3 replies to this topic

[kumarnagarathinam]

I have a three phase horizontal separator running. How can I calculate the handling capacity of the separator?

Is there any formula to theortically calculate the amount of oil, gas, water separated for a particular conditions.

If any, give me the formula or please give the books to be referred.



regards
kumar

[Andree]

Liquid handling capacity depends on properties of your fluids, coalescing elements if they are included, and size of the settler.
For liquid/liquid coalescing elements this value is 8-25 m3/m2 h for secondary diepersions, 20-80 m3/m2 h for mesh pads or mats (applied for primary dispersions).
Settlers with no coalescing internals is sized based on settling time (simple Stokes formula or other relations for higher concentration of dispersed phase).

[kumarnagarathinam]

Thank you.

Is there any method to find out how much liquid/water/gas has actually separated.

Is there any assumption that a separator will work on 100% separation efficiency?

we can size a separator with inlet conditions, but can we find the efficiency of an existing separator (ie how much it seperates)?

[djack77494]

Is there any method to find out how much liquid/water/gas has actually separated.

Is there any assumption that a separator will work on 100% separation efficiency?

we can size a separator with inlet conditions, but can we find the efficiency of an existing separator (ie how much it seperates)?

Kumar,
To answer these questions you must refer back to your sizing procedure. You imply that you know how to size separators. Typically, you'd use the Brown-Souders Equation for vapor-liquid separations, and Stoke's Law for two liquid phases separating. Inherent in both is the understanding that your separation efficiency is imperfect. You are essentially sizing to avoid "large" droplets, and accepting the really small droplets. The specific size range is not explicitly identified in the B-S Equation; it is specified in Stoke's Law. But, you normally do not have good knowledge of the distribution of droplets of varying sizes, as so you cannot calculate quantities of undesired phases are entrained with the desired phase. Empirical correlations for specific systems can be used to obtain these values if they are available.
Doug