Modeling and simulation of the gas-liquid separation process in an axial flow cyclone based on the Eulerian-Lagrangian approach and surface film model

Abstract

Axial flow cyclones are a widely used gas-liquid separation equipment in the chemical industry, petroleum industry, nuclear industry, etc. The gas-liquid separation process inside an axial flow cyclone involves complex phenomena, including the deposition of droplets on the wall (forming a liquid film), the flow of this liquid film, and the entrainment of droplets in this film. Therefore, CFD simulations of the gas-liquid separation process in an axial flow cyclone are very challenging to perform. In the present study, the gas-liquid separation process inside an axial flow cyclone is successfully modeled using the Eulerian-Lagrangian approach and a surface film model. The gas core is described by the Eulerian-Lagrangian approach, and the liquid film flow is modeled based on a two-dimensional thin-film assumption. Then, the proposed model is implemented by using OpenFOAM and validated against various experimental data sources. Subsequently, the proposed model is employed to simulate the flow field in the cyclone, which directly affects the separation performance. Furthermore, the gas-liquid two-phase flow inside the cyclone with high operating pressure is investigated using the proposed model, and the relevant characteristics are analyzed. The research results are of great significance to the design, operation, and optimization of axial flow cyclones.