Swirling Flow Regimes and Gas Carry-Under in Gas–Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone Separator in a Separated Outlet Configuration

2020 ◽  
Vol 143 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinivas Swaroop Kolla ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham
Keyword(s):  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Swirling Flow ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Jet Impingement ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Complex Flow ◽  
Cylindrical Cyclone ◽  
Oil Flow ◽  
Flow Mechanisms ◽  
Operational Envelope

Abstract Gas carry-under (GCU) and the corresponding gas volume fraction (GVF) in the gas–liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC©)2 liquid outlet occurs even within its normal operational envelope (OPEN). Few studies are available on GLCC, GCU, and GVF, which have been carried out in a GLCC operated in a metering loop configuration. This study focuses on GLCC GCU and GVF in swirling flow under separated outlet configuration with active control, which increases the GLCC OPEN significantly. A state-of-the-art test facility is used to acquire extensive GCU and GVF data for both air–water and air–oil flow in a 3″ diameter GLCC. The GLCC is equipped with three sequential trap sections to measure the instantaneous GVF and gas evolution in its lower part below the inlet. Also, gas trap sections are installed in the GLCC liquid outlet leg to measure the overall time-averaged GCU and GVF. The extensive acquired data shed light on the complex flow behavior in the lower part of the GLCC and its effect on the GCU and GVF in the GLCC. Tangential wall jet impingement from the GLCC inlet is the cause of gas entrainment and swirling in the lower GLCC body. The swirling flow mechanisms in the lower part of the GLCC are identified, which affect the GCU and GVF. The liquid viscosity and surface tension also affect the results. The GCU and GVF in the GLCC liquid outlet reduce as the superficial liquid velocities are increased for both air–oil and air–water flows, whereby the superficial gas velocities do not have a significant effect. The GCU and GVF for air–water flow are three orders of magnitude lower as compared to the air–oil flow.

Gas Carry-Under in GLCC for Separated and Recombined Outlet Configurations

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinivas Swaroop Kolla ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham
Keyword(s):  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Swirling Flow ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Jet Impingement ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Level Control ◽  
Complex Flow ◽  
Control Configuration

Gas Carry-Under (GCU) is one of the undesirable phenomena that exists in the GLCC©1 even within the Operational Envelope (OPEN) for liquid carry-over. Few studies that are available on GLCC© GCU have been carried out when the GLCC© is operated in a metering loop configuration characterized by recombined outlets. In such configurations the gas and the liquid outlets of the GLCC are recombined downstream which acts as passive level control. However, studies have shown that the GLCC© OPEN increases significantly when active control strategies are employed. There has not been a systematic study aimed at analyzing the effect of control on the GCU in the GLCC. This study compares the previously published GLCC GCU swirling flow mechanism under recombination outlet configuration with data taken under the separated outlet configuration (control configuration). Experimental investigations for GCU are conducted in a state-of-the-art test facility for air-water and air-oil flow incorporating pressure and level control configurations. The experiments are carried out using a 3″ diameter GLCC© equipped with 3 sequential trap sections to measure simultaneously the Gas Volume Fraction (GVF) and gas evolution in the lower part of the GLCC. Also, gas trap sections are installed in the liquid leg of the GLCC© to measure simultaneously the overall GCU. The liquid level was controlled at 6″ below the GLCC© inlet for all experiments using various control strategies. Tangential wall jet impingement is the cause for entrainment of gas, thereby leading to GCU. 3 different flow mechanisms have been identified in the lower part of the GLCC and have significant effect on the GCU. Viscosity and surface tension are observed to affect the GCU. The extensive acquired data shed light on the complex flow behavior in the lower part of the GLCC© and its effect on the GCU of the GLCC©.

