or flange installation. Coalescing filter tray 4 and separating filter tray 6 are positioned between coalescing filter element 2 and separating filter element 3 to increase the settling distance of the aqueous phase. Furthermore, multiple coalescing filter elements 2 are mounted on coalescing filter tray 4; multiple separating filter elements 3 are mounted on separating filter tray 6. Further still, in the height direction of the cylinder 1, from top to bottom, the number of coalescing filter elements 2 mounted on coalescing filter tray 4 gradually increases; in the height direction of the cylinder 1, from top to bottom, the number of separating filter elements 3 mounted on separating filter tray 6 gradually decreases. In use, the cylinder 1 has a horizontal structure, i.e., it is horizontally positioned, with its length and width directions in the horizontal plane and its height direction in the vertical plane.

[0052] Liquid hydrocarbon medium enters the coalescing filter tray 4 through the medium inlet 5, and then enters the internal cavity of each coalescing filter element 2. The coalescing filter tray is equipped with a flow equalization plate, which can equalize the flow of liquid hydrocarbon medium to each coalescing filter element 2, so that each filter element can maximize its performance. At the same time, the large number of coalescing filter elements 2 set below the coalescing filter tray 4 is more conducive to the sedimentation of the water phase coalescing from the liquid hydrocarbon, greatly reducing the sedimentation height of the water phase and indirectly shortening the horizontal sedimentation distance. This utility model is limited to the number of coalescing filter elements 2 set on the coalescing filter tray 4 gradually increasing from top to bottom. For example, there are four layers of coalescing filter elements 2 set on the coalescing filter tray 4, with four coalescing filter elements 2 set on the top layer, followed by five, six, and seven in sequence. After coalescence treatment, the liquid hydrocarbon medium and the aqueous phase can form a stratified layer, with the aqueous phase at the bottom and the liquid hydrocarbon medium at the top. Since the density of the liquid hydrocarbon medium is close to that of the aqueous phase, the interface between the two is not particularly obvious. However, the purity of the liquid hydrocarbon medium increases significantly upwards from the interface. To improve the separation effect, this invention specifies that the number of separation filter elements 3 on the separation filter element tray 6 gradually decreases from top to bottom. For example, there are four layers of separation filter elements 3 on the separation filter element tray 6, with four separation filter elements 3 at the bottom, followed by five, six, and seven elements upwards. In this design, the upper layer has a large number of coalescing filter elements 2, enabling rapid separation of the relatively pure liquid hydrocarbon medium at the top. The lower layer has the fewest separation filter elements 3, and it is even possible to omit the separation filter elements 3 2-5 cm above the interface between the aqueous phase and the liquid hydrocarbon medium. Based on the above structural design, this utility model can also change the shape of the internal space of the cylinder 1. For the section of the cylinder where the coalescing filter element 2 is provided, the volume of the lower space is greater than the volume of the upper space, such as an equilateral triangular space structure. This can slow down the flow of liquid hydrocarbon medium and water phase towards the separation filter element 3. For the section of the cylinder where the separation filter element 3 is provided, the volume of the upper space is greater than the volume of the lower space, such as an inverted triangular space structure. This can further increase the settling distance of the water phase, and at the same time, it can ensure that the multiple separation filter elements 3 provided in the upper layer have sufficient liquid hydrocarbon medium for separation treatment.

[0053] This invention includes a liquid collection bag 8 on the cylinder 1, located below the cylinder 1 and connected to its bottom surface, for collecting the settled aqueous phase. Furthermore, an interface gauge 9 is installed on the liquid collection bag 8 to observe the interface height between the liquid hydrocarbon medium and the aqueous phase within the liquid collection bag 8.

[0054] This utility model also provides a support 10, which is disposed below the cylinder 1 and is used for supporting the cylinder 1 and adjusting its height. Furthermore, a mounting plate 11 is provided on the support 10, which is an arc-shaped plate that matches the arc of the lower side of the cylinder 1.

