Optimization of static defoaming structure in gas-liquid separator

Abstract

ABSTRACT The foam generated in the CO2 flooding-produced fluids causes considerable oil and gas treatment problems, especially in the separation process. The foam in the gas-liquid separator is detrimental to the liquid level control and can also reduce the gas-liquid separating efficiency. To accelerate the defoaming process and increase the gas-liquid separating efficiency, different defoaming structures were evaluated and optimized experimentally within a horizontal separator with a gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC) at the inlet. When the gas-phase flow is constant at 2 m3/h and the gas-liquid ratios are 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, and 2.4, the effects of the type, the quantity of defoaming baffles, and the spacing between defoaming baffles were investigated. The defoaming effect of the perforated folded baffle is better than that of the ordinary baffle and multi-cone baffle, reducing up to 11% of the time. With three defoaming baffles, the foam can be broken by sufficient interception and squeeze, and the defoaming effect is much better than a single baffle or two baffles, reducing up to 8% of the time. The relative increase of the defoaming distance is beneficial to the defoaming. Moreover, the defoaming effect of 120 mm spacing is better than 40 mm and 80 mm spacing, reducing up to 9% of the time.