A new type of high-efficiency gas-liquid separator
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522379482.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-10
AI Technical Summary
[0006]本实用新型的目的是针对现有技术存在分离效率不高和设备体积庞大等缺点而提供一种新型高效气液分离器,以通过增设新型高效内件,提高气液分离效率进而推广其应用范围,降低装置大型化后的设备投资
[0015]本实用新型高效气液分离器内设置高效聚结分离内件,流体在通过高效聚结分离内件过程中气液两相在自身重力及内部结构如聚结结构的作用下气液两相不断聚集,且部分气相通过气孔至气相空间。其与传统气液分离器相比,高效聚结分离内件的设计大大地提高了气液分离效率,可分离出≥10-50微米液滴,提高了气液分离器的应用范围。与传统气液分离器相比,在达到相同分离效果前提下,可有效地将气相空间缩小20-40%,降低了设备大型化后的整体投资。
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Figure CN224877621U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of gas-liquid separation and treatment technology in the petrochemical industry, and relates to a new type of high-efficiency gas-liquid separator. Background Technology
[0002] Gas-liquid separators are indispensable equipment in modern process industrial systems, playing a crucial role in petrochemicals, energy, environmental protection, and bio-fermentation. Their core function is to achieve efficient separation of the gas and liquid phases, preventing liquid droplets from being entrained in downstream equipment or preventing residual gas in the liquid phase from affecting downstream processes. Taking the petrochemical industry as an example, gas-liquid separators are widely used in separation systems of oil hydrotreating units, liquid removal stages in natural gas purification processes, gas purification in wet dust removal systems, and the separation and recovery of gas and fermentation broth in fermentation engineering.
[0003] Currently, the most commonly used gas-liquid separators in industry are traditional single-stage gravity settling type structures. Their working principle is relatively simple: after the gas-liquid two-phase mixture enters the separator, a flash evaporation effect occurs due to the sudden pressure drop, causing a large amount of liquid to rapidly settle to the bottom of the equipment and be discharged through the drain port, while the gas carries some liquid droplets and continues to rise. Further separation is achieved by the settling of the droplets in the gravity field as they pass through the gas phase space of the separator. To achieve the desired separation effect, sufficient space must be reserved inside the equipment for the gas phase to rise, allowing droplets of different sizes to be separated.
[0004] Traditional separation methods relying on gravity settling have significant drawbacks. First, their separation efficiency is limited. For example, in operating conditions such as compressor inlets, the liquid content in the incoming gas is strictly limited, but traditional separators often cannot completely remove tiny droplets under high flow rates and high loads, leading to liquid entrainment into the compressor. This not only shortens equipment lifespan but may also cause safety accidents. Second, the equipment is bulky. To obtain sufficient separation space, traditional separators often require tall cylinders and large volumes, which not only increases equipment investment and installation space requirements but also brings inconvenience in operation and maintenance. As refining and chemical plants become larger, simply increasing separator size to improve performance is no longer sufficient to meet both economic and environmental requirements. Third, with increasingly stringent industry standards and environmental regulations, the performance requirements for gas-liquid separators are constantly rising. On the one hand, downstream equipment is continuously lowering the allowable upper limit for droplet content in the gas phase; for example, some compressors require lower gas phase liquid content, which is extremely challenging for traditional equipment. On the other hand, process industries emphasize resource recycling and energy efficiency, requiring separation equipment to recover useful materials while minimizing energy consumption and emissions. Traditional separators have gradually revealed their limitations in these aspects.