[0055] In the liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator provided by this utility model, the liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator includes a horizontal cylindrical body 1 and a support 10 connected thereto. In this utility model, the cylindrical body 1 is preferably a cylindrical structure, and the cylindrical body 1 is horizontally arranged (i.e., the axis of the cylindrical body 1 is horizontal). A head 12 is provided at each end of the cylindrical body 1, namely a left end head and a right end head. The end head 12 is a smooth curved surface structure that protrudes outward. In other embodiments of this utility model, the end head 12 can also be a flat plate structure. The end head 12 is provided at both ends of the cylindrical body 1 using a flange structure and forms an airtight connection structure with the cylindrical body 1. A medium inlet and a liquid hydrocarbon outlet 7 are provided at the upper end of the cylindrical body 1. Further, the medium inlet and the liquid hydrocarbon outlet 7 are located in the middle section of the cylindrical body 1 and are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the midpoint (midpoint of the axis) of the cylindrical body 1. The cylinder 1 contains a coalescing filter element 2 and a separating filter element 3. Inside the cylinder 1, there are also coalescing filter element trays 4 and 6, each with an internal cavity. The mounting surfaces of the coalescing filter element tray 4 and the separating filter element tray 6 are arranged opposite to each other; that is, if the coalescing filter element tray 4 is located on the left side of the cylinder 1, its mounting surface faces the left end cap; if the separating filter element tray 6 is located on the right side of the cylinder 1, its mounting surface faces the right end cap. The coalescing filter element 2 is connected to the mounting surface of the coalescing filter element tray 4, and the separating filter element 3 is connected to the mounting surface of the separating filter element tray 6. The coalescing filter element 2 is parallel to the direction of the left end cap, and the separating filter element 3 is parallel to the direction of the right end cap. The back side of the coalescing filter element tray 4 has an opening for connecting to the media inlet 5, and the back side of the separating filter element tray 6 has an opening for connecting to the liquid hydrocarbon outlet 7. The lower end of the cylinder 1 is provided with a liquid collection bag installation port, through which a liquid collection bag 8 is connected. The upper and lower ends of the outer surface of the liquid collection bag 8 are respectively connected to two interfaces of the interface gauge 9, and the lower end of the liquid collection bag 8 is connected to the aqueous phase outlet. Furthermore, in order to better discharge the aqueous phase (in the cylinder 1, after the aqueous phase and liquid hydrocarbon are separated, the aqueous phase is at the bottom and the liquid hydrocarbon is at the top) from the cylinder 1 (into the liquid collection bag 8), this utility model can design the inner bottom surface of the cylinder 1 as an inclined surface structure sloping towards the liquid collection bag installation port.

[0056] As can be seen from the above, in this utility model, the cylinder 1 is provided with end caps 12 at both ends. The end caps 12 are divided into left end caps and right end caps. The end caps 12 and the cylinder 1 are detachable connection mechanisms. Specifically, the left and right end caps are detachably connected to the cylinder 1 through flanges. The outlet end of the liquid hydrocarbon outlet 7 (pipe) is located outside the cylinder 1, and a flange is provided on its opening. The inlet end of the medium inlet 5 (pipe) is located outside the cylinder 1, and a flange is provided on its opening. The external conveying pipeline is connected through the flange structure.

[0057] In this utility model, the cylinder 1, the end cap 12, and the support 10 are all made of metal materials, especially the support 10, which is a metal casting. This can improve the overall structural strength. Furthermore, an arc-shaped mounting plate 11 is provided at the upper end of the support 10. The arc of the mounting plate 11 is the same as (or similar to, but slightly smaller than) the arc of the outer side of the cylinder 1, so as to increase the contact between the mounting plate 11 and the cylinder 1. The cylinder 1 and the support 10 (if the mounting plate 11 is provided, then the mounting plate 11 of the support 10) are welded together to support the entire coalescence separation device.

[0058] As described above, the coalescing filter element 2 and the separating filter element 3 are horizontally installed inside the cylinder 1. The interiors of the coalescing filter element 2 and the separating filter element 3 are hollow (both are cylindrical filter element structures), and their interiors communicate with the cavities inside the coalescing filter element tray 4 and the separating filter element tray 6, respectively. The coalescing filter element tray 4 and the separating filter element tray 6 are spaced a certain distance apart in the horizontal direction, effectively increasing the settling distance of the aqueous phase.

[0059] In this invention, the separator filter element 3 is cylindrical in shape, with an internal metal or plastic skeleton, and an oleophilic and hydrophobic water-separating material is disposed on the outside of the skeleton. The water-separating material is made of stainless steel mesh of a certain density coated with polytetrafluoroethylene on both sides.

