Cyclone-type gas-liquid separator and gas-liquid separation system

Abstract

To provide a cyclone-type gas-liquid separator and gas-liquid separation system with excellent gas-liquid separation efficiency. [Solution] A cyclone-type gas-liquid separator comprising a separator body having an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder arranged coaxially with the outer cylinder, wherein the outer cylinder has a tapered section that increases in diameter from one end to the other, and the inside of the tapered section is a cyclone section that forms a swirling flow of gas-liquid multiphase flow, an inlet for the gas-liquid multiphase flow is provided on the one end of the side surface of the outer cylinder, a partition wall is provided on the one end of the cyclone section, a gas outlet hole is provided in the center of the partition wall, the other end of the cyclone section is sealed with a sealing plate, the inner cylinder is provided so as to extend from the center of the sealing plate toward the one end and to the middle of the axial direction of the cyclone section, a liquid outlet is provided on the outer cylinder side surface on the sealing plate side of the tip of the inner cylinder, and the inlet for the gas-liquid multiphase flow and the liquid outlet are provided tangentially with respect to the outer cylinder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas-liquid separator, and particularly to a cyclone type gas-liquid separator suitable for use in a microgravity environment such as space.

Background Art

[0002] A cyclone separation device used for normal gas-solid separation, solid-liquid separation, and gas-liquid separation has a cylindrical upper part and a conical lower part. For example, when a gas-liquid mixed fluid (e.g., gas / liquid ratio 1 / 10) flows into the cylindrical part in a tangential direction from the upper part, a swirling flow occurs inside the cylinder. Among them, the lighter-density gas is collected in the center by centrifugal force, passes under the central cylinder, and is discharged from the upper part. The liquid is sent to the conical part by gravity while continuing the swirling flow, and finally is discharged from the lower part.

[0003] A cyclone separation device of this shape exhibits the performance of gas-liquid separation and gas-solid separation only when it is used vertically with the tip of the conical part facing down under the gravity environment on the ground. This is because, even though centrifugal force acts in the horizontal direction, it is premised that the fluid or solid with a higher density moves downward and the fluid with a lighter density moves upward due to gravity. In a microgravity environment or in a horizontal orientation simulating it, these separation performances are not exhibited at all. When used horizontally on the ground, liquid will mix into the gas outlet and gas will mix into the liquid outlet. The same is true even if the flow rate is increased to enhance the centrifugal force.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a cyclone type gas-liquid separator having a truncated frustum-shaped chamber with a small diameter at one end and a large diameter at the other end, an inlet for introducing a gas-liquid mixed phase flow in a substantially tangential direction to the one end of the chamber, a gas outlet provided at the center of the end plate portion at the other end of the chamber, and a liquid outlet provided on the side peripheral surface at the other end of the chamber.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] In the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator described in Patent Document 1, the liquid separated from the gas-liquid multiphase flow moves along the inner surface of the chamber from one end to the other due to centrifugal force obtained by swirling within the chamber, and is extracted from the liquid outlet. In this cyclone-type gas-liquid separator, because the liquid outlet is not tangential, turbulence occurs in the liquid flow near the liquid outlet, which may result in insufficient separation of the liquid.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a cyclone-type gas-liquid separator with excellent gas-liquid separation efficiency.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a gas-liquid separation system equipped with this cyclone-type gas-liquid separator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The gist of this invention is as follows:

[0010] [1] A cyclone-type gas-liquid separator comprising a separator body having an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder arranged coaxially with the outer cylinder, The outer cylinder has a tapered section that increases in diameter from one end to the other. The tapered section forms a cyclone section that creates a swirling gas-liquid multiphase flow. An inlet for a gas-liquid mixed-phase flow is provided on one end of the side surface of the outer cylinder. A partition wall is provided on one end of the cyclone section, and a gas outlet hole is provided in the center of the partition wall. The other end of the cyclone section is sealed with a sealing plate. The inner cylinder is provided so as to extend from the center of the sealing plate toward one end and to partway along the axial direction of the cyclone section. A liquid extraction section is provided on the outer cylinder side circumferential surface on the sealing plate side, which is closer to the tip of the inner cylinder. A cyclone-type gas-liquid separator in which the inlet and outlet of the gas-liquid mixed-phase flow are provided tangentially to the outer cylinder.

[0011] [2] The outer cylinder extends in the opposite direction to the other end from the partition wall, and this extended portion serves as a gas discharge section. A cyclone-type gas-liquid separator in which the gas discharged from the gas outlet hole passes through the gas discharge section and can be discharged from the gas outlet at the tip of the gas discharge section [1].

[0012] [3] A nozzle tube is inserted into the gas discharge section through the gas discharge port, The tip of the nozzle tube is located near the gas outlet hole of the partition wall, A cyclone-type gas-liquid separator in which a gas-liquid multiphase flow discharged from a degassing membrane module can be ejected from the tip of the nozzle tube [2].

[0013] [4] A cyclone-type gas-liquid separator [1] is provided with a water detection sensor for detecting water near the inner surface of the inner cylinder within the cyclone section.

[0014] [5] A cyclone-type gas-liquid separator in which the water detection sensor is arranged through the inner cylinder, and the detection part at the tip of the water detection sensor protrudes from the tip of the inner cylinder into the cyclone section [4].

[0015] [6] A cyclone-type gas-liquid separator comprising a separator body having an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder arranged coaxially with the outer cylinder, The outer cylinder has a tapered section that becomes smaller in diameter from one end to the other. The tapered section forms a cyclone section that creates a swirling gas-liquid multiphase flow. An inlet for a gas-liquid mixed-phase flow is provided on the other end of the side surface of the outer cylinder. A partition wall is provided on one end of the cyclone section, and a gas outlet hole is provided in the center of the partition wall. The other end side of the cyclone part is sealed with a sealing plate, the inner cylinder is provided so as to extend from the center part of the partition wall toward the other end side and reach the middle of the axial direction of the cyclone part, a liquid extraction part is provided on the outer cylinder side peripheral surface on the partition wall side rather than the tip of the inner cylinder, a cyclone type gas-liquid separator in which the inflow part of the gas-liquid mixed phase flow and the liquid extraction part are provided in a tangential direction with respect to the outer cylinder.

[0016] [7] A gas-liquid separation system including the cyclone type gas-liquid separator according to any one of [1] to [6], a line for feeding the liquid flowing out from the liquid extraction part to the inflow part of the gas-liquid mixed phase flow, a pump provided in the middle of the line, a joining pipe for joining the to-be-treated gas-liquid mixed phase flow to the line on the downstream side rather than the pump, a branch pipe branched from the line on the upstream side rather than the pump, a valve provided in the branch pipe and a gas-liquid separation system having the same.

