Collection Splitter for Gas-Liquid Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In process systems where liquefied gases or supercritical fluids under pressure are mixed with liquids, the separation of liquid and gas phases during sample collection leads to aerosol formation, resulting in liquid loss and potential blockages due to solids precipitation, and existing collection devices may not withstand the necessary pressurization for efficient gas-liquid separation.
Innovation Solution
A collection splitter device that separates liquid and gas phases at a decompression point before the collection vessel, using a backpressure regulator to prevent explosive expansion and precipitation, and directing gas out of the splitter while allowing liquid to drain to a separate collection container, thus avoiding aerosolization and maintaining minimal backpressure to prevent system shutdowns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flowstream is expanded prior to entering the collection container to enhance gas-liquid separation, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the collection container experiences pressurization that may cause breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate functional components: a splitter device for gas-liquid separation and a collection container for liquid storage. The splitter handles the pressurized separation function, while the collection container operates at atmospheric pressure, eliminating the contradiction between separation efficiency and container integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The splitter acts as an intermediary device between the pressurized flowstream and the atmospheric pressure collection container. It mediates the pressure transition and performs the separation function, protecting the collection container from excessive pressure while maintaining efficient gas-liquid separation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the gaseous phase is allowed to expand and heat up in the collection container, then the gas can be vented, but aerosol formation occurs causing liquid loss and solid blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The gas phase is extracted and removed from the system in the splitter device before the liquid enters the collection container. By taking out the gaseous phase at the separation point, the harmful aerosol formation and associated liquid loss are prevented at their source.
Solution Approach 2:
Gas-liquid separation is performed preliminarily in the splitter before the liquid phase enters the collection container. This preliminary action prevents aerosol formation during subsequent handling and storage, eliminating the harmful effects before they can occur.
3Stability of the object's composition
If backpressure is increased to prevent explosive expansion and solids precipitation, then system stability is improved, but collection devices not designed for pressurization may break
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the pressurized operation (in the splitter) from the atmospheric pressure collection (in the container). The splitter is designed to withstand backpressure and maintain system stability, while the collection container operates at atmospheric pressure, avoiding the contradiction between stability and device strength.
4Productivity
If the collection container is filled with liquid, then sample collection efficiency is improved, but the expanding gas phase creates pressurization that may cause breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is segmented into a splitter device that handles gas-liquid separation under pressure and a separate collection container that stores liquid at atmospheric pressure. This allows high productivity in liquid collection while preventing pressurization-related breakage of the collection container.
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 solution effectively prevents aerosol formation and liquid loss, allows for efficient separation and collection of liquid samples at or near atmospheric pressure without additional pressure schemes, and ensures the collection system can handle varying pressures without breakage, enabling scalable and reliable liquid phase recovery.
Implementation Method 1
By providing an upstream restriction from the point of decompression, such as a backpressure regulator, a minimum backpressure sufficient to prevent an explosive expansion of gas from the flowstream, prevent precipitation of solids
Implementation Method 2
simple decompression of the mobile phase flowstream separates the stream into two fractions
Implementation Method 3
Heating of the flowstream in a heated zone prior to separation prevents freezing of the flowstream
Implementation Method 4
The separator directs separated gas up and out of the splitter while directing separated liquid down via gravity to a collection container
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and process for separating liquid and gas phases in a flowstream containing a liquefied gas or supercritical fluid under pressure mixed with a liquid. A splitter vessel separates the liquid from gas phases and transfers liquid to a collection container while conducting the gas phase out of the splitter. Separation of liquid phase out of the flowstream is provided without additional pressure schemes or solvent extractions imposed on the stream.