OPTIMIZING COALESCING SEPARATORS WITH MULTI-STAGE INTERNALS

摘要

Multi-stage separators that rely on disposable cylindrical coalescers are often referred to as absolute separators. The coalescers, used as the final stage, are capable of separating all incoming liquid particles except for an extremely small amount with diameters in the submicron range. When used properly, these separators can be guaranteed to clean the gas of all liquids. Expected liquid concentrations at the separator outlet are as low as one part per billion (ppb) or less of the gas mass rate. In this paper the capacity, efficiency, and limitations of coalescers are discussed based on the results obtained by testing under actual field conditions. Laboratory testing, scaled properly to match field conditions, is also presented as the most effective method to determine the capacity of coalescing tubes.