Cyclone gas-liquid separator

Abstract

FIELD: liquid droplet separation.SUBSTANCE: present invention can be used in various industries such as oil and gas, chemical, and energy for efficient gas-liquid separation. A cyclone separator is proposed, comprising a cylindrical housing, an inlet pipe located with an offset relative to the axis of the housing, a central pipe located coaxially relative to the housing, the inlet of which is located inside the housing, and the outlet is located in the upper part of the housing and forms an outlet pipe, a moisture separation device located inside the central pipe, a drainage pipe, the inlet pipe comprises a confuser, the cross-section of which narrows in the direction inward of the housing, the confuser has a longitudinal section in the form of a trapezoid, the angle of convergence of the lateral sides of which lies in the range from 10° up to 25°.EFFECT: increase in the flow rate at the inlet of the separator, which increases the efficiency of separation of the gas and liquid phases, a decrease in the content of droplet moisture in the gas phase at the outlet of the separator, an increase in the service life of the separator due to a more uniform and controlled flow inside the separator, which reduces erosive wear.6 cl, 4 dwg

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of separation, specifically to a cyclone gas-liquid separator.

[0002] Cyclone separators are widely used in various industries (oil and gas, chemical, energy, compressor equipment) for efficient separation of liquid droplets.

[0003] The NEUMAN & ESSER compressor separator (see https: / / emmapp.de / produkte / zyklonabscheider / ?lang=en) is a vertical cylindrical separator. The working fluid is supplied through a radial inlet at the top of the housing. Inside, there is a separation chamber with two helical elements attached to a hollow internal outlet channel. These elements create a vortex flow, facilitating phase separation. The separated phase accumulates in the lower part of the housing and is discharged through a drain port. The purified phase exits through an axial outlet at the top. However, this solution is characterized by insufficient gas flow swirl at the separator inlet, as well as a decrease in the residual content of condensed moisture in the gas phase.

[0004] A cyclone gas-liquid separator is also known (see CN 211677004 U, prototype), comprising a housing with a gas outlet opening in the upper portion and an inlet pipe in the side wall that extends tangentially to the inner wall of the tank housing. A liquid outlet opening is provided in the side wall of the housing, communicating with the internal cavity of the housing, and the liquid outlet opening is located below the loading opening. A disadvantage of this solution is the low velocity of the incoming gas flow, which reduces further swirling of the flow and, consequently, leads to insufficient separation of liquid particles from the gas medium.

[0005] The technical problem is to develop a more efficient cyclone type separator.

[0006] The technical result is an increase in the flow velocity at the separator inlet, which improves the efficiency of gas-liquid separation. Another technical result is a reduction in the content of condensed moisture in the gas phase at the separator outlet. Furthermore, the technical result extends the service life of the separator by creating a more uniform and controlled flow within the separator, reducing erosive wear.

[0007] The proposed cyclone separator comprises a cylindrical housing, an inlet pipe located on the side wall of the housing, the axis of which is offset from the axis of the housing, a central pipe located coaxially relative to the housing, the inlet of which is located inside the housing, and the outlet is located in the upper part of the housing and forms an outlet pipe, a moisture separation device located inside the central pipe, a drainage pipe located in the lower part of the housing. The technical problem is solved, and the technical results are achieved due to the fact that the inlet pipe contains a confuser, the cross-section of which narrows in the direction inward of the housing, wherein the confuser has a longitudinal section in the form of a trapezoid, the angle of convergence of the lateral sides of which lies in the range from 10° to 25°.

[0008] The ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the inlet and outlet of the confuser is in the range from 4:1 to 2:1.

[0009] The specified area ratio is in the range of 3.5:1 to 3:1.

[0010] The convergence angle of the lateral sides of the trapezoid of the longitudinal section of the confuser is preferably 15°.

[0011] The separator contains a perforated plate located at the entrance of the central pipe.

[0012] The moisture separation device is a mesh coalescer or demister.

[0013] Fig. 1 shows a cyclone gas-liquid separator according to the invention in an isometric projection.

[0014] Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view from above of a cyclonic gas-liquid separator according to the invention.