[0005] Therefore, traditional single-stage gravity settling gas-liquid separators, due to their low separation efficiency and large size, can no longer meet the development needs of modern petrochemical and process industries. With the trend towards larger-scale equipment and the increasing demands for high efficiency, energy saving, and environmental protection, the development of a new generation of high-efficiency, compact, and adaptable gas-liquid separators has become particularly urgent. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a new type of high-efficiency gas-liquid separator to address the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as low separation efficiency and large equipment size. By adding new high-efficiency internal components, the gas-liquid separation efficiency can be improved, thereby expanding its application range and reducing equipment investment after the device is scaled up.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0008] A novel high-efficiency gas-liquid separator includes a cylindrical body with a feed inlet in the middle, a gas phase outlet at the top, and a liquid phase outlet at the bottom. The separator further includes a high-efficiency coalescing separation internal component, a defoaming screen, and an anti-vortex device. The defoaming screen is located in the upper part of the cylindrical body and below the gas phase outlet. The anti-vortex device is located in the lower part of the cylindrical body and above the liquid phase outlet. The high-efficiency coalescing separation internal component includes a separation internal component shell, a separation internal component inlet, and a separation internal component outlet. A baffle wall is provided inside the high-efficiency coalescing separation internal component, and a coalescing structure is provided on the baffle wall.
[0009] Preferably, the coalescence structure is a baffle structure arranged in a sawtooth or corrugated shape, with each baffle arranged sequentially along the gas-liquid flow direction.
[0010] Preferably, the separator housing has a plurality of gas phase passages symmetrically arranged on the upper part of both sides, and the gas phase passages are evenly distributed along the circumference of the separator housing. Preferably, the diameter of the gas phase passages is between 3 and 20 mm, and the total opening area is generally 1 to 5 times the cross-sectional area of the feed inlet.
[0011] Preferably, the feed inlet is a vertical feed into the separator cylinder, and is connected to the inlet of the internal separation component of the container via a flange. The inlet of the internal separation component is provided with a deflection elbow, so that the fluid in the container enters the high-efficiency coalescing separation component tangentially along the inner wall.
[0012] Preferably, the angle of the baffle wall ranges from 30° to 160°, and the total number of turns is generally 5 to 50.
[0013] This invention can be widely applied in petrochemical, natural gas processing and other gas-liquid separation processes to achieve efficient, stable and low-energy separation.
[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:
[0015] This utility model relates to a high-efficiency gas-liquid separator with an internal high-efficiency coalescing separation component. During the fluid's passage through this component, the gas and liquid phases continuously coalesce under their own gravity and the influence of the internal structure, such as the coalescing structure, with some gas phase exiting through pores into the gas phase space. Compared to traditional gas-liquid separators, the design of this high-efficiency coalescing separation component significantly improves gas-liquid separation efficiency, capable of separating droplets ≥10-50 micrometers, thus expanding the application range of the gas-liquid separator. Compared to traditional gas-liquid separators, while achieving the same separation effect, it effectively reduces the gas phase space by 20-40%, lowering the overall investment required for larger-scale equipment.
[0016] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this does not limit the scope of the present invention. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the high-efficiency gas-liquid separator of this utility model.
[0018] Figure 2 This is a top view of the high-efficiency coalescing and separating internal component in this utility model.
[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal components of the high-efficiency coalescence separation device in this utility model.
[0020] The reference numerals in the figure are:
[0021] 1-Inlet, 2-Cylinder, 3-Liquid phase outlet, 4-High-efficiency coalescing separation internals, 5-Defoaming screen, 6-Gas phase outlet, 7-Vortex deflector, 8-Baffle wall, 9-Coalescing structure, 10-Separation internals inlet, 11-Separation internals outlet, 12-Separation internals shell. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The following will further explain the structural layout, operation process, and innovations of the high-efficiency gas-liquid separator of this utility model with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0023] like Figure 1-3 As shown, a novel high-efficiency gas-liquid separator includes a cylindrical body 2, a high-efficiency coalescing separation inner component 4, a defoaming screen 5, and an anti-vortex device 7. The cylindrical body 2 has a feed inlet 1 in the middle, a gas phase outlet 6 at the top for discharging the separated gas, and a liquid phase outlet 3 at the bottom for discharging the separated liquid. The defoaming screen 5 is located in the upper part of the cylindrical body 2 and below the gas phase outlet 6. The anti-vortex device 7 is located in the lower part of the cylindrical body 2 and above the liquid phase outlet. The high-efficiency coalescing separation inner component 4 includes a separation inner component shell 12, a separation inner component inlet 10, and a separation inner component outlet 11. The high-efficiency coalescing separation inner component has a baffle wall 8 inside, and a coalescing structure 9 is provided on the baffle wall 8.