[0017] [8] A bubble detection sensor for detecting bubbles in the liquid flowing through the line is provided in the line on the upstream side rather than the branch point of the branch pipe, The cyclone type gas-liquid separator according to [7], which is configured to reduce the opening degree of the valve or close the valve when the bubble detection sensor detects bubbles.

[0018] [9] The cyclone type gas-liquid separator according to [3] or [6], a degassing membrane module into which the gas-liquid mixed phase flow discharged from the gas discharge port of the cyclone type gas-liquid separator is introduced and which separates by permeating gas from the gas-liquid mixed phase flow, means for guiding the gas-liquid mixed phase flow passing through the degassing membrane module to the nozzle pipe and a gas-liquid separation system having the same.

[0019]

[10] A cyclone-type gas-liquid separator for low-moisture gases is provided in parallel with the degassing membrane module, A gas-liquid separation system in which, when the degassing membrane module is purged with compressed gas, a gas-liquid multiphase flow discharged from the gas outlet of the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator is introduced into the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator for low moisture gases [9].

[0020]

[11] The cyclone-type gas-liquid separator for low moisture content is: It has an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder arranged coaxially with the outer cylinder, The outer cylinder has a straight section at one end with approximately equal diameter in the axial direction, and a tapered section at the other end that becomes larger in diameter as it moves away from the straight section. An inlet for a gas-liquid multiphase flow is provided at one end of the outer cylinder, which introduces a gas-liquid multiphase flow into the outer cylinder in such a manner as to form a swirling flow. A closing plate is provided on the end face of one end of the outer cylinder, and a gas outlet is provided in the center of the closing plate. The inner cylinder has a larger diameter at the end and a smaller diameter towards the tip, and the tip end is closed. The end of the inner cylinder is connected to the other end of the outer cylinder. The tip of the inner cylinder is located midway between one end and the other end of the outer cylinder. There is a gap between the circumferential surface of the inner cylinder and the circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, and this gap becomes smaller towards the other end of the outer cylinder. This is a cyclone-type gas-liquid separator in which a liquid outlet is provided on the other end side of the outer or inner cylinder.

[10] A gas-liquid separation system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, a cyclone-type gas-liquid separator has an inlet and an outlet for a gas-liquid multiphase flow, positioned tangentially to the side surface of the outer cylinder constituting the cyclone section, thereby enabling efficient gas-liquid separation. The cyclone-type gas-liquid separator and gas-liquid separation system according to one embodiment of the present invention can be used in zero-gravity or low-gravity environments such as outer space or the lunar surface. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a main cyclone-type gas-liquid separator according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view along the VV line. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 1. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 1. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a gas-liquid separation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a side view of a subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view along line XX in Figure 9. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in Figure 9. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Figure 9. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in Figure 9. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of a cyclone-type gas-liquid separator for low-moisture gases. [Figure 15] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVI-XVI in Figure 14. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in Figure 14. [Figure 18] This is a dimensional diagram of a cyclone-type gas-liquid separator for low-moisture gases. [Figure 19] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a gas-liquid separation system (steady-state operation mode) according to an embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a gas-liquid separation system (purge operation mode) according to an embodiment. [Figure 21]This is a side view of a conventional cyclone. [Figure 22] This is a side view of a cyclone-type gas-liquid separator according to another embodiment. [Figure 23] This is a side view showing another example of a subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator. [Figure 24] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a gas-liquid separation system according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] The cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1 (main cyclone-type gas-liquid separator) according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

[0024] [Main cyclone type gas-liquid separator] This cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1 has a tapered outer cylinder 2 whose diameter increases from one end 2a to the other end 2b. One end 2a of the outer cylinder 2 is open and serves as a gas outlet. The other end 2b of the outer cylinder 2 is sealed by a sealing plate 3.

[0025] A partition wall 4 is provided in the middle of the outer cylinder 2 in the axial direction (near the middle in this embodiment). The partition wall 4 is ring-shaped and encircles the inner circumference of the outer cylinder 2, with a gas outlet hole 5 opening in the center.

[0026] Inside the outer cylinder 2, the end 2b side of the partition wall 4 forms the cyclone section 2c, and the end 2a side of the partition wall 4 forms the gas discharge section 2d.

[0027] The outer cylinder 2 is provided with an inlet 6 for introducing a gas-liquid multiphase flow into the cyclone section 2c and an outlet 8 for discharging the gas-liquid separated liquid from the cyclone section 2c.

[0028] A pipe 7 is connected to the inlet 6, and a pipe 9 is connected to the outlet 8. Each pipe 7 and 9 extends tangentially to the outer cylinder 2.

[0029] The inlet 6 is located near the partition wall 4. The outlet 8 is located near the sealing plate 3 and at a predetermined distance from the sealing plate 3. The outlet 8 is located on the sealing plate 3 side of the tip of the inner cylinder 10, which will be described later.

[0030] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, the inlet 6 and outlet 8 are located on opposite sides of the axis of the outer cylinder 2.

[0031] An inner cylinder 10 is provided coaxially with the outer cylinder 2 within the cyclone section 2c. The inner cylinder 10 is cylindrical in shape, with its base end protruding outward through the center of the sealing plate 3. This base end of the inner cylinder 10 is sealed by a cover plate 10a. Alternatively, the inner cylinder 10 may not penetrate the sealing plate 3, and the sealing plate 3 and the cover plate 10a may be flush with each other.

[0032] The inner cylinder 10 extends within the cyclone section 2c from the sealing plate 3 toward the partition wall 4, in the direction of the axial line of the outer cylinder 2. The tip of the inner cylinder 10 in the direction of extension is open.

[0033] The water detection sensor 11 is inserted into the inner cylinder 10 through the lid plate 10a. The tip of the water detection sensor 11 passes through the inner cylinder 10 and protrudes slightly into the cyclone section 2c from the tip of the inner cylinder 10.

[0034] A cylindrical reducer member 13 is provided near the partition wall 4 on the inner circumferential surface of the gas discharge section 2d. The outer circumferential surface of the reducer member 13 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 2, and the end face on the partition wall 4 side is in contact with the partition wall 4. The inner diameter of the reducer member 13 on the partition wall 4 side is approximately equal to the gas outlet hole 5. The inner diameter of the reducer member 13 increases as it moves away from the partition wall 4. The length of the reducer member 13 is about half the length of the gas discharge section 2d, but is not limited to this.

[0035] A nozzle tube 14 for ejecting a gas-liquid mixed fluid is inserted into the gas discharge section 2d from one end 2a of the outer cylinder 2 in the direction of the axial line. The tip of this nozzle tube 14 is located near the partition wall 4. A gas-liquid mixed fluid from the gas-liquid separation membrane module 41, described later, is introduced into this nozzle tube 14.

