Experimental and numerical investigation on the gas-liquid separation performance of a novel vane separator with grooves

A novel vane separator with grooves for use in natural gas purification processes was proposed to improve the fine droplet removal efficiency (<20 mu m). In this study, an experimental approach and numerical method were combined to investigate the effects of geometric parameters (groove position, groove height and plate spacing) and operating conditions (inlet gas velocity and droplet size) on the separation efficiency, pressure drop and quality factor. The numerical results indicated that the groove configurations have a great influence on the airflow velocity distribution pattern and droplet trajectories, leading to changes in the separation efficiency and pressure drop. Increasing the dimensionless groove height K-2 and decreasing the groove position K-1 can remarkably increase the possibility of droplets hitting the wall, which results in a higher separation efficiency. In addition, the re-entrainment mechanism is suppressed effectively by applying the grooves when inlet gas velocity exceeds a critical value. Although the pressure drop also inevitably increases, but the proposal is acceptable for industrial applications. Therefore, using the grooves as enhanced structures can be a feasible means to develop optimal vane separators. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Institution of Chemical Engineers.

Automated summary

A novel vane separator with grooves was proposed to improve the removal efficiency of fine droplets in natural gas purification processes. The combination of experimental and numerical methods revealed that the groove configurations significantly influenced the airflow velocity distribution and droplet trajectories, thereby affecting the separation efficiency and pressure drop.