Document Type : Full Length Research Article
Authors
1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Semnan University, P.O. Box 35131-191, Semnan, Iran and Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, P.O. Box 63616-47189, Behbahan, Iran
2
Energy Engineering Department, Faculty of Gas & Petroleum, Yasouj University, Gachsaran, Iran.
3
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
4
Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, P.O. Box 63616-47189, Behbahan, Iran
Abstract
This study employed the Reynolds stress turbulence model (RSM) to numerically investigate the influence of vortex finder shape on the hydrodynamic and collection efficiency within three cylinder-shaped oil-gas cyclone separators, a type commonly used in compressor systems. The simulations were based on realistic operating conditions. The computational simulations revealed that alterations to the outlet pipe configuration in cylindrical cyclones significantly affect the gas-phase hydrodynamics. Case 1 is characterized by the highest tangential velocity, which achieves 2.8 times the inlet velocity. However, Case 3 demonstrates the lowest maximum tangential velocity among the investigated configurations, approximately 1.1 times the inlet velocity. Furthermore, deformation of the cyclone, particularly through a reduction in the outlet diameter, enhances the pressure drop adjacent to the cyclone walls. Nevertheless, the resulting complex flow patterns give rise to a counter-rotating flow, which compromises the overall separation performance. Conversely, the region surrounding the outlet pipe is characterized by heightened turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) and more intense rotational vortices compared to other sections of the cyclone. Therefore, the separation efficiency of gas-oil cylindrical cyclones is positively correlated with increasing flow velocity.
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