Experimental Investigation of Volume Fraction in an Annulus Using Electrical Resistance Tomography

SPE Journal ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (05) ◽  
pp. 1947-1956 ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed Raza Rehman ◽  
Alap Ali Zahid ◽  
Anwarul Hasan ◽  
Ibrahim Hassan ◽  
Mohammad A. Rahman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiphase Flow ◽  
Electrical Resistance ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Complex Flow ◽  
Flow Loop ◽  
Electrical Resistance Tomography ◽  
Horizontal Drilling ◽  
Hole Cleaning

Summary Horizontal drilling technology has shown to improve the production and cost–effectiveness of the well by generating multiple extraction points from a single vertical well. The efficiency of hole cleaning is reduced because of the solid–cuttings accumulation in the annulus in cases of extended–reach drilling. It is difficult to study the complex flow behavior in a drilling annulus using the existing visualization techniques. In this study, experiments were carried out in the multiphase flow–loop system consisting of a simulated drilling annulus using electrical resistance tomography (ERT) and a high–speed camera. Real–time tomographic images (quantitative visualization) of multiphase flow from ERT were compared to the actual photographs of the flow conditions in a drilling annulus. The quantitative analysis demonstrates that ERT has a wide potential application in studying the hole–cleaning issues in the drilling industry.

Local Velocity Measurements and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Simulations of Swirling Flow in a Cylindrical Cyclone Separator

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ferhat M. Erdal ◽  
Siamack A. Shirazi
Keyword(s):  
Swirling Flow ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Tangential Velocity ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Laser Doppler Velocimeter ◽  
Cfd Simulations ◽  
Contour Maps ◽  
Cylindrical Cyclone ◽  
Contour Plots ◽  
Local Measurements

Abstract Local measurements and 3-D CFD simulations in Gas-Liquid cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC©) separators are scarce. The main objective of this study is to conduct local measurements and 3-D CFD simulations to understand the swirling flow behavior in a cylindrical cyclone with one inclined tangential inlet. Axial and tangential velocities and turbulent intensities across the GLCC© diameter were measured at 24 different axial locations (12.5″ to 35.4″ below the inlet) by using a Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV). The liquid flow rate was 72GPM, which corresponds to an average axial velocity of 0.732 m/s and Reynolds number of 66,900. Measurements are used to create color contour plots of axial and tangential velocity and turbulent kinetic energy. Color contour maps revealed details of the flow behavior. Additionally, 3-D CFD simulations with different turbulence models are conducted. Simulations results are compared to LDV measurements.

Numerical Analysis of a Multiple Jet Impingement System

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Arvind Rao ◽  
Myra Kitron-Belinkov ◽  
Yeshayahou Levy
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Nusselt Number ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Jet Impingement ◽  
Impinging Jets ◽  
Turbulent Regime ◽  
Transfer Coefficients ◽  
Complex Flow

Jet impingement is known to provide higher heat transfer coefficients as compared to other conventional modes of single phase heat transfer. Jet impingement has been a subject of research for a long time. Single jets have been studied extensively for their heat transfer and flow characteristics. However, for practical usage, multiple jets (in the form of arrays) have to be used for increasing the total heat transfer over a given area. Most of the research on multiple impinging jets have focused on evaluating heat transfer correlations for such arrays in the turbulent regime (Re >2500). The focus of the present paper is on experimental investigation of a large array of impinging jets in the low Reynolds number regime (<1000) and subsequently numerically modeling the same array by using existing Computational Fluid Dynamics tools in order to study the physical phenomena within such a complex system. Different turbulence models were used for modeling the fluid flow within these impinging jets and it was found that the SST k-ω model is the most suitable. Results obtained from CFD analysis are in reasonable agreement with experimental values. It was observed that CFD simulations over predicted the Nusselt number and pressure drop when compared to the experimentally obtained values. It was also observed that the decrease in Nusselt number along the streamwise direction of the array was not monotonic. This could be due to the complex flow field resulting from interaction between the crossflow and the impinging jets in the wall jet region. It is anticipated that results obtained from the present work will provide greater insight into the flow behavior and the heat transfer mechanism occurring in multiple impinging jets.

