Applying Computational Methods for Analysis,Design,Optimization and Operation of the CANMET Hydrocyclone

摘要

Advanced Separation Technologies (AST)of CANMET Energy Technology Centre –Devon has developed and patented the CANMET hydrocyclone, which was designed specifically to process difficult-to-separate oily fluids such as those generated in western Canada heavy oil operations. Through various collaborative arrangements with industry and the R&D community, AST has introduced CANMET hydrocyclone technology for a variety of industrial applications and has conducted numerous successful field demonstrations, some of which have led to commercial installations. Fluent Inc., a world leader in computational fluid dynamics (CFD)software, and AST are collaborating in modeling efforts to improve understanding of the separation mechanisms in the CANMET hydrocyclone by delineating velocity profiles in the units as influenced by operating and geometric parameters. CFD techniques are gaining acceptance in the upstream oil and gas industry for design and optimization of separation processes, and are especially useful for analyzing the performance of dynamic separation units such as centrifuges and hydrocyclones. This paper provides details about the application of CFD techniques to the design and performance analysis of hydrocyclones. While a corkscrew-type oil-phase core is observed in a conventional single-inlet design, the four-inlet CANMET design exhibits an axisymmetric oil core that facilitates efficient removal of oil from the unit and separation of the oil and water phases. This behavior is predicted using CFD techniques. A methodology developed to test hydrocyclones is discussed and various turbulence models and boundary conditions are tested. An automated tool that can be used for both the design and optimization of hydrocyclones is also described.