[0036] The preferred specifications for this cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1 are as follows. Note that the following specifications are for a flow rate of 4 L / min. When scaling up or down according to the flow rate, it is desirable to determine the dimensions of the outer cylinder 2 and the gas-liquid mixed-phase flow inlet 6 so that the centrifugal effect with respect to the Earth's standard gravitational acceleration, based on the liquid inflow linear velocity and the inner diameter of the outer cylinder near the inlet, stays within the range of 15 to 55, and then determine the other dimensions on the similar side.

[0037] Taper angle of cyclone section 2c: 1~5°, especially 2~4° Inner diameter of cyclone section 2c on the partition wall 4 side: 20-35 mm, especially 25-30 mm. Length from partition wall 4 to sealing plate 3: 50-80 mm, especially 60-70 mm. The percentage of the diameter of the outflow hole 5 to the diameter of the partition wall 4: 15-40%, especially 20-30% Protrusion length of inner cylinder 10 into cyclone section 2c: 20-50 mm, especially 30-40 mm Outer diameter of inner cylinder 10: 10-20mm, especially 12-15mm Inner diameter of inner cylinder 10: 9-19 mm, especially 11-14 mm. Inner diameter of gas outlet hole 5: 3-10 mm, especially 5-9 mm (smaller than the inner diameter of inner cylinder 10). Length of gas outlet section 2d: 30-100mm, especially 50-80mm

[0038] The cross-sections of the gas-liquid multiphase flow inlet 6 and outlet 8 may be circular or rectangular. If circular, the diameter is preferably 15-40%, particularly 20-30%, of the inner diameter D1 at one end of the outer cylinder 33. If rectangular, the length in the axial direction is preferably 10-40%, particularly 20-30%, of the inner diameter D1 at one end of the outer cylinder 33. The width of the rectangle is also preferably 10-40%, particularly 20-30%, of the inner diameter D1 at one end of the outer cylinder 33. The dimensions of both the circular and rectangular shapes are set so that the centrifugal effect relative to the Earth's standard gravitational acceleration falls within the range of 15-55, depending on the inner diameter D1.

[0039] In the main cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1, the gas outlet hole 5 of the partition wall 4 may be blocked, and instead a gas outlet hole 5 may be provided at the other end 2b of the inner cylinder 10, with the gas outlet section 2d and nozzle pipe 14 provided on the opposite side of the other end 2b from the cyclone section 2c. In that case, the position of the sensor 11 may remain the same, or it may be installed on the blocked partition wall 4 so that the measurement location itself does not change.

[0040] [Gas-liquid separation system] Figure 8 shows an example of a gas-liquid separation system constructed for performing gas-liquid multiphase flow separation using this cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1.

[0041] As shown in Figure 8, one end of pipe 7 is connected to the discharge port of pump 16. A gas-liquid multiphase flow introduction pipe 15 is connected to pipe 7 to introduce the fluid to be treated (gas-liquid multiphase flow).

[0042] One end of pipe 9 is connected to the suction port of pump 16. A bubble detection sensor 17 is installed in pipe 9. A liquid extraction pipe 18 is branched from pipe 9 between the bubble detection sensor 17 and pump 16, and a valve 19 is installed in this pipe 18. The opening degree of this valve 19 is adjustable. When the bubble detection sensor 17 detects bubbles, the opening degree of this valve 19 is reduced or the valve 19 is closed.

[0043] To perform gas-liquid separation of a gas-liquid multiphase flow using this cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1, a predetermined amount of liquid (water in this embodiment) is contained in the cyclone section 2c. This water may be the gas-liquid multiphase flow introduced via the pipes 15 and 7, or it may be other water.

[0044] Pump 16 is activated to circulate the water in the cyclone section 2c through piping 9, pump 16, and piping 7, thereby forming a swirling flow of water (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a vortex flow) within the cyclone section 2c. At this time, valve 19 is closed.

[0045] As pump 16 starts operating, a gas-liquid multiphase flow is added to pipe 7 from pipe 15, and the gas-liquid multiphase flow is introduced into cyclone section 2c. In cyclone section 2c, gas-liquid separation occurs due to the centrifugal force of the vortex flow, and the separated water flows out into pipe 9. By opening valve 19, a portion of the separated water is taken out from pipe 18. The remaining water is circulated back to cyclone section 2c through pump 16 and pipe 7, with a gas-liquid multiphase flow added from pipe 15 along the way.

[0046] The thickness of the vortex flow within the cyclone section 2c fluctuates due to the influence of the gas-liquid ratio of the incoming gas-liquid mixed fluid, the liquid flow rate, the gas outlet pressure, the liquid outlet pressure, etc. Therefore, it is preferable to circulate water within the cyclone section 2c at a constant flow rate.

[0047] If air bubbles are mixed into the water that flows out from the cyclone section 2c into the piping 7, it is desirable for the air bubble detection sensor 17 to detect this and close or reduce the opening of the valve 19 to prevent the water containing air bubbles from being removed from the piping 18.

[0048] In this way, gas-liquid separated water is extracted from the piping 18. The gas separated from the gas-liquid multiphase flow in the cyclone section 2c is discharged through the outlet hole 5 and the gas discharge section 2d and sent to the degassing membrane module 41, which will be described later.

[0049] In this embodiment, since the pipes 7 and 9 are connected tangentially to the cyclone section 2c, the vortex flow formed within the cyclone section 2c flows smoothly into the pipe 9.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since an inner cylinder 10 is provided, it is prevented that the gas separated and collected in the cyclone section 2c will be caught in the vortex and flow out from the outlet 8.

[0051] In this embodiment, if the water detection sensor 11 detects the presence of water near the inner wall of the inner cylinder within the cyclone section 2c, the exhaust gas flow rate or exhaust gas pressure from the degassing membrane module 41, described later, is controlled.

[0052] [Another form of a gas-liquid separation system] The gas-liquid separation system of the present invention may also include a subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator 21 that further separates the water extracted from the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1 into gas and liquid.

[0053] Furthermore, a degassing membrane module 41 into which gas from the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1 is introduced may be provided. In addition, a low-moisture gas cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 31 for separating gas from liquid when the degassing membrane module 41 is in purge mode may be provided.

[0054] [Subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator 21] Figures 9-13 show the subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator 21. This subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator 21 has the same configuration as the cyclone section 2c of the main cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1.

[0055] The subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator 21 is equipped with a tapered outer cylinder 22. The outer cylinder 22 has a smaller diameter at one end and a larger diameter at the other end. The other end (larger diameter side) of the outer cylinder 22 is sealed by a sealing plate 23. A partition wall 24 is provided at one end (smaller diameter side) of the outer cylinder 22. The partition wall 24 is ring-shaped and encircles the inner circumference of that end of the outer cylinder 22, with a gas outlet hole 25 opening in the center.

[0056] The outer cylinder 22 is provided with an inlet 26 for introducing a gas-liquid multiphase flow and an outlet 28 for discharging the gas-liquid separated liquid.

