Numerical Simulations of the Dynamic Pressure Oil-Gas Separator

Abstract

The movement of fluid in oil-gas separator and its separation efficiency were investigated by the computational fluid dynamics method. The results show that the fluid velocity is decreasing along a helical trajectory and axis direction in the oil-gas separator. The central velocity is a backward motion tendency. The velocity vector moves from the bottom of the separator to overflow gate owing to the effects of the strongly inner swirling flow. The rotating center shape of the inner swirling flow is similar to the tornado. The rotation direction of the velocity vector is same as the outer swirling flow in central region. In the central region of the separator, there is the subatmospheric pressure which results in the inner swirling flow. The gas bubbles do downward helical movement, and gradually move the center of the separator, the last overflow the entire flow field from the inner fluid level. The gas bubbles diameter and inlet velocity have remarkable effects on separation efficiency. This study has revealed the flow mechanism of oil-gas separators.