Curvilinear Gas-Liquid Separator Dispersion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas-liquid separators in carbon dioxide based chromatography systems suffer from dispersion and cross-contamination issues due to their large vessel volumes and inconsistent centrifugal forces, leading to inefficient separation and purity of fractions.
Innovation Solution
A gas-liquid separator with a curvilinear flow path is designed to minimize dispersion by creating a secondary flow field effect perpendicular to the primary flow field, combined with centrifugal force, which drives the liquid to the inner bend radius of the path, enhancing separation efficiency and purity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gas-liquid separators use large vessel volumes, then gas removal is effective, but dispersion and cross-contamination of separated samples increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curvilinear flow path instead of a straight path, creating curved sections that generate centrifugal forces to separate gas and liquid phases. This curvature-based design enables effective gas removal while minimizing dispersion and cross-contamination of separated samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a secondary flow field perpendicular to the primary axial flow direction. This dimensional addition creates radial velocity components that enhance phase separation efficiency while reducing axial dispersion, thereby improving separation purity without requiring large vessel volumes.
2Productivity
If cyclone separators use applied centrifugal force, then separation efficiency improves, but liquid re-entrainment from walls occurs due to variable and inconsistent forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a curvilinear flow path with carefully designed curvature radii that generate consistent centrifugal forces throughout the separator. This geometric approach ensures stable and reliable separation performance, preventing liquid re-entrainment while maintaining high separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes flow velocity and path curvature parameters to achieve consistent centrifugal forces. By controlling these parameters, the system maintains reliable separation performance across varying operating conditions, preventing liquid re-entrainment while ensuring high separation efficiency.
3Reliability
If liquid droplets impinge onto vessel walls and drain by flowing along surfaces, then gas-liquid separation occurs, but significant dispersion and cross-contamination result
Solution Approach 1:
The curvilinear flow path guides liquid droplets along a controlled curved trajectory, preventing random impingement on vessel walls. This organized flow pattern minimizes dispersion and cross-contamination while ensuring complete gas-liquid separation through the centrifugal effects of the curved path.
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 curvilinear flow path design minimizes cross-contamination and dispersion, achieving a 'first-in-first-out' separation and improving the recovery and purity of separated materials, resulting in more efficient fraction collection.
Implementation Method 1
the shift in the flow velocity of an axial flow field in combination with a centrifugal force drives a liquid within the multi-phase flow stream to an inner bend radius of a member defining the curvilinear flow path
Implementation Method 2
due to one or more of the size, shape or position of the curvilinear flow path, a secondary flow field effect acting perpendicular to a primary flow field is produced
Implementation Method 3
the enclosed tubing configured in a curvilinear flow path from the inlet to the outlet to create laminar flow conditions within the multi-phase flow stream
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to methodologies, systems and apparatus for separating a liquid and a gas from a multi-phase flow stream. In particular, a gas-liquid separator having a curvilinear flow path sized is described. The flow path is designed to create a shift in the axial velocity of the primary flow field through the gas-liquid separator and generate a secondary flow field effect perpendicular to the primary flow field. The curvilinear flow path can minimize additional dispersion and provide improved efficiencies in fraction collection.