[0060] This invention provides a liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator, which employs a coalescing filter element 2 with a novel structure. In this invention, the coalescing filter element 2 mainly comprises three parts: an end cap assembly, a coalescing structure, and a filter layer. The filter element body is composed of the coalescing structure and the filter layer. The end cap assembly is located at both ends of the filter element body to achieve sealing between the various structural layers. In the filter element body, the filter layer is the inner layer, and the coalescing structure is the outer layer. The filter layer and the coalescing structure are both cylindrical, and the coalescing structure is fitted onto the outside of the filter layer and coaxially arranged with it.

[0061] The filter element body has a cylindrical structure, specifically a circular cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, or other cylindrical structures with a regular cross-sectional shape. End cap assemblies are located at both ends of the filter element body. One end cap assembly is designed as a ring structure and is located at the inlet end for the input of liquid hydrocarbon media, while the other end cap assembly is a closed cap structure located at the other end of the filter element body.

[0062] In this invention, the filter layer is a composite material layer of plant fiber and glass fiber. Specifically, the filter layer is composed of two layers of plant fiber and one layer of glass fiber, with the glass fiber layer disposed between the two plant fiber layers. The plant fiber layers are formed by compacting plant fibers, and the glass fiber layer is formed by compacting glass fibers. The filter layer has a certain degree of flexibility and can be rolled up. This invention can use a sheet material (composed of two layers of plant fiber and one layer of glass fiber) and then roll it into a cylindrical filter layer. Of course, this invention can also have a cylindrical filter layer that meets the requirements directly manufactured by a commissioned manufacturer. To improve the filtration effect of the filter layer, the shape of the filter layer has been optimized: the filter layer is rolled from a corrugated plate, specifically, the corrugated plate is a wave-shaped plate, a sawtooth corrugated plate, or a triangular corrugated plate.

[0063] In this invention, the coalescing structure, from the inside out, includes a flow equalization tube, a protective layer, a demulsifying layer, a winding layer, a coalescing layer, and a discharge layer. The flow equalization tube has the following specific structure: it is provided with flow equalization openings (the diameter of which can be set according to user requirements, generally 2mm-8mm). From the inlet end of the filter element body to the other end, the spacing between the flow equalization openings gradually decreases (the spacing between the flow equalization openings can be set according to user requirements, generally 2mm-4mm). Further, from the inlet end of the filter element body to the other end, the number of flow equalization openings per unit area of ​​the flow equalization tube gradually increases. Still further, the flow equalization tube is formed by rolling a perforated plate into a cylindrical shape and welding it; a polytetrafluoroethylene layer is provided on the outer layer of the flow equalization tube.

[0064] A protective layer is placed between the flow tube and the demulsification layer. The flow tube is a rigid structure, while the demulsification layer is a flexible layer structure. In order to avoid direct contact between the two structural layers and damage to the demulsification layer, this utility model provides a protective layer. The protective layer is made of a flexible material, specifically a non-woven fabric layer made of non-woven fabric.

[0065] In this invention, the demulsifying layer is a composite material layer made of glass fiber and non-woven fabric. Specifically, the demulsifying layer is made by bonding glass fiber and non-woven fabric together.

[0066] The discharge layer is the outermost structure of the filter element body in this utility model. The surface of the discharge layer is made of an oleophilic and hydrophobic modified material, which allows for further separation of liquid hydrocarbons from the aqueous phase. The surface material of the discharge layer or the material used to manufacture the discharge layer is modified cellulose.

[0067] The filter layer is the inner structure of the filter element body. The filter layer is composed of two layers of plant fiber material and one layer of glass fiber material. The glass fiber material is placed between the two layers of plant fiber material. The three layers of material are compacted to form a composite layer structure. Both plant fiber material and glass fiber material have filtration and dirt-holding capacity.

