Effect of the Inlet Geometry on the Flow in a Cylindrical Cyclone Separator

Abstract

The use of Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLLC© ) separators for gas-liquid separation is a new technology for oil and gas industry. Consequently, it is important to understand the flow behavior in the GLLC© and the effect of different geometrical geometries to enhance separation. The main objective of this study is to address the effect of different inlet geometries on the flow behavior in the GLLC© by measuring velocity components and the sum of the axial and tangential velocity fluctuations inside the GLLC© using a Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV). Three different inlet geometries were considered, namely, one inclined inlet, two inclined inlets, and a gradually reduced inlet nozzle. Axial and tangential velocities and turbulent intensities across the GLLC© diameter were measured at 24 different axial locations (318–900mm below the inlet) for each inlet geometry. Flow rates of 0.00454 and 0.00063m3∕s were selected to investigate the effect of flowrate (Reynolds number) on the flow behavior. Color contour maps color contour plots of axial and tangential velocity and the sum of the axial and tangential velocity fluctuations revealed some remarkable details of the flow behavior.