[0057] A pipe 27 is connected to the inlet 26, and a pipe 29 is connected to the outlet 28. Each pipe 27 and 29 extends tangentially to the outer cylinder 22.

[0058] The inlet 26 is located near the partition wall 24. The outlet 28 is located near the closing plate 23 and is positioned at a predetermined distance from the closing plate 23. The outlet 28 is located on the closing plate 23 side of the tip of the inner cylinder 30, which will be described later.

[0059] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 10 and 13, the inlet 26 and outlet 28 are located on opposite sides of the axis of the outer cylinder 22.

[0060] An inner cylinder 30 is provided coaxially with the outer cylinder 22. The inner cylinder 30 is cylindrical in shape, and its base end protrudes outward through the center of the closing plate 23. The base end of the inner cylinder 30 is sealed by a cover plate 30a.

[0061] The inner cylinder 30 extends a predetermined length toward the partition wall 24. The tip of the inner cylinder 30 in the direction of extension is open.

[0062] The gas-liquid mixed-phase flow introduced into the outer cylinder 22 from the piping 27 swirls within the outer cylinder 22, forming a vortex flow and separating the gas and liquid. The separated gas flows out from the gas outlet hole 25. The separated water flows out into the piping 29 from the outlet 28.

[0063] In this subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator, the pipes 27 and 29 extend tangentially, allowing for efficient gas-liquid separation. Furthermore, the presence of an inner cylinder 30 prevents gas collected axially within the outer cylinder 22 from being drawn into a vortex and flowing out of the outlet 28.

[0064] [Cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 31 for low-moisture gases] The cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 31 for low-moisture gases will be described with reference to Figures 14-18.

[0065] This cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 31 has an outer cylinder 33 and a pointed, dome-shaped inner cylinder 34.

[0066] The outer cylinder 33 has a smaller diameter at one end and a larger diameter at the other end. An end-closing plate 36 is provided at the end of the outer cylinder 33. The outer edge of the end-closing plate 36 is airtightly connected to the end of the outer cylinder 33, or the end-closing plate 36 and the outer cylinder 33 are molded together as one unit.

[0067] A gas outlet 35 is provided in the center of the end closing plate 36. The gas outlet 35 consists of a short cylinder, with one half extending outward from the end closing plate 36 and the other half protruding into the outer cylinder 33 from the end closing plate 36.

[0068] In this embodiment, one end of the outer cylinder 33 is a straight section 33a with approximately equal diameter in the axial direction. The straight section 33a is preferably cylindrical. The other end of the straight section 33a is a tapered section 33b that widens towards the other end.

[0069] An inlet 37 for a gas-liquid multiphase flow is provided at one end of the outer cylinder 33. The inlet 37 is cylindrical, and the axial direction of this cylinder is approximately tangential to the outer surface of the outer cylinder 33. In this embodiment, the inlet 37 is located on the side of the end closing plate 36 than the tip of the gas outlet 35 that protrudes into the outer cylinder 33.

[0070] A liquid outlet 38 is provided on the other end of the outer cylinder 33.

[0071] The inner cylinder 34 is airtightly connected at its base end to the other end of the outer cylinder 33. The inner cylinder 34 extends inside the outer cylinder 33, tapering in diameter toward the one end. The tip of the inner cylinder 34 is a conical portion 34a.

[0072] In this embodiment, the tip position of the inner cylinder 34 in the axial direction of the outer cylinder 33 is located near the connection point between the straight section 33a and the tapered section 3b of the outer cylinder 33.

[0073] A gap C exists between the inner cylinder 34 and the outer cylinder 33, and the distance of this gap C gradually decreases toward the other end of the outer cylinder 33. The liquid outlet 38 is provided so as to communicate with this gap C.

[0074] A water detection sensor 39 is provided to detect the presence of liquid (water in this embodiment) accumulating in this gap C. Various types of water detection sensors can be used, such as those that detect changes in conductivity or dielectric constant.

[0075] In the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 31 for low-moisture gases configured as described above, the gas-liquid multiphase flow (in this embodiment, a multiphase flow of gas and water) is introduced substantially tangentially into the straight section 33a of the outer cylinder 33 from the inlet 37, and swirls within the straight section 33a and the tapered section 33b near the straight section 33a. Due to the centrifugal force generated by this swirling, the water in the gas-liquid multiphase flow comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 33, moves along this inner circumferential surface toward the other end of the outer cylinder 33, and enters the gap C. This water further moves toward the other end of the outer cylinder 33, coming into contact with both the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 33 and the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 34. Then, by capillary action, this water moves toward the back of the gap C, that is, toward the other end of the outer cylinder 33, and is extracted from the liquid outlet 38.

[0076] In the straight section 33a and the tapered section 33b near it of the outer cylinder 33, the gas separated from the gas-liquid multiphase flow flows out of the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 31 through the gas outlet 35.

[0077] To achieve the capillary action described above, the outer cylinder 33 and inner cylinder 34 are made of hydrophilic materials such as metals and resins with a contact angle of less than 90° with water. Materials that have been made hydrophilic by UV treatment on the surface (such as stainless steel, acrylic, polycarbonate, and ABS) are more desirable.

[0078] Referring to Figure 18, the preferred dimensions of this cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 31 for low-moisture gases are described below.

[0079] The total length L1 of the outer cylinder 33 is preferably 2.0 to 4.0 times, and particularly preferably 2.5 to 3.5 times, the inner diameter D3 at the other end of the outer cylinder 33.

[0080] The inner diameter D1 at one end of the outer cylinder 33 is preferably 70-90% of D3, and particularly preferably around 75-85%.

[0081] The inner diameter D2 of the gas outlet 35 is preferably 40-60%, and particularly preferably 45-55%, of the inner diameter D1 at one end of the outer cylinder 33.

[0082] The cross-section of the gas-liquid multiphase flow inlet 7 is preferably rectangular, and the length in the axial direction is preferably 30-70%, particularly 40-60%, of the inner diameter D1 at one end of the outer cylinder 3. The width is preferably 10-30%, particularly 15-25%, of the inner diameter D1 at one end of the outer cylinder 3.

[0083] The length L2 of the straight section 33a of the outer cylinder 33 is preferably 20-40%, and particularly preferably 25-35%, of the total length L1 of the outer cylinder 33.

[0084] It is preferable that the length L3 of the tapered portion 33b of the outer cylinder 33 and the total length L4 of the inner cylinder 34 are approximately equal. Specifically, L3 / L4 is preferably 0.9 to 1.1, and particularly preferably 0.95 to 1.05.

[0085] The gradient of the tapered portion 33b in the axial direction is preferably 2-10%, and particularly preferably 3-5%. The installation location for the water detection sensor 39 is preferably a location where the gap C is 0.5-10 mm, and particularly preferably 1-5 mm.

