Empirical and numerical advancements in gas-liquid separation technology: A review

Abstract

Gas-liquid separation technology is vital in various industries, including oil exploitation, chemical engineering, and fluid machinery. Consequently, numerous scholars have explored empirical and numerical study aspects of gas-liquid separation to enhance its performance. Considered from the point of view of separation methods, gas-liquid separation is divided into four main categories: gravity, inertial, filtration, and centrifugal. Gravity separation is mainly researched around two structures: horizontal and vertical. Inertial separation is primarily concerned with the structural shape of the device and the change in the direction of the inertial force to achieve efficient separation of the gas and liquid phases. Filtration separation is mainly studied around the screen's structural shape and chemical properties (surface modification) to separate. Centrifugal separation is primarily carried out through experiments and numerical simulations to investigate the effects of structural and operational parameters on the internal flow field and separation performance of the device. The gas-liquid separation performance is improved by optimizing the structural and functional addition; these methods have been categorized according to the selected research object and the methodology employed. In addition, the separation mechanism is described. This more in-depth analysis can improve the gas-liquid separation performance more accurately and practically. This comprehensive review also highlights the need to explore several research directions in gas-liquid separation technology. Firstly, a more in-depth mechanistic research investigation is essential to understand the underlying phenomena better. Secondly, cohesively integrating multiple technological means can lead to more efficient separation processes. Lastly, employing numerical models for optimization is promising for further advancements in this field. Selecting appropriate approaches and devices is crucial for achieving high-efficiency gas-liquid separation. By combining empirical and numerical studies information and adopting a multidisciplinary approach, researchers can address existing challenges and unlock new possibilities in gas-liquid separation technology.