Cyclone Decks for Entrained Liquid Removal in Gas Columns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing entrained liquids from gas streams in industrial processes are inefficient, leading to process inefficiencies, equipment damage, and increased capital expenses, particularly due to the need for additional space and pressure drops in equipment designs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating demisting cyclones into the risers of a column allows for efficient separation and removal of entrained liquids through centrifugal, gravitational, and inertial forces, with the separated liquids flowing countercurrently to the gas stream, reducing the need for additional space and maintaining operating pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate scrubbing vessel with demisting cyclones is implemented upstream of gas treating equipment, then entrained liquids are removed from the gas stream, but additional pressure drop occurs and capital expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the demisting cyclone functionality with the existing gas treating absorber column by incorporating cyclone decks at strategic locations within the column. This integration eliminates the need for a separate upstream scrubbing vessel, thereby removing the additional pressure drop and capital expenses that would result from installing a standalone scrubber while still achieving effective liquid removal.
2Reliability
If demisting cyclones are placed at the bottom of the column on a deck with additional spacing to a collector tray, then entrained liquids are separated, but the column occupies additional vertical space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cyclone separation function with the existing column structure by placing cyclone decks at optimal locations within the available vertical space. The cyclone outlets are positioned to discharge directly into the liquid collection system of the existing column, eliminating the need for additional spacing to separate collector trays and avoiding increased column height.
3Reliability
If conventional demisting cyclones are used with additional spacing between cyclones and collector tray, then liquid-vapor separation occurs, but equipment size and capital expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements cyclone decks that are nested within the existing column cross-section, utilizing the available radial and vertical space efficiently. The cyclone outlets discharge into the liquid collection system of the existing column structure, allowing the separation function to be embedded within the existing equipment footprint without increasing overall equipment size or capital expenses.
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
This approach effectively captures and removes entrained liquids, reducing foaming, fouling, and equipment damage while maintaining compact and cost-efficient column designs, enhancing the purity and quality of the gas stream.
Implementation Method 1
demisting cyclones may be located within a cross-section of a riser to remove the entrained liquids from the gas stream
Implementation Method 2
flowing the separated entrained liquids countercurrent to the flow of the gas stream
Data Source
AI summary
The present techniques are directed to a method for removing entrained liquid hydrocarbons in a countercurrent contact separator to produce a lean hydrocarbons gas. The method includes introducing a gas stream into an inlet of the countercurrent contact separator and flowing the gas stream through a bulk separator to capture a portion of the entrained liquid hydrocarbons. The method includes flowing the gas stream through a plurality of cyclone bundles, where the plurality of cyclone bundles are located in risers to capture a remaining fraction of the entrained liquid hydrocarbons. The method includes flowing the captured entrained liquids downward into a drain line countercurrent to the gas stream. The method includes removing the captured entrained liquids through a bottom outlet of the countercurrent contact separator. The method includes removing the lean hydrocarbons gas through a top outlet of the countercurrent contact separator.