[0086] The apex angle θ of the conical portion 34a of the inner cylinder 34 is preferably 90 to 130°, and particularly preferably 100 to 120°. The base diameter D5 of the conical portion 34a is preferably 80 to 120%, and particularly preferably 90 to 110%, of the inner diameter of the gas outlet 35.

[0087] This cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 31 for low-moisture gases is suitable for gas-liquid separation of gas-liquid multiphase flows where the ratio of gas volume G to water volume W (G / W) is 10 / 1 to 10000 / 1, particularly 100 / 1 to 1000 / 1. The water droplet diameter in the gas-liquid multiphase flow is preferably 10 to 20000 μm, particularly 100 to 5000 μm.

[0088] The cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 31 for low-moisture gas described above may be configured in ways other than those described above. For example, in the above embodiment, the liquid outlet 38 is provided on the other end side of the outer cylinder 33, but it may also be provided on the base end side of the inner cylinder 34, or multiple outlets may be provided in the circumferential direction on the base end side of the outer cylinder or inner cylinder.

[0089] The cross-sectional shape of the inner cylinder 34 in the axial direction may be partially or entirely curved.

[0090] [Degassing membrane module 41] As shown in Figure 19, the degassing membrane module 41 consists of numerous hollow fiber membranes 42 arranged inside a vessel 43. The hollow fiber membranes 42 are made of a material that allows gas to pass through but not water (liquid).

[0091] An inlet chamber (not shown) for the gas to be treated is partitioned off at one end of the vessel 43 by a partition wall made of potting material, and the gas to be treated flows into the inlet chamber through the inlet 41.

[0092] An outlet chamber (not shown) for treated gas is located at the other end of the vessel 43, separated by a partition wall made of potting material, and the treated gas flows out of the vessel 43 through an outlet 41.

[0093] A hollow fiber membrane 42 is installed in a chamber between the partition wall on the inlet side of the gas to be treated chamber and the partition wall of the treated gas outlet chamber, and the inside of the hollow fiber membrane 42 is in communication with both the inlet chamber of the gas to be treated and the outlet chamber of the treated gas. Furthermore, since the liquid is removed in the preceding main cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1 and the inflow of liquid into the hollow fiber membrane is restricted, the progression of contamination of the hollow fiber membrane 42 by organic matter in the liquid can be significantly suppressed.

[0094] A gas outlet 44 is provided on the side of the vessel 43, facing the chamber, and a gas extraction pipe 45 is connected to the gas outlet 44. The pipe 45 is connected to a vacuum pump (not shown) via a valve 46 that can be controlled and opened / closed, and a pipe 47. When the pressure inside the vessel 43 is reduced by the vacuum pump, the gas in the gas-liquid mixed flow inside the hollow fiber membrane 42 permeates through the hollow fiber membrane 42 and is discharged through pipes 45 and 47. Note that even without using a vacuum pump for gas extraction, the gas inside the hollow fiber membrane can be permeated to the outside by continuously supplying gas at a lower pressure than the inside of the hollow fiber membrane to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane due to the pressure difference. Note that it is necessary to maintain a pressurized state inside the cyclone section 2c so that the liquid is discharged when the valve 19 is opened while maintaining the gas-liquid interface level near the inner cylinder inside the cyclone section 2c, so it is also necessary to adjust the gas pressure outside the hollow fiber membrane that affects this.

[0095] [Gas-liquid separation system] Figures 19 and 20 are configuration diagrams of a gas-liquid separation system comprising the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1, the subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator 21, the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 31 for low-moisture gases, and the degassing membrane module 41. Figure 19 shows the state in which the degassing membrane module 41 is performing gas-liquid separation treatment of the exhaust gas from the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1.

[0096] The water outlet pipe 9 of the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1 is connected to the water inlet pipe 27 of the subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator 21 via pipe 51. A bubble detection sensor 52 is provided in pipe 51.

[0097] The water outlet pipe 29 of the subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator 21 is connected to the suction port of the pump 54 via pipe 53. A water extraction pipe 55 branches off from pipe 53, and a valve 56 that can be opened, closed, and have its flow rate adjusted is provided in this pipe 55. This valve 56 is controlled by a bubble detection sensor 52.

[0098] The discharge port of pump 54 is connected to the working fluid inlet of ejector 60 via piping 58.

[0099] The suction port at the throat of the ejector 60 is connected to the gas outlet 25 of the subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator 21 via piping 59.

[0100] The working fluid outlet of the ejector 60 is connected to the piping 7 of the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1 via piping 61. A piping 62 for introducing gas-liquid multiphase flow is connected to this piping 61.

[0101] The gas outlet of the gas discharge section 2d of the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1 is connected to the treated gas inlet 41a of the degassing membrane module 41 via piping 64, a three-way valve 65, piping 67, a three-way valve 68, and piping 69.

[0102] Compressed gas can be supplied from a compressed gas source 70 to the third port 68a of the three-way valve 68 via piping 71. The compressed gas source 70 can be a compressor, a nitrogen gas cylinder, or the like.

[0103] The treated fluid outlet 41b of the degassing membrane module 41 is connected to the nozzle pipe 14 of the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1 via piping 73.

[0104] The third port 65a of the three-way valve 65 is connected via piping 66 to the inlet 37 of the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 31 for low-moisture gases.

[0105] The outlet 38 of the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 31 for low-moisture gas is connected to the middle of the piping 61 (on the ejector 60 side of the junction with piping 62) via piping 75, pump 76, and piping 77.

[0106] <Steady-state operation mode> Figure 19 shows a steady-state operation mode in which a gas-liquid multiphase flow is separated into gas and liquid in two stages by a main cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1 and a sub-cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 21, the exhaust gas from the gas discharge section 2d of the main cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1 is separated into gas and liquid by a degassing membrane module 41, the exhaust gas is taken out through piping 47, and the gas-liquid multiphase flow from the degassing membrane module 41 is sent to the main cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1 via piping 73 and nozzle pipe 14.

[0107] During this steady-state operation, pump 54 is considered to be in operation.

[0108] The gas-liquid multiphase flow to be treated from piping 62 is injected into piping 61, introduced into the cyclone section 2c through piping 7 and inlet 6, where it swirls and forms a vortex. Centrifugal force separates the gas and liquid, with the gas accumulating near the axis of the cyclone section 2c and the water swirling along the inner surface of the cyclone section 2c.

[0109] The gas separated into liquid and gas phases flows out through outlet hole 5 to gas discharge section 2d. Water is introduced into the subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator 21 via outlet 8 and piping 9, 51, and 27, where it forms a vortex and is separated into liquid and gas phases again. The gas collects near the axis of the subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator 21 and flows out through outlet hole 25. The gas-liquid separated water flows from outlet 28 to piping 29 and 53, and a portion of it is removed through piping 55 and valve 56.

[0110] When the bubble detection sensor 52 detects a bubble, the valve 56 is either opened less or closed.