Variation of Zero Net Liquid Holdup in a Gas Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone Separator Below Operational Envelope

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malay Jignesh Shah ◽  
Srinivas Swaroop Kolla ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Water Flow ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Extended Model ◽  
Gas Velocity ◽  
Oil Viscosity ◽  
Liquid Holdup ◽  
Cylindrical Cyclone ◽  
Oil Flow ◽  
Operational Envelope

Abstract Novel experimental and theoretical investigations are carried out on Zero Net Liquid Flow (ZNLF) in the upper part of the Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC©) separator. Experimental data are acquired for the variation of the Zero Net Liquid Holdup (ZNLH) and the associated Churn region height for air-oil and air-water flow. The experiments are carried out at normal operating conditions below the GLCC Operational Envelope (OPEN) for Liquid Carry-Over (LCO). The ZNLH measurements for air-oil flow are higher than those for air-water flow. The Churn region height is higher for air-oil flow, as compared to the air-water flow, for the same operating conditions. The higher oil viscosity, which results in higher frictional and drag forces, leads to greater ZNLH for air-oil flow. The Churn region height is sensitive to the superficial gas velocity, whereby a small increase of gas velocity results in exponential growth of the Churn region height. The model developed by Karpurapu et al. (2018) for predicting the ZNLH at specific operational conditions just below the OPEN for LCO is extended to predict the ZNLH variation along the upper part of the GLCC below the OPEN for LCO, as well as the associated Churn region height. The predictions of the developed extended model for the ZNLH variation compared to the acquired experimental data showing discrepancies of 8% and 3%, respectively, for air-oil and air-water flows.

Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC©) Compact Separators For Wet Gas Applications

2003 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shoubo Wang ◽  
Luis E. Gomez ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham ◽  
Gene E. Kouba
Keyword(s):  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Liquid Droplets ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Wet Gas ◽  
Cylindrical Cyclone ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
Operational Envelope ◽  
Gas Volume

Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC©1) separators are becoming increasingly popular as attractive alternatives to conventional separators as they are simple, compact, less expensive, have low-weight, and require little maintenance. However, present studies focus on GLCC designs and applications at relatively lower gas velocities (below the minimum velocity for onset of liquid carry-over in the form of annular/mist flow). With appropriate modifications, GLCCs can be used for wet gas (high gas liquid ratio, GLR) applications, characterized by higher gas velocities, to knock out the liquid droplets from the gas core. The objectives of this study are to design a novel GLCC capable of separating liquid from a wet gas stream; conduct experimental investigations to evaluate the GLCC performance improvement in terms of operational envelope for liquid carry-over; and, quantify the liquid extraction from the gas stream. GLCC design considerations/guidelines for wet gas application are also provided based on the experimental studies at low pressures. This investigation extends the capabilities of compact separators for wet gas applications for insitu gas volume fraction (GVF) greater than 95%.

Effect of Liquid Level on Gas Carry-Under in GLCC Compact Separators

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinivas Swaroop Kolla ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham
Keyword(s):  
Swirling Flow ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Liquid Level ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Level Control ◽  
Oil Flow ◽  
Control Configuration ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
The Stability

Gas Carry-Under (GCU) is one of the two undesirable phenomena that occurs in the GLCC©1 (Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone) separators. Initial studies have shown that maintaining liquid level below the inlet of the GLCC© under control configuration affects the GCU in GLCC©. Also, it has been hypothesized that effective formation of vortex that is formed in the lower part of the GLCC©, or a stable gas core enhances the separation of gas entrained in the liquid. However, there has not been a systematic study on the effect of liquid level and the stability of the vortex on the GCU. This detailed and extensive experimental study attempts to fill that gap, investigating the effect of different liquid levels maintained below the inlet on the GCU. These studies are performed under the NOC (Normal operating Conditions) below the OPEN for liquid carry-over using control configuration to maintain the liquid level in the GLCC©. This study focuses on measuring the cumulative GCU in the liquid leg of the GLCC© over a period of time. The experimental investigations for GCU are conducted in a state of the art experimental facility for air-water and air-oil flow incorporating pressure and level control configurations. The experiments were carried out using a 3″ diameter GLCC© equipped with gas trap sections to measure simultaneously the GCU in the liquid leg of the GLCC©. The equilibrium liquid level is controlled at 4 different settings starting at 6″ below the GLCC© inlet and increasing to 2 feet below the inlet. It has been observed that the liquid level has tremendous effect on the complex swirling flow behavior in the lower part of the GLCC© and vortex stability, which in turn affects the GCU in the liquid leg of the GLCC©. Also, it has been noted that the liquid level has a significant effect on the Gas Void-Fraction in the liquid leg of the GLCC©, which is a critical parameter for multiphase pump operations.