[0068] The working principle of the coalescing filter element 2 is as follows: The liquid hydrocarbon medium normally flows from the inside to the outside through the coalescing filter element 2; it first flows through the high-precision filtration layer. During the process of the liquid hydrocarbon medium passing through the filtration layer, the solid particles in the liquid hydrocarbon medium are intercepted by multiple layers of filter material (two layers of plant fiber and one layer of glass fiber), achieving the purpose of removing particulate pollutants. At the same time, the removal of particulate pollutants is conducive to the subsequent demulsification and coalescing functions of the filter element; after the filtered liquid hydrocarbon medium passes through the flow equalization tube, it enters the protective layer and demulsification layer of the coalescing filter element 2 evenly. The demulsification layer demulsifies the impurities in the material. The demulsified liquid passes through the winding layer and enters the coalescing layer. After passing through the coalescing layer, large water droplets are carried by the fluid to the outer surface of the filter element and finally discharged from the discharge layer. The surface of the discharge layer is made of oleophilic and hydrophobic modified material, which makes it easier for the coalesced water droplets to detach from the coalescing filter element 2. Because water is denser than liquid hydrocarbon, it separates from the liquid hydrocarbon under the influence of gravity and settles into the collection tank at the bottom of the filter separator. The larger the water droplets that coalesce, the better the separation effect between the liquid hydrocarbon and the water phase.

[0069] The coalescing layer is made of polyester fiber, containing numerous fine fibers. Its working mechanism is as follows: small water droplets contact and adhere to the fibers. Under the propulsion of the fluid, they move along the fibers. At the fiber intersections, they coalesce with other small water droplets into larger droplets. These larger droplets are carried by the fluid to the outer surface of the filter element and finally discharged from the discharge layer. The surface of the discharge layer is coated with an oleophilic and hydrophobic modified material, making it easier for the coalesced water droplets to detach from the coalescing filter element 2. Because water is denser than the liquid hydrocarbon medium, it separates from the liquid hydrocarbon medium under gravity and settles into the collection tank at the bottom of the filter separator. The larger the coalesced water droplets, the better the oil-water separation effect.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the liquid collection bag 8 is located directly below the separating filter element 3, and the liquid collection bag 8 has a certain height in the vertical direction, which is beneficial for collecting the aqueous phase. An interface gauge 9 is provided on the liquid collection bag 8 to observe the interface height between the liquid hydrocarbon medium and the aqueous phase, and is mainly used to control the opening and closing of the drain valve below the liquid collection bag 8.

[0071] Through the above structural design, the liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator provided by this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects compared with the existing technology: 1. This utility model adopts a horizontal container structure, that is, the cylinder 1 is a horizontal cylinder 1 structure, and the filter element adopts a horizontal installation method, which greatly increases the settling distance of the water phase and improves the removal efficiency of the water phase in liquid hydrocarbons, especially for the separation of the two phases when the liquid hydrocarbon medium and the water phase have similar densities; 2. This utility model uses both coalescing and separation filter elements, integrating the functions of filtering impurities and removing water, reducing equipment investment costs; 3. This utility model uses a tray structure to replace the traditional partition structure, which facilitates the cleaning of the cylinder 1 and greatly reduces labor costs; 4. This utility model has a liquid collection bag 8 set below the coalescing separator, which is conducive to the collection and discharge of the water phase.

[0072] The liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator provided by this utility model operates as follows: Liquid hydrocarbon media containing water and impurities enters the cylinder 1 of the coalescing separator through the media inlet 5. After being dispersed by the coalescing separation tray, it passes from the inside out through the coalescing filter element 2. The coalescing filter element 2 has the dual function of filtering impurities and coalescing water. In the coalescing filter element 2, the innermost layer is a high-precision filtration layer, which can effectively intercept particulate contaminants in the liquid hydrocarbon media, especially impurities such as iron oxide and iron sulfide, which play a significant role in stabilizing the emulsion state, thus facilitating subsequent demulsification and coalescing functions. The demulsification and coalescing layer in the outer structure, due to its material limitations, can demulsify the material, coalescing tiny, free water droplets into water droplets on the surface of the coalescing filter element 2. Larger water droplets will settle to the water collection tank due to their own gravity, while smaller water droplets, unable to settle in time, will flow with the material to the separation filter element 3. The separation filter element 3 has good hydrophobic properties. The aqueous phase and liquid hydrocarbon medium discharged from the coalescing filter element 2 flow laterally in the cylinder 1. During the flow, the aqueous phase has a long settling path and can effectively sink, while the liquid hydrocarbon medium floats on the upper layer. Subsequently, the liquid hydrocarbon medium passes through the separation filter element 3 from the outside to the inside. The separation filter element 3 only allows liquid hydrocarbon to pass through. Small water droplets from the coalescing filter element 2 can be effectively intercepted on the surface of the separation filter element 3, coalescing into large water droplets for settling. Under the action of gravity, the aqueous phase enters the liquid collection bag 8 directly below. When the level gauge 9 of the liquid collection bag 8 reaches the indicated value, the aqueous phase is discharged from the aqueous phase outlet. The clean liquid hydrocarbon medium passes through the separation filter element 3 and enters the separation filter element tray 6, and then flows out through the liquid hydrocarbon outlet 7, thereby achieving the separation of the liquid hydrocarbon medium and the aqueous phase and ensuring effective dehydration. The coalescing separator provided by this utility model is equipped with two types of filter elements (coalescing filter element 2 and separation filter element 3) specifically for hydrocarbon dehydration. The liquid hydrocarbon medium needs to go through four processes inside the filter separator: filtration, coalescence, sedimentation and separation. It can effectively filter out impurities, remove water, alkali and water-soluble organic acid salts, etc.