[0111] The remaining water flowing through pipe 53 returns to the cyclone section 2c via pump 54, pipe 58, ejector 60, and pipe 61. While flowing through pipe 61, the gas-liquid mixed flow to be treated is added from pipe 62.

[0112] Although Figure 19 shows a flow assuming a gas-liquid multiphase flow flows in from the outside, an in-line mixer or a reaction vessel with a certain residence time may be incorporated into piping 61, and ozone-containing gas or air may be blown in from piping 62 to react while being separated by the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1. Alternatively, the anode chamber and cathode chamber of an electrolytic cell may be connected to piping 61, and the gas generated by electrolysis may be separated by the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1.

[0113] In the ejector 60, gas is drawn in from the outlet hole 25 of the subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator 21 and flows out into the piping 61 as a gas-liquid mixed phase flow.

[0114] Alternatively, a low-flow pump may be used instead of ejector 60. Using a pump is preferable if there is a possibility of the ejector becoming clogged with biofilm or contaminants.

[0115] In Figure 19, the three-way valve 65 is connected to pipes 64 and 67, and the three-way valve 68 is connected to pipes 67 and 69. The gas that flows out from the outlet hole 5 of the main cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1 to the gas discharge section 2d is a gas-liquid mixed-phase flow containing a small amount of water droplets. This gas-liquid mixed-phase flow is introduced into the degassing membrane module 41 via pipe 64, three-way valve 65, pipe 67, three-way valve 68, and pipe 69, and flows through the hollow fiber membrane 42. The gas permeates through the hollow fiber membrane 42 and is extracted from inside the vessel 43 via pipe 45, valve 46, and pipe 47.

[0116] When the water detection sensor 11 detects water, the opening of the valve 46 is reduced or closed, and the volume of the gas region within the cyclone section 2c is increased.

[0117] The gas-liquid multiphase flow that has passed through the hollow fiber membrane 42 and reached the outlet 41b has a greater volume of water droplets than when it flowed into the inlet 41a. This gas-liquid multiphase flow is ejected from the piping 73 through the nozzle pipe 14 toward the cyclone section 2c, where the gas and liquid are separated.

[0118] <Purge operation mode> If the steady-state operation mode shown in Figure 19 is continued, water will accumulate inside the hollow fiber membrane 42 of the degassing membrane module 41. To discharge this accumulated water from the hollow fiber membrane 42, the system switches to the purge operation mode shown in Figure 20. In this purge operation mode, the pump 54 continues to operate. In addition, the pump 76 is also activated in the purge operation mode.

[0119] In Figure 20, the three-way valve 65 connects pipes 64 and 66, and the three-way valve 68 connects pipes 71 and 69. The gas (gas-liquid mixed-phase flow) from the gas discharge section 2d flows through pipes 64 and 66 and is introduced substantially tangentially into the straight section 33a of the outer cylinder 33 from the inlet 37 of the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 31 for low-moisture gas, where it swirls within the straight section 33a and within the tapered section 33b near the straight section 33a. Due to the centrifugal force generated by this swirling, the water in the gas-liquid mixed-phase flow comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 33, moves along this inner circumferential surface toward the other end of the outer cylinder 33, and enters the gap C. This water further moves toward the other end of the outer cylinder 33 and comes into contact with both the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 33 and the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 34. Then, by capillary action, this water moves toward the back of the gap C, that is, toward the other end of the outer cylinder 33, is extracted from the liquid outlet 38, and introduced into the pipe 61 via the pipe 75, pump 76, and pipe 77.

[0120] In the straight section 33a and the tapered section 33b near it of the outer cylinder 33, the gas components from which water has been separated flow out of the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 31 for low-moisture gases through the gas outlet 35.

[0121] In this purging operation mode, compressed gas is supplied to the degassing membrane module 41 from the compressed gas source 70 via piping 71, a three-way valve 68, and piping 69, pushing the water accumulated in the hollow fiber membrane 42 into piping 73. The water from piping 73 is then sprayed together with the gas from the nozzle pipe 14 into the cyclone section 2c.

[0122] Other operating conditions in this purge operation mode are the same as those in the steady-state operation mode shown in Figure 19.

[0123] In this purging operation mode, the water in the hollow fiber membrane 42 of the degassing membrane module 41 is purged with compressed gas. During this time, the gas (gas-liquid mixed phase flow) from the gas discharge section 2d is separated into gas and liquid phases by the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 31 for low-moisture gases, and the separated water is returned to the piping 61.

[0124] After the purge operation mode ends, the system returns to the steady-state operation mode shown in Figure 19.

[0125] Alternatively, instead of installing a cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 31 for low-moisture gases, two degassing membrane modules 41 may be installed in parallel, and one may be used for gas-liquid separation while the other is used for purging.

[0126] Furthermore, regarding the gas-liquid separation system, in addition to the steady-state mode and purge operation mode shown in Figures 19 and 20, a system without the degassing membrane module 41 may be used, as shown in Figure 24. In this system, a portion of the air or other gas from the blower is constantly supplied to the gas discharge section 2d of the main cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1, causing a gas-dominant gas-liquid mixed fluid to flow out. This flowing gas is then diluted with the remaining air or other gas and sent to the low-moisture gas cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 31 for gas-liquid separation. This system can be used when separating foamy liquids and gases that may contaminate the degassing membrane.

[0127] [Another example of a main cyclone type gas-liquid separator] Hereinafter, a cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1A (main cyclone-type gas-liquid separator) according to another embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 22.

[0128] This cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1A has an outer cylinder 2A whose diameter increases from one end 2a toward the middle in the axial direction, and decreases from the middle toward the other end 2b. One end 2a of the outer cylinder 2A is open and serves as a gas outlet. The other end 2b of the outer cylinder 2A is sealed by a sealing plate 3.

[0129] A partition wall 4 is provided in the middle of the outer cylinder 2A in the axial direction (near the middle in this embodiment). The partition wall 4 is ring-shaped and encircles the inner circumference of the outer cylinder 2A, with a gas outlet hole 5 opening in the center.

[0130] Inside the outer cylinder 2A, the end 2b side of the partition wall 4 is the cyclone section 2c, and the end 2a side of the partition wall 4 is the gas discharge section 2d.

[0131] The outer cylinder 2A is provided with an inlet 6 for introducing a gas-liquid multiphase flow into the cyclone section 2c and an outlet 8 for discharging the gas-liquid separated liquid from the cyclone section 2c.

[0132] A pipe 7 is connected to the inlet 6, and a pipe 9 is connected to the outlet 8. Each pipe 7 and 9 extends tangentially to the outer cylinder 2.

[0133] The inlet 6 is located near the sealing plate 3. The outlet 8 is located on the side of the partition wall 4. The outlet 8 is located on the side of the partition wall 4 than the tip of the inner cylinder 10, which will be described later.