Local Velocity Measurements and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Simulations of Swirling Flow in a Cylindrical Cyclone Separator

2004 ◽  
Vol 126 (4) ◽  
pp. 326-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ferhat M. Erdal ◽  
Siamack A. Shirazi
Keyword(s):  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Turbulent Kinetic Energy ◽  
Swirling Flow ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Tangential Velocity ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Laser Doppler Velocimeter ◽  
Cfd Simulations ◽  
Cylindrical Cyclone ◽  
Local Measurements

Local measurements and 3D CFD simulations in gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone separators are scarce. The main objective of this study is to conduct local measurements and 3D CFD simulations to understand the swirling flow behavior in a cylindrical cyclone with one inclined tangential inlet. Axial and tangential velocities and turbulent kinetic energy across the cylinder diameter ID=0.089m were measured at 24 different axial locations (0.32–0.90 m below the inlet) by using a laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV). The liquid flow rate was 16.4m3/h, which corresponds to an average axial velocity of 0.732 m/s and Reynolds number of 66,900. Measurements are used to create color contour plots of axial and tangential velocity and turbulent kinetic energy. Color contour maps revealed details of the flow behavior. Additionally, 3D CFD simulations with different turbulence models are conducted. Simulations results are compared to LDV measurements.

Numerical Analysis on the CO-NO Formation Production near Burner Throat in Swirling Flow Combustion System

2014 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad Shaiful Ashrul Ishak ◽  
Mohammad Nazri Mohd Jaafar
Keyword(s):  
Swirling Flow ◽  
Reverse Flow ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Recirculation Region ◽  
Mixing Enhancement ◽  
Ansys Fluent ◽  
Pressure Losses ◽  
No Formation ◽  
Swirl Angle ◽  
Air Mixing

The main purpose of this paper is to study the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) prediction on CO-NO formation production inside the combustor close to burner throat while varying the swirl angle of the radial swirler. Air swirler adds sufficient swirling to the inlet flow to generate central recirculation region (CRZ) which is necessary for flame stability and fuel air mixing enhancement. Therefore, designing an appropriate air swirler is a challenge to produce stable, efficient and low emission combustion with low pressure losses. A liquid fuel burner system with different radial air swirler with 280 mm inside diameter combustor of 1000 mm length has been investigated. Analysis were carried out using four different radial air swirlers having 30°, 40°, 50° and 60° vane angles. The flow behavior was investigated numerically using CFD solver Ansys Fluent. This study has provided characteristic insight into the formation and production of CO and pollutant NO inside the combustion chamber. Results show that the swirling action is augmented with the increase in the swirl angle, which leads to increase in the center core reverse flow, therefore reducing the CO and pollutant NO formation. The outcome of this work will help in finding out the optimum swirling angle which will lead to less emission.  

Performance characteristics of flow in annular diffuser using CFD

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hardial Singh ◽  
Bharat Bhushan Arora
Keyword(s):  
Swirling Flow ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Pressure Recovery ◽  
Ansys Fluent ◽  
Pressure Loss Coefficient ◽  
Swirl Angle ◽  
Swirl Intensity ◽  
Annular Diffuser ◽  
Inlet Swirl ◽  
Total Pressure Loss Coefficient

Abstract An annular diffuser is a critical component of the turbomachinery, and its prime function is to reduce the flow velocity. The current work is carried to study the effect of four different geometrical designs of an annular diffuser using the ANSYS Fluent. The numerical simulations were carried out to examine the effect of fully developed turbulent swirling and non-swirling flow. The flow behavior of the annular diffuser is analyzed at Reynolds number 2.5 × 105. The simulated results reveal pressure recovery improvement at the casing wall with adequate swirl intensity at the diffuser inlet. Swirl intensity suppresses the flow separation on the casing and moves the flow from the hub wall to the casing wall of the annulus region. The results also show that the Equal Hub and Diverging Casing (EHDC) annular diffuser in comparison to other diffusers has a higher static pressure recovery (C p  = 0.76) and a lower total pressure loss coefficient of (C L  = 0.12) at a 17° swirl angle.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document