Discrete Particle Study of Turbulence Coupling in a Confined Jet Gas-Liquid Separator

Abstract

A 3D computational fluid dynamics investigation of particle-induced flow effects and liquid entrainment from an industrial-scale separator has been carried out using the Eulerian–Lagrangian two-way coupled multiphase approach. A differential Reynolds stress model was used to predict the gas phase turbulence field. The dispersed (liquid) phase was present at an intermediate mass loading (0.25) but low volume fraction (0.05). A discrete random walk method was used to track the paths of the liquid droplet releases. It was found that gas phase deformation and turbulence fields were significantly impacted by the presence of the liquid phase; these effects have been parametrically quantified. Substantial enhancement of both the turbulence and the anisotropy of the continuous phase by the liquid phase was demonstrated. It was also found that a large number (⩾1000) of independent liquid droplet release events were needed to make conclusions about liquid entrainment. Known plant run conditions and entrainment rates validated the numerical method.