Flow field prediction and bubble trajectory model in gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC) separators

Several mechanistic models have been already developed for predicting the o nset of liquid carryover in gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC) separator s. However, currently no model is available to predict gas carryunder, A bu bble trajectory model has been developed that can be used to determine the initiation of gas carryunder in the GLCC and to design GLCC for field appli cations The bubble trajectory model uses a predicted flow field in GLCC tha t is based on swirl intensity. This paper describes the development of a ge neral correlation to predict the decay of the swirl intensity, The correlat ion accounts for the effects of fluid properties (Reynolds number) as well as inlet geometry. Available experimental data as well as computational flu id dynamics (CFD) simulations were used to validate the correlation. The sw irl intensity is used to calculate the local axial and tangential velocitie s. The flow model and improved bubble trajectory results agree with experim ental observation and CFD results. Examples are provided to show how the bu bble trajectory model can be used to design GLCC.