Analysis of the Possibility of Modeling Gas Separators using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Abstract

Today, gas-liquid separators are usually used for the purification of gas mixtures from droplet liquid, and there are many designs of which. However, in order to improve the efficiency of their work, increase throughput, reduce mass and dimensions, they are constantly being improved. Usually, developing a new or improving an existing separator design is a long-term and relatively expensive process. Today, computer programs that implement the finite element method make it possible to speed up and reduce the cost of designing both a gas separator and other equipment. FloEFD program is one of these programs. However, it is more convenient during design to use one computer program that allows you to build 3D models (CAD) and in the same program to use a module for simulating the movement of gas and liquid flows (CFD). Such a program is SolidWorks with the FlowSimulation application module. As for the physical processes that occur during the operation of gas separators, they are quite complex, since a multiphase gas flow with an existing liquid phase is simulated. In the article, simulation modeling of the C-2-1 separator was carried out and the values and distributions of velocities and pressures in its various cross-sections were determined. Special attention was paid to the following cross-sections of the separator: along the axis of its inlet pipe; in the middle is the spigot of the blade screw; on a block of blinds. The difference in pressure at the outlet and inlet of the separator was determined, which is 20267 Pa. Based on the simulation results obtained, recommendations are given for further research and optimization of the separator design. The main parameter that characterizes the degree of separation of liquid from gas in the separator is the efficiency factor, which depends on the design of the separator, thermobaric conditions, parameters of the technological scheme, composition and physical and chemical properties of the gas-liquid flow. As a result of simulated modeling of the separator, its efficiency coefficient was determined when it extracted droplet liquid from the gas-liquid mixture in its various fractions (from 0.01 to 0.1 mm). The efficiency factor is about 100%.