[0134] In this embodiment, the inlet 6 and outlet 8 are located on opposite sides of the axis of the outer cylinder 2A.

[0135] An inner cylinder 10 is provided within the cyclone section 2c, coaxially with the outer cylinder 2A. The inner cylinder 10 is cylindrical in shape, and its base end is connected to the partition wall 4. The inner cylinder 10 has a larger diameter than the gas outlet hole 5, and the gas outlet hole 5 faces into the inner cylinder 10.

[0136] The inner cylinder 10 extends within the cyclone section 2c from the partition wall 4 toward the sealing plate 3, in the direction of the axial line of the outer cylinder 2. The tip of the inner cylinder 10 in the direction of extension is open.

[0137] The water detection sensor 11 is inserted into the inner cylinder 10 through the sealing plate 3. The tip of the water detection sensor 11 passes through the inner cylinder 10 and is inserted into the inner cylinder 10. The water detection sensor 11 is positioned close to the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 10, as in Figure 2.

[0138] A cylindrical reducer member 13 is provided near the partition wall 4 on the inner circumferential surface of the gas discharge section 2d. The outer circumferential surface of the reducer member 13 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 2, and the end face on the partition wall 4 side is in contact with the partition wall 4. The inner diameter of the reducer member 13 on the partition wall 4 side is approximately equal to the gas outlet hole 5. The inner diameter of the reducer member 13 increases as it moves away from the partition wall 4. The length of the reducer member 13 is about half the length of the gas discharge section 2d, but is not limited to this.

[0139] A nozzle tube 14 for ejecting a gas-liquid mixed fluid is inserted into the gas discharge section 2d from one end 2a of the outer cylinder 2A in the direction of the axial line. The tip of this nozzle tube 14 is located near the partition wall 4. The gas-liquid mixed fluid from the aforementioned gas-liquid separation membrane module 41 is introduced into this nozzle tube 14.

[0140] Although not shown in the diagram, a gas-liquid separation system for separating gas-liquid multiphase flow can be constructed using this cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1A, as shown in Figure 8. In this gas-liquid separation system as well, one end of the piping 7 is connected to the discharge port of the pump 16. A gas-liquid multiphase flow introduction pipe 15 is connected to the piping 7 to introduce the fluid to be treated (gas-liquid multiphase flow). A predetermined amount of liquid is placed in the cyclone section 2c, the pump 16 is operated, and the water in the cyclone section 2c is circulated through the piping 9, the pump 16, and the piping 7 to form a swirling flow of water (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a vortex flow) in the cyclone section 2c. At this time, the valve 19 is closed.

[0141] As pump 16 starts operating, a gas-liquid multiphase flow is added to pipe 7 from pipe 15, and the gas-liquid multiphase flow is introduced into cyclone section 2c. In cyclone section 2c, gas-liquid separation occurs due to the centrifugal force of the vortex flow, and the separated water flows out into pipe 9. By opening valve 19, a portion of the separated water is taken out from pipe 18. The remaining water is circulated back to cyclone section 2c through pump 16 and pipe 7, with a gas-liquid multiphase flow added from pipe 15 along the way.

[0142] If air bubbles are mixed into the water that flows out from the cyclone section 2c into the piping 7, it is desirable for the air bubble detection sensor 17 to detect this and close or reduce the opening of the valve 19 to prevent the water containing air bubbles from being removed from the piping 18.

[0143] In this way, gas-liquid separated water is extracted from the piping 18. The gas separated from the gas-liquid multiphase flow in the cyclone section 2c is discharged through the outlet hole 5 and the gas discharge section 2d and sent to the degassing membrane module 41.

[0144] [Another example of a subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator] Figure 23 shows a subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator 21A according to another example. This subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator 21A has a structure in which the gas outlet hole 25 of the partition wall 24 is blocked, and instead a gas outlet hole 25 is provided at the end of the inner cylinder 30 on the side of the closing plate 23. The other components are the same as in Figure 9, and the same reference numerals indicate the same parts.

[0145] In this subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator 21A, the gas-liquid mixed-phase flow introduced into the outer cylinder 22 from the piping 27 swirls within the outer cylinder 22 to form a vortex flow, resulting in gas-liquid separation. The separated gas flows out from the gas outlet hole 25. The separated water flows out into the piping 29 from the outlet 28.

[0146] In this subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator 21A, the pipes 27 and 29 extend tangentially, allowing for efficient gas-liquid separation. Furthermore, the presence of an inner cylinder 30 prevents gas collected axially within the outer cylinder 22 from being drawn into a vortex and flowing out of the outlet 28. [Examples]

[0147] [Example 1] A cyclone-type gas-liquid separator 1 with the dimensions shown in Figures 1-7 was fabricated, installed with its axis horizontal, and used to perform gas-liquid separation of a gas-liquid multiphase flow (a multiphase flow of air and water).

[0148] Inner diameter of outer cylinder 2 on the sealing plate 3 side: 30 mm Distance between bulkhead 4 and sealing plate 3: 65 mm Inner diameter of outer cylinder 2 on bulkhead 4 side: 25mm Inner diameter of outer cylinder 2 at gas-liquid mixed-phase flow inlet position 6: 26 mm Inner diameter of outer cylinder 2 at outlet position 8: 28 mm Inner diameter of pipe 7: 7mm Inner diameter of pipe 9: 7mm Axial distance between the center of inlet 6 and the center of outlet 8: 40 mm Inner diameter of gas outlet hole 5: 7mm Outer diameter of inner cylinder 10: 13mm Outer diameter of inner cylinder 10: 12mm Protrusion length of inner cylinder 10 from sealing plate 3: 30 mm

[0149] Furthermore, the partition wall 4 is installed so as to be inclined by about 2° from the inner wall of the outer cylinder 2 toward the cyclone section 2c toward the gas outlet hole 5. The vortex flow generated within the cyclone section 2c is blocked by this inclined partition wall 4, so the structure makes it difficult for water to leak out of the outlet hole 5.

[0150] A multiphase flow of air and water (G / L ratio = 1 / 10 (25℃, 1atm), bubble diameter less than 7000μm) was supplied to this cyclone-type gas-liquid separator at a water inflow rate of 4L / min (centrifugal effect rω relative to the Earth's standard gravitational acceleration near the inlet). 2 ( / g ≈ 24).

[0151] As a result, a vortex flow was formed along the inner surface of the outer cylinder 2. Almost no bubbles were present in the area between the inner surface of the outer cylinder 2 and the inner cylinder 10, preventing the suction of air that had accumulated in the center. Air could move freely inside and outside the cyclone section 2c through the gas outlet hole 5, but no liquid leakage was observed. Gas with a G / L ratio of 100 / 1 or higher constantly leaked from the gas outlet section 2d.