[0024] The coalescence structure 9 is a baffle structure arranged in a sawtooth or corrugated shape. Each baffle is arranged sequentially along the gas-liquid flow direction and fixed to the baffle wall 8 by welding, forming a continuous spiral baffle channel to increase the contact area between the gas and liquid phases and promote droplet coalescence and separation. The separation inner component shell 12 has several symmetrical gas phase through-holes on its upper sides, evenly distributed along the circumference of the shell 12. After the gas-liquid two-phase mixture enters the high-efficiency coalescence separation inner component 4, as it flows through the internal baffle channel, the liquid phase tends to aggregate downwards under the action of centrifugal force and gravity, while some of the gas phase rises into the gas phase space through the gas phase through-holes, achieving preliminary gas-liquid separation and stable phase interface control. The separation inner component shell 12 is a spirally downward-arranged pipe. After the fluid enters tangentially from the top, it rotates downwards along the spiral channel, forming a swirling flow, enabling efficient separation of the gas and liquid phases under centrifugal force. This spiral flow guiding structure effectively extends the residence time of the two phases, enhances the mass transfer and phase separation process, improves separation efficiency, and reduces equipment size.
[0025] Two-phase fluids enter the separator cylinder 2 through the feed inlet 1, where the main gas-liquid separation process is completed in the high-efficiency coalescing separation internal component 4. This internal component achieves high efficiency, low resistance, and compact separation through the coupling of multiple separation mechanisms, including swirling, coalescence, baffles, and gravity settling. After separation, part of the gas phase enters the upper gas phase space through the pores on the internal component, while the liquid phase flows to the bottom liquid phase space of the separator under gravity. The rising gas phase further removes entrained fine droplets as it passes through the defoaming screen 5, and is finally discharged through the gas phase outlet 6; while the liquid collects at the bottom, and after the flow is stabilized by the anti-vortex device 7, it is discharged from the liquid phase outlet 3. The anti-vortex device 7 effectively prevents liquid surface fluctuations and gas entrainment, improving the stability and safety of equipment operation and ensuring a stable and reliable separation process.
[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, a large amount of gas-liquid two-phase fluid enters tangentially into the high-efficiency coalescing separation inner device 4 through the inlet 10 of the cyclone separator inner device. Guided by the baffle wall 8 and the shell 12 of the separation inner device, the fluid flows downward along the spiral channel, forming a strong rotating flow field, which significantly enhances the separation effect of the gas and liquid phases. During the cyclone process, the gas and liquid phases undergo multi-stage separation under the combined action of centrifugal force, gravity, and coalescing structure 9: the gas phase, due to its lower density, gradually aggregates inward, while the liquid phase migrates to the outer wall and gathers at the bottom to form a liquid layer. The coalescing structure 9 is composed of multiple layers of metal wire mesh or corrugated plates, which can effectively promote droplet collision and coalescence, forming larger droplets to accelerate sedimentation and improve the liquid phase separation speed and accuracy.
[0027] During the swirling and coalescence process, a portion of the gas phase enters the gas phase space through the pores at the top of the high-efficiency coalescence separator 4, further enhancing the interphase separation. When the two-phase fluids flow out of the high-efficiency coalescence separator 4, the liquid phase flows into the lower liquid phase space of the novel gas-liquid high-efficiency separator under gravity, while the gas phase carries a small amount of incompletely separated droplets into the upper gas phase space. As the gas continues to rise, the entrained droplets gradually settle back into the liquid phase region under the action of gravity and inertia. The top defoaming screen 5 performs final interception and coalescence of the remaining fine droplets. After condensation in the defoaming screen, the droplets flow back to the lower liquid phase space, ensuring the dryness and purity of the discharged gas.
