Abstract
Supersonic separation combines concepts from aerodynamics, thermodynamics, physical separation and fluid-dynamics resulting in an innovative gas conditioning process. It is used to condition the gas by removing condensable vapors and natural gas liquids. In the supersonic separation process, undesired components form liquid condensates, as a result of temperature drop, that are centrifugally removed through side collection streams. This article presents a shortcut one-dimensional numerical model that presents great potential as a fast and accurate tool that enables the simulation of supersonic separators. This model would best fit the category of preliminary conceptual design tools. The developed model is validated through several cases with air, 3-component natural gas and 13-component natural gas mixtures as working fluids at different conditions and nozzle area ratios. Tests included nozzles with and without side streams. Computational loads were decreased by reducing the number of locations tested in the diverging nozzle to locate the side streams and the shockwave. Simulation time and number of locations tested in the nozzle are reduced by 75%–97%. depending on the nozzle geometry and conditions.
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