Curvilinear Flow Line and Vortex Cluster for Gas-Liquid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas-liquid separators struggle to effectively separate gas and liquid components in multi-phase fluid streams, particularly when the gas component contains a high percentage of entrained liquid, leading to inefficiencies and undesirable effects in various operations.
Innovation Solution
A two-phase flow separator system combining a curvilinear flow line system with a vortex cluster system, where the curvilinear flow line is disposed around or within a fluid vessel, utilizing centrifugal force to separate gas and liquid components, and a vortex cluster system to further enhance separation by swirling the gas component to expel entrained liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional vertical or horizontal gas-liquid separators are used, then gas and liquid components can be separated, but the separation efficiency is insufficient when the gas component contains a high percentage of entrained liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curvilinear flow lines with multiple loops or coils that create curved flow paths. This curvature generates centrifugal force that acts on the multi-phase fluid, forcing the heavier liquid to the outside wall of the flow shaping line while allowing the lighter gas to flow along the inside wall, thereby enhancing separation efficiency of entrained liquid from gas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the hydraulic principles of centrifugal force in curved flow paths to achieve separation. The curvilinear flow line system creates a centrifugal field that separates phases based on density differences, with liquid being forced outward and gas remaining inward, effectively removing entrained liquid from the gas stream
2Manufacturing precision
If curvilinear flow line system is used to separate gas and liquid, then centrifugal force can force liquid to outer wall, but the separated gas stream still contains entrained liquid that needs further removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the separation process into multiple stages: first the curvilinear flow line system performs primary separation by forcing liquid to the outer wall, then a vortex cluster system performs secondary separation on the gas component that flows along the inner wall. This segmented approach ensures thorough removal of entrained liquid through sequential separation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vortex cluster system as an intermediary separation stage between the curvilinear flow line and the final gas outlet. This vortex cluster further swirls the gas component, creating additional centrifugal effects that expel remaining entrained liquid droplets from the gas stream before it exits
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional separators with mechanical structures and baffles are used, then primary separation can be achieved, but the system complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical separation structures like baffles and mesh pads with a curvilinear flow line system that uses centrifugal force generated by the curved flow path itself. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining separation capability, as the flow shaping line's geometry creates the separating force rather than requiring additional mechanical components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves a high degree of gas-liquid separation, reducing downstream fluctuations and maintaining a consistent fluid flow, thereby improving accuracy in fluid measurement and preventing equipment damage, while enhancing the quality and shelf-life of handled liquids and reducing pump inefficiencies.
Implementation Method 1
Shaping the multi-phase flow into a curvilinear path allows centrifugal force to more readily force the heavier, denser liquid to the outside or outer diameter wall of the flow shaping line in the curved path and allow the lighter, less dense vapour or gas to flow along the inside or inner diameter wall of the flow shaping line
Implementation Method 2
a vortex cluster system to further enhance separation by swirling the gas component to expel entrained liquids
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-phase separation apparatus shapes a fluid stream in a flow shaping line having a plurality of descending, vertically stacked curvilinear loops disposed along a fluid vessel vertical axis, stratifying the fluid stream into a primarily liquid component and a primarily gaseous component. At a point below plurality of loops, the primarily gaseous component is bled off from the primary liquid component. The primarily gaseous component may be introduced into a vortex cluster to further separate liquid entrained in the gaseous component, which separated liquid may then be combined back with the primarily liquid component. The vertically stacked curvilinear loops may be disposed within a fluid vessel to protect and insulate the loops or may be disposed about the exterior of the vessel. The vortex cluster system may be positioned within the vessel and may employ vortex tubes deployed along either a linear flow channel or a spiral flow channel.