The effects of geometry, fluid properties and pressure the hydrodynamics of gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone separators

The hydrodynamic flow behavior in a Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC) c ompact separator is studied experimentally and theoretically. New experimen tal data are acquired utilizing a 7.62 cm I.D, 2.18 m high, GLCC separator for a wide range of operating conditions. Investigated parameters include t hree different inlet geometries (5.08 cm I.D single, 7.62 cm I.D single and 7.62 cm I.D dual inlets), four different liquid viscosities (1, 2.5, 5 and 10 cps), three system pressures (101.3, 273.6 and 487.2 kPa), and the effe ct of surfactant, The measured data comprise of equilibrium liquid level, z ero-net liquid flow holdup and the operational envelope for liquid carry-ov er. The data are utilized to verify and refine an existing GLCC mechanistic model. Comparison between the modified model predictions and the experimen tal data show a very good agreement. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rig hts reserved.