Computational and Analytical Study of Multiphase Rotary Separator Turbine Liquid Outlet
Gas-liquid separation is typically performed in settling tanks using gravitational force, or in cyclones generating higher centrifugal forces by swirl generators. However, in some applications such as offshore platforms or subsea compression stations, further compactness of the separating units is important. The Rotary Separator Turbine, a special type of cyclonic separator, generates even higher centrifugal forces, which allows the design of very compact separators. Due to the complexity of the flow fields in this type of machine, Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analyses were used in the recent design of such a rotary separator. Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equations are solved for multiphase turbulent flows in multiple frames of reference. This paper describes basic functionality of the RST and concentrates on one particular analysis of the lip discharge geometry. In addition to the numerical study, an analytical model is presented for this particular flow.