Multi-Phase Flow Separator with Pre-Separation Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separators for multi-phase flows, such as gas with entrained liquid droplets, face inefficiencies in separating phases effectively, particularly in terms of re-entrainment of droplets and pressure drop, necessitating improvements in design and operation.
Innovation Solution
A separator design featuring a mesh with specific geometric configurations, including defined distances (H1 and H2) between the mesh and chamber boundaries, and optional features like rotating mechanisms and liquid addition, to enhance separation efficiency and minimize size while maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the mesh is positioned closer to the inlet to reduce separator size, then the device volume decreases, but separation efficiency deteriorates due to increased re-entrainment of droplets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the mesh at a specific distance H1 from the inlet along the axial dimension, creating an upstream pre-separation zone. This dimensional arrangement allows droplets to begin separating before reaching the mesh, improving overall separation efficiency without increasing the radial or lateral dimensions of the separator.
2Reliability
If the mesh diameter is increased to improve separation efficiency, then separation performance improves, but the device volume and pressure drop increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into distinct functional zones: an upstream pre-separation chamber where droplets begin to separate before reaching the mesh, and a downstream collection chamber. This segmentation allows the mesh to be smaller while maintaining overall separation efficiency, as the pre-separation zone handles initial droplet removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The upstream chamber performs preliminary separation of droplets from the gas stream before the flow reaches the mesh. This preliminary action reduces the burden on the mesh, allowing it to be smaller in diameter while still achieving the required overall separation efficiency.
3Reliability
If the mesh diameter is increased to reduce re-entrainment, then separation efficiency improves, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the separation process into pre-separation in the upstream chamber and final separation at the mesh, the required mesh diameter is reduced. This smaller mesh diameter directly reduces the pressure drop across the mesh while maintaining effective separation through the combined action of both zones.
4Reliability
If the distance H1 is increased to improve separation efficiency, then separation performance improves, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the distance H1 as a critical parameter, specifying it should be between 0.5d and 2d where d is the mesh diameter. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient pre-separation distance to improve separation efficiency while preventing excessive increase in the overall separator volume.
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 proposed separator configuration improves separation efficiency by reducing re-entrainment and pressure drop, achieving effective phase separation with a compact design suitable for various applications, including industrial and environmental uses.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid droplets coalesce as they pass through the rotating mesh
Implementation Method 2
The liquid droplets are coalesced and centrifuged by the rotating mesh and allowed to escape radially out of the path of the gas flow
Implementation Method 3
the liquid droplets are centrifuged and caused to travel radially outward towards the periphery of the rotating mesh
Data Source
AI summary
A separator for separating a multi-phase flow comprises: a first chamber at an upstream end of the separator, the first chamber comprising an inlet for an inlet flow to enter the first chamber; a second chamber at a downstream end of the separator, the second chamber comprising an outlet for a separated gas flow to exit the second chamber; and a mesh located between the first chamber and the second chamber for separating phases of the multi-phase flow, wherein the mesh is configured to receive the multi-phase flow from the first chamber at an upstream face of the mesh, and is configured to allow the separated gas flow to flow into the second chamber from a downstream face of the mesh.