Gas-Liquid Separator With Angled Ribs to Reduce Droplet Entrainment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas-liquid separators suffer from high droplet entrainment of liquid in the gas phase due to gravitational separation methods, leading to inefficiencies and incomplete separation.
Innovation Solution
A gas-liquid separator design featuring angled ribs on the inner and outer walls of the housing assembly, along with an annular channel and additional gas-liquid separation apparatus, which utilize centrifugal forces and multiple flow direction changes to enhance separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If gravitational separation method is used, then the structure is simple, but the separation efficiency is low and droplet entrainment is high
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into multiple functional zones: an upper separation chamber with centrifugal separation ribs, a lower collection chamber, and an annular channel system. This segmentation allows different separation mechanisms to operate in different zones, improving overall separation efficiency while maintaining structural organization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from simple gravitational separation (vertical dimension only) to centrifugal separation by introducing tangential flow (adding horizontal/rotational dimension). The angled ribs and annular channel create multi-dimensional flow paths that enhance separation capability without proportionally increasing complexity
2Device complexity
If gravitational separation method is used, then the device is simple, but the separation rate is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet is designed to introduce fluid tangentially into the annular channel before the main separation chamber, creating preliminary centrifugal force that initiates separation early in the flow path. This preliminary action prepares the flow for more effective separation in the subsequent chambers
Solution Approach 2:
The angled ribs act as intermediary elements between the fluid flow and the separation chamber walls. They intercept droplets from the gas stream and guide them along the angled surfaces into the liquid collection zone, improving separation completeness without requiring direct wall impact
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 design achieves a compact structure with high separation efficiency, effectively separating both large and small droplets, resulting in improved separation rates and reduced droplet entrainment.
Implementation Method 1
A gas-liquid separator design featuring angled ribs on the inner and outer walls of the housing assembly, along with an annular channel and additional gas-liquid separation apparatus, which utilize centrifugal forces and multiple flow direction changes to enhance separation efficiency
Implementation Method 2
which utilize centrifugal forces and multiple flow direction changes to enhance separation efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
This application provides a gas-liquid separator, including a housing assembly and a plurality of first ribs. The housing assembly has an inner side wall defining a housing accommodation cavity. The housing assembly includes an inlet, a gas outlet, and a liquid outlet, the inlet. The gas outlet, and the liquid outlet are communicated with the housing accommodation cavity. The inlet is provided on the inner side wall of the housing accommodation cavity, the gas outlet is provided above the inlet, and the liquid outlet is provided below the inlet. The plurality of first ribs are arranged on the inner side wall of the housing assembly. Each of the plurality of first ribs is arranged at an angle with respect to a height direction of the housing assembly, and each of the plurality of first ribs includes a first rib windward end and a first rib leeward end. In a flow direction of a fluid entering the housing accommodation cavity from the inlet, the first rib windward end is located upstream of the first rib leeward end. In the height direction of the housing assembly, the first rib windward end is higher than the first rib leeward end. The gas-liquid separator has a compact structure, a small overall volume, and high separation efficiency.