[0015] Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal section A-A of Fig. 2, illustrating the central part of the cyclone gas-liquid separator according to the invention.

[0016] Fig. 4 shows a cross-section of a cyclone gas-liquid separator according to the invention, illustrating view B of Fig. 3.

[0017] The figures indicate the following positions:

[0018] 1 - body; 2 - inlet pipe; 3 - central pipe; 4 - perforated plate; 5 - moisture separation device; 6 - outlet pipe; 7 - drainage pipe; 8 - confuser.

[0019] This technical solution is a vertical cyclone separator designed to separate liquid and solid impurities from a gas stream. The cyclone separator comprises a cylindrical body 1, an inlet pipe 2, a central pipe 3, a perforated plate 4, a moisture separation device 5, an outlet pipe 6, a drainage pipe 7, and a confuser 8 located in the inlet pipe 2.

[0020] Body 1 is a cylindrical container, usually of welded construction, designed for specific operating pressure and temperature.

[0021] Inlet 2 is located on the side wall of housing 1 tangentially (offset) relative to the axis of housing 1 at its top, such that the axis of inlet 2 is offset relative to the axis of housing 1. The inlet is equipped with a flange connection for supplying the untreated gas flow. This arrangement of inlet 2 ensures flow swirl.

[0022] The central (inner) pipe 3, located coaxially within the housing 1, extends along almost its entire length or to a certain level. The outlet of the central pipe 3 is located at the top of the housing and forms the outlet pipe 6. The central pipe 3 serves to separate moisture and solid particles and remove purified gas.

[0023] Perforated plate 4 is located at the inlet of central pipe 3, below inlet nozzle 2 (i.e., below the gas inlet zone). Perforated plate 4 has openings for the passage of the gas being purified and is designed to more evenly distribute the flow and protect moisture separation device 5 from high-speed jets.

[0024] The moisture separating device 5 (in particular, the mesh coalescer / demister) is located inside the central pipe 3, behind the perforated plate 4. The moisture separating device 5 can be made in the form of a woven stainless steel mesh, which functions as a coalescing element that promotes the enlargement of small liquid droplets and their subsequent sedimentation.

[0025] The outlet (upper) pipe 6 is preferably located coaxially with the central pipe in the upper part of the separator, and is also provided with a flange connection for removing the purified gas.

[0026] Drainage pipe 7 is located in the lower part of the housing and is designed for periodic removal of accumulated liquid or solid impurities.

[0027] Figure 2 shows an axial section of inlet pipe 2, which clearly illustrates its eccentric (off-axis) location. Arrows indicate the direction of the incoming gas. Thus, inlet pipe 2 is positioned radially offset from the housing axis.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 2, the inlet pipe 2 comprises a confuser 8, in particular a conical confuser 8, the cross-section of which tapers in the direction inside the body 1. Preferably, the longitudinal section of the confuser is a trapezoid. In particular, as shown in Fig. 2, the longitudinal section of the confuser is a right-angled trapezoid, the inclined side of which is located closer to the central pipe 3 than the other side, which forms a right angle with the base. Preferably, said inclined side of the confuser trapezoid is parallel to the tangent to the circumference of the central pipe 3. The convergence angle of the lateral sides of the trapezoid of the longitudinal section of the confuser is preferably in the range of 10° to 25°. According to the tests conducted, the selection of the confuser angle in this range is optimal in terms of effective swirling of the flow (creation of a vortex motion), and the most preferable angle value was established to be equal to 15°.The confuser 8 is installed at least partially within the inlet pipe 2 and narrows its cross-section. The inlet of the confuser 8 is preferably installed within the inlet pipe 2, and the outlet is located within the separator housing 1 tangentially relative to said housing 1. The presence of the confuser 8 increases the velocity of the incoming gas flow (according to Bernoulli's principle), leading to more intense swirling of the flow. As a result, the centrifugal force acting on the particles increases, and their separation from the gas medium becomes more effective.

