Phase Splitter Core Stabilizer for Light Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art phase splitters experience reduced separation efficiency due to light phase instability near the distal end, causing an undesirably large quantity of light phase to exit through the heavy phase outlet, especially under fluctuations in the multiphase fluid stream.
Innovation Solution
A phase splitter apparatus with a core stabilizer positioned between the swirl element and the heavy phase outlet, featuring a cylindrical or conical cavity that converges radially inwardly to engage and stabilize the light phase core, preventing it from exiting through the heavy phase outlet, supported by axial holes or radial fins within the separator tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a phase splitter operates by rotating multiphase fluid to create centrifugal forces, then the heavy phase moves toward the radially outer region and the light phase forms a core in the radially inner region, but fluctuations in the flow cause the light phase core to become unstable near the distal end, resulting in light phase exiting through the heavy phase outlet
Solution Approach 1:
A core stabilizer is introduced as an intermediary component positioned in the flow bore between the swirl element and the heavy phase outlet. The stabilizer includes a stabilizing surface that engages the distal end of the light phase core, providing mechanical support and stability to prevent core breakup and light phase leakage through the heavy phase outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The core stabilizer changes the physical parameters of the light phase core by providing a stabilizing surface at a specific radial position and axial location. This modifies the core's structural parameters (length, radial position, distal end configuration) to enhance stability without altering the fundamental centrifugal separation mechanism.
2Productivity
If the light phase core extends axially through the flow bore toward the heavy phase outlet, then separation of phases is achieved, but the distal end of the light phase core becomes unstable under flow fluctuations, causing light phase to exit through the heavy phase outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The core stabilizer acts as a protective intermediary between the light phase core and the heavy phase outlet environment. By positioning the stabilizing surface to engage the distal end of the core, it prevents the harmful effect of light phase leakage while maintaining the core's axial extension for effective separation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the multiphase fluid stream experiences fluctuations, then the light phase core instability increases near the distal end, but the basic centrifugal separation mechanism remains effective for phase division
Solution Approach 1:
The core stabilizer provides beforehand cushioning by pre-positioning the stabilizing surface to engage the distal end of the light phase core before flow fluctuations can cause instability. This proactive stabilization prevents core breakup and light phase leakage even when flow conditions vary.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer serves as a buffer intermediary that absorbs the impact of flow fluctuations on the light phase core. The stabilizing surface provides a fixed reference point that maintains core integrity despite variations in flow rate and turbulence.
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 core stabilizer effectively inhibits light phase exit through the heavy phase outlet, significantly improving separation efficiency even under flow fluctuations, as demonstrated by computational fluid dynamics simulations.
Implementation Method 1
These phase splitters operate by rotating the multiphase fluid to create centrifugal forces which cause the heavy phase to move toward the radially outer region of the fluid stream and the light phase to form a core in the radially inner region of the fluid stream
Implementation Method 2
a core stabilizer which is positioned in the flow bore between the swirl element and the heavy phase outlet and which engages the distal end of the light phase core to thereby inhibit the light phase from exiting the apparatus through the heavy phase outlet
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~4A
AI summary
An apparatus (10) for separating a multiphase fluid into a relatively light phase and a relatively heavy phase, the apparatus comprising: a separator tube (12) which comprises a fluid inlet (22) through which the multiphase fluid enters the apparatus, a heavy phase outlet (24) through which the heavy phase exits the apparatus and an inner diameter surface (18) which defines a flow bore (20) that extends between the fluid inlet (22) and the heavy phase outlet (24); a swirl element (38) which is positioned in the flow bore (20) downstream of the fluid inlet (22) and which causes the multiphase fluid to rotate and separate the heavy phase from the light phase, the light phase forming an elongated core (40) which extends axially through the flow bore (20) radially inwardly of the heavy phase from proximate the swirl element (38) toward the heavy phase outlet (24); a discharge channel (26) through which the light phase exits the apparatus, the discharge channel (26) being fluidly connected to a radially inner region of the flow bore (20); and a core stabilizer (44) which is positioned in the flow bore (20) between the swirl element (38) and the heavy phase outlet (24) and which engages the distal end of the light phase core (40) to thereby prevent the light phase from exiting the apparatus through the heavy phase outlet (24) under the influence of fluctuations in the flow of the multiphase fluid through the fluid inlet (22); where the heavy phase outlet (24) is coaxial with the separator tube (12) and the core stabilizer (44) comprises a cylindrical body (46) which is positioned coaxially within the separator tube (12), the body (46) comprising a cavity (48) which includes an upstream opening (50), a downstream end (52) and an inner surface (54) which converges radially inwardly from the upstream opening (50) to the downstream end (52).