[0028] To adapt to different operating conditions and material systems, the geometric parameters of the high-efficiency coalescing separator internal component 4 are carefully designed. Its cross-sectional area is typically no less than 1.5 times the cross-sectional area of the feed pipe, generally ranging from 1.5 to 3 times, to ensure uniform velocity distribution of the fluid upon entry and avoid re-entrainment caused by excessive turbulence. The cross-sectional area of the two-phase fluid channel is determined comprehensively based on specific flow rates, physical properties, and apparent gas-liquid velocities, thus balancing separation efficiency and pressure drop control. The total number of baffle walls 8 in the internal component is generally 5 to 50, adjustable according to equipment size and separation requirements; the bend angle of the baffle walls is designed to range from 30° to 160° to create suitable swirling intensity and fluid residence time. The high-efficiency coalescing separator internal component 4 has symmetrical openings on both sides, with apertures between 3 and 20 mm. The total opening area is generally 1 to 5 times the cross-sectional area of the feed inlet, used to balance pressure, improve fluid distribution, and promote gas phase escape.
[0029] In actual operation, the gas and liquid phases undergo multiple collisions, coalescence, and separations with the baffle wall 8 and coalescence structure 9 in the novel high-efficiency gas-liquid separator, forming a complex separation effect. The gas phase escapes to the upper space through the vents in a timely manner, while the liquid phase rapidly sinks in the spiral channel under the combined action of gravity and centrifugal force. The synergistic effect of multiple separation mechanisms greatly improves the gas-liquid separation efficiency, reduces droplet entrainment, and ensures the high efficiency and stable operation of the equipment. This structure not only has high separation accuracy but also features low pressure loss, strong adaptability, compact structure, and convenient maintenance. It can be widely used in gas-liquid separation processes in petrochemical, natural gas processing, coal chemical, and fine chemical industries, providing a new technical path for improving the reliability and energy efficiency of the equipment.
[0030] In summary, the above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of application of this utility model. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of this utility model should still fall within the scope of this utility model patent.
Claims
1. A novel high-efficiency gas-liquid separator, comprising a cylindrical body (2), wherein the cylindrical body (2) has a feed inlet (1) in the middle, a gas phase outlet (6) at the top, and a liquid phase outlet (3) at the bottom, characterized in that: The gas-liquid separator also includes a high-efficiency coalescing separation internal component (4), a defoaming screen (5), and an anti-vortex device (7). The defoaming screen (5) is located in the upper part of the cylinder (2) and below the gas phase outlet (6). The anti-vortex device (7) is located in the lower part of the cylinder (2) and above the liquid phase outlet (3). The high-efficiency coalescing separation internal component (4) includes a separation internal component shell (12), a separation internal component inlet (10), and a separation internal component outlet (11). The high-efficiency coalescing separation internal component is provided with a baffle wall (8), and a coalescing structure (9) is provided on the baffle wall (8).
2. The novel high-efficiency gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The coalescing structure (9) is a baffle structure arranged in a sawtooth or corrugated shape, with each baffle arranged sequentially along the gas-liquid flow direction.
3. The novel high-efficiency gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The separation inner component housing (12) is symmetrically provided with several gas phase passage holes on the upper part, and the gas phase passage holes are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the separation inner component housing (12).
4. The novel high-efficiency gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feed inlet (1) is set in the vertical separator cylinder and is connected to the inlet (10) of the internal separation components of the container through a flange.
5. The novel high-efficiency gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: A steering bend is provided at the inlet (10) of the separate internal component, and the steering bend is tangentially set.
6. The novel high-efficiency gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle of the baffle wall (8) ranges from 30° to 160°, and the total number of turns is from 5 to 50.
7. The novel high-efficiency gas-liquid separator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The diameter of the gas phase through hole is between 3 and 20 mm, and the total opening area is 1 to 5 times the cross-sectional area of the feed inlet (1).