[0029] Furthermore, as a result of computer modeling of the gas-dynamic characteristics of the separator, the applicant determined that the optimal ratio of the inlet and outlet cross-sectional areas of the confuser lies in the range from 4:1 to 2:1. The greatest efficiency in terms of the impact on the flow velocity at the separator inlet was achieved with a ratio of the inlet and outlet cross-sectional areas of the confuser in the range from 3.5:1 to 3:1.

[0030] Fig. 3 shows the arrangement of the moisture separation device 5 integrated into the central pipe 3, which is designed to effectively reduce the content of droplet moisture (as well as solid inclusions) in the gas phase.

[0031] Fig. 4 shows an example of the implementation of a perforated plate 4 installed at the entrance of the central pipe 3 to ensure the passage of gaseous media, which ensures a more uniform distribution of the flow, protecting the moisture separation device 5 from high-speed jets.

[0032] Gas is introduced into the separator through an offset (tangential) inlet pipe 2, ensuring tangential flow. Contact with the inner pipe initiates a vortex motion of the gas along a spiral trajectory along the walls of housing 1. Purified gas is discharged through central pipe 3, equipped with a perforated plate 4, and outlet pipe 6. Located within central pipe 3 is a moisture separator 5, designed to effectively capture and separate residual moisture and solid particles.

[0033] Tangential gas inlet and enhanced vortex motion due to the presence of a confuser 8 in the inlet pipe 2 create a controlled flow that directs the main impurities toward the walls. This reduces direct impact and erosive wear of internal components (moisture separator 5, perforated plate 4, central pipe 3) by distributing the impact over a larger area and preventing localized damage. Consequently, the service life of the filter elements and the entire structure is extended.

[0034] Perforated plate 4 ensures uniform flow distribution, protecting moisture separator 5 from high-velocity jets. Moisture separator 5 effectively captures fine moisture, preventing it from entering downstream equipment. This eliminates corrosion, water hammer, and abrasive wear of downstream systems, significantly increasing their durability.

[0035] The design ensures a reproducible separation process with minimal turbulent pulsations. This allows the use of standard control algorithms and typical sensors, simplifying the development and configuration of automated control systems (ACS). The predictable behavior of the unit allows the ACS to accurately predict its condition and quickly respond to changes, which directly increases the unit's autonomy and reliability.

[0036] The design is optimized for sensor installation, with convenient instrumentation locations (flanged connections, drainage) ensuring reliable data collection for the automated control system. This allows the system to monitor performance (moisture separation efficiency, liquid level) in real time and automatically control processes (e.g., drainage). This optimizes plant operation, prevents abnormal situations, and increases overall reliability and autonomy by eliminating manual interventions.

[0037] Thus, the modernized design of the separator with a tangential arrangement of the inlet pipe 2 and a confuser 8 located inside it ensures not only an increase in the separation efficiency (due to an increase in the flow rate at the inlet of the separator), but also a significant increase in the durability of the equipment, as well as effective integration into automated control systems, which contributes to an increase in the overall autonomy and reliability of the separator.

Claims

1. A cyclone gas-liquid separator comprising a cylindrical housing, an inlet pipe located on the side wall of the housing, the axis of which is offset relative to the axis of the housing, a central pipe located coaxially relative to the housing, the inlet of which is located inside the housing, and the outlet of which is located in the upper part of the housing and forms an outlet pipe, a moisture separation device located inside the central pipe, a drainage pipe located in the lower part of the housing, characterized in that the inlet pipe contains a confuser, the cross-section of which narrows in the direction inward of the housing, wherein the confuser has a longitudinal section in the form of a trapezoid, the angle of convergence of the lateral sides of which lies in the range from 10° to 25°.

2. The separator according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the inlet and outlet of the confuser lies in the range from 4:1 to 2:

1.

3. The separator according to paragraph 2, characterized in that the said area ratio lies in the range from 3.5:1 to 3:

1.

4. The separator according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the angle of convergence of the lateral sides of the trapezoid of the longitudinal section of the confuser is 15°.

5. The separator according to paragraph 1, characterized in that it contains a perforated plate located at the entrance of the central pipe.

6. The separator according to claim 1, characterized in that the moisture separation device is a mesh coalescer or demister.

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