[0152] [Comparative Example 1] A cyclone with the dimensions shown in Figure 21 was installed with its axis oriented vertically, and water was supplied from the inlet at a flow rate of 4 L / min.

[0153] As a result, a stable vortex flow formed in the cylindrical section of the cyclone, and only water flowed out from the second outlet at the lower end.

[0154] [Comparative Example 2] The cyclone of Comparative Example 1 was installed with its axis oriented horizontally, and water was supplied at the same flow rate.

[0155] In this case, the vortex flow along the inner surface of the cylindrical section became turbulent, and water and air flowed out from both the first outlet and the second outlet on the opposite side. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0156] 1.1A Main Cyclone Type Gas-Liquid Separator 2 Outer cylinder 2c Cyclone section 2d Gas Outlet 3 Sealing plate 4 Bulkhead 5 Gas outlet hole 6. Gas-liquid mixed-phase flow inlet 8 Outlet 10 Inner cylinder 11 Water detection sensor 14 Nozzle tube 21,21A Subcyclone-type gas-liquid separator 22 Outer cylinder 23 Closing plate 24 Bulkhead 25 Gas outlet holes 26 Liquid inlet 28 Liquid outlet 30 Inner cylinder 31. Cyclone-type gas-liquid separator for low-moisture gases 33 Outer cylinder 33a Straight body part 33b Tapered section 34 Inner cylinder 35 Gas outlet 36 End closing plate 37 Gas inlet 38 Liquid outlet 41 Degassing Membrane Module 42 Hollow fiber membrane 70 Compressed gas source C Gap

Claims

1. A cyclone-type gas-liquid separator comprising a separator body having an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder arranged coaxially with the outer cylinder, The outer cylinder has a tapered section that increases in diameter from one end to the other. The tapered section forms a cyclone section that creates a swirling gas-liquid multiphase flow. An inlet for a gas-liquid mixed-phase flow is provided on one end of the side surface of the outer cylinder. A partition wall is provided on one end of the cyclone section, and a gas outlet hole is provided in the center of the partition wall. The other end of the cyclone section is sealed with a sealing plate. The inner cylinder is provided so as to extend from the center of the sealing plate toward one end and to partway along the axial direction of the cyclone section. A liquid extraction section is provided on the outer cylinder side circumferential surface on the sealing plate side, which is closer to the tip of the inner cylinder. A cyclone-type gas-liquid separator in which the inlet and outlet of the gas-liquid mixed-phase flow are provided tangentially to the outer cylinder.

2. The outer cylinder extends in the direction opposite to the other end of the partition wall, and this extended portion serves as a gas discharge section. The cyclone-type gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, wherein the gas discharged from the gas outlet hole passes through the gas discharge section and can be discharged from the gas outlet on the tip side of the gas discharge section.

3. A nozzle tube is inserted into the gas discharge section through the gas discharge port. The tip of the nozzle tube is located near the gas outlet hole of the partition wall, The cyclone-type gas-liquid separator according to claim 2, wherein the gas-liquid multiphase flow discharged from the degassing membrane module can be ejected from the tip of the nozzle tube.

4. The cyclone-type gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, wherein a water detection sensor is provided for detecting water near the inner surface of the inner cylinder within the cyclone section.

5. The cyclone-type gas-liquid separator according to claim 4, wherein the water detection sensor is arranged through the inner cylinder, and the detection portion at the tip of the water detection sensor protrudes from the tip of the inner cylinder into the cyclone portion.

6. A cyclone-type gas-liquid separator comprising a separator body having an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder arranged coaxially with the outer cylinder, The outer cylinder has a tapered section that becomes smaller in diameter from one end to the other. The tapered section forms a cyclone section that creates a swirling gas-liquid multiphase flow. An inlet for a gas-liquid mixed-phase flow is provided on the other end of the side surface of the outer cylinder. A partition wall is provided on one end of the cyclone section, and a gas outlet hole is provided in the center of the partition wall. The other end of the cyclone section is sealed with a sealing plate. The inner cylinder is provided so as to extend from the central part of the partition wall toward the other end and to partway along the axial direction of the cyclone section. A liquid extraction section is provided on the outer cylinder side circumferential surface on the partition wall side, which is closer to the tip of the inner cylinder. A cyclone-type gas-liquid separator in which the inlet and outlet of the gas-liquid mixed-phase flow are provided tangentially to the outer cylinder.

7. A gas-liquid separation system comprising a cyclone-type gas-liquid separator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A line for supplying the liquid discharged from the liquid outlet to the inlet of the gas-liquid multiphase flow, A pump installed in the middle of the line, A junction pipe for merging the gas-liquid mixed-phase flow to be treated into the line downstream of the pump, A branch pipe that branches off from the line upstream of the pump, A valve provided in the branch pipe and A gas-liquid separation system having the following features.

8. A bubble detection sensor is provided in the line upstream of the branching point of the aforementioned branch piping to detect bubbles in the liquid flowing through the line. The cyclone-type gas-liquid separator according to claim 7, wherein the bubble detection sensor is configured to reduce the opening of the valve or close the valve when it detects a bubble.

9. A cyclone-type gas-liquid separator according to claim 3 or 6, A gas-liquid multiphase flow discharged from the gas outlet of the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator is introduced, and a degassing membrane module separates the gas by allowing it to permeate through the gas-liquid multiphase flow. Means for guiding the gas-liquid mixed flow that has passed through the degassing membrane module to the nozzle tube A gas-liquid separation system having the following features.

10. A cyclone-type gas-liquid separator for low-moisture gases is provided in parallel with the aforementioned degassing membrane module. The gas-liquid separation system according to claim 9, wherein when the degassing membrane module is purged with compressed gas, the gas-liquid multiphase flow discharged from the gas outlet of the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator is introduced into the cyclone-type gas-liquid separator for low moisture gas.

11. The aforementioned cyclone-type gas-liquid separator for low moisture content is, It has an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder arranged coaxially with the outer cylinder, The outer cylinder has a straight section at one end with approximately equal diameter in the axial direction, and a tapered section at the other end that becomes larger in diameter as it moves away from the straight section. An inlet for a gas-liquid multiphase flow is provided at one end of the outer cylinder, which introduces a gas-liquid multiphase flow into the outer cylinder in such a manner as to form a swirling flow. A closing plate is provided on the end face of one end of the outer cylinder, and a gas outlet is provided in the center of the closing plate. The inner cylinder has a larger diameter at the end and a smaller diameter towards the tip, and the tip end is closed. The end of the inner cylinder is connected to the other end of the outer cylinder. The tip of the inner cylinder is located midway between one end and the other end of the outer cylinder. There is a gap between the circumferential surface of the inner cylinder and the circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, and this gap becomes smaller towards the other end of the outer cylinder. This is a cyclone-type gas-liquid separator in which a liquid outlet is provided on the other end side of the outer or inner cylinder. The gas-liquid separation system according to claim 10.

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