[0073] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator, characterized in that, include: The cylindrical body is a horizontal cylindrical structure; A coalescing system, the coalescing system including a coalescing filter element; A separation system, the separation system including a separation filter element; The coalescing filter element and the separating filter element are disposed in the cylinder, and are arranged at intervals along the long axis of the cylinder. The horizontal component of the coalescing filter element's axis is longer than its vertical component, and / or the horizontal component of the separating filter element's axis is longer than its vertical component, in order to increase the settling distance of the aqueous phase.

2. The liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coalescing filter element is arranged parallel to the cylindrical body; And / or, the separating filter element is arranged parallel to the cylinder.

3. The liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator according to claim 2, characterized in that, A coalescing filter tray is provided inside the cylinder, and the coalescing filter element is detachably installed on the coalescing filter tray. A medium inlet for liquid hydrocarbon medium input is connected to the coalescing filter tray. The medium inlet, the coalescing filter tray and the coalescing filter element form a coalescing passage for unidirectional input of liquid hydrocarbon medium. A separation filter element tray is provided inside the cylinder. The separation filter element is detachably installed on the separation filter element tray. A liquid hydrocarbon outlet for outputting the separated liquid hydrocarbon medium is connected to the separation filter element tray. The separation filter element, the separation filter element tray, and the liquid hydrocarbon outlet form a separation path for unidirectional output of the separated liquid hydrocarbon medium. The coalescing filter tray and the separating filter tray are disposed between the coalescing filter and the separating filter to increase the settling distance of the aqueous phase.

4. The liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator according to claim 3, characterized in that, A plurality of coalescing filter elements are disposed on the coalescing filter element tray; A plurality of separation filter elements are disposed on the separation filter element tray.

5. The liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator according to claim 4, characterized in that, Along the height direction of the cylinder, from top to bottom, the number of coalescing filter elements arranged on the coalescing filter element tray gradually increases; Along the height direction of the cylinder, from top to bottom, the number of the separating filter elements arranged on the separating filter element tray gradually decreases.

6. The liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, A liquid collection bag is provided on the cylinder body. The liquid collection bag is located below the cylinder body and connected to the bottom surface of the cylinder body, and is used to collect the sedimented water phase.

7. The liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator according to claim 6, characterized in that, An interface gauge is installed on the liquid collection bag to observe the interface height between the liquid hydrocarbon medium and the aqueous phase inside the liquid collection bag.

8. The liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a support, which is disposed below the cylinder and is used for supporting the cylinder and adjusting its height; An mounting plate is provided on the support, and the mounting plate is an arc-shaped plate that matches the arc shape of the lower side of the cylinder.

9. The liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coalescing filter element is provided with a flow equalization tube, and the flow equalization tube is provided with flow equalization openings. The spacing between the flow equalization openings gradually decreases from the inlet end of the coalescing filter element to the other end.

10. The liquid hydrocarbon coalescing separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separation filter element has a cylindrical structure, and a metal or plastic skeleton is provided inside the separation filter element. A polytetrafluoroethylene coating is provided on the outside of the skeleton.

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