Separation of Fluids

CHE 141
Course Objectives

Identify the parameters which affect vapor-

liquid separation, liquid-liquid separation and
vapor-liquid-liquid separation.
Determine the required vessel dimension for
phase separation.
Gas-Liquid Separators

When the carryover of some fine droplets can be tolerated, it is often

sufficient to rely on gravity settling in a vertical or horizontal separating
vessel (or a knockout pot).

The separation of liquid droplets and mists from gas or vapor streams
is analogous to the separation of solid particles from gas flows.

Settling Velocity:

If a demister pad is not used, the settling velocity in the above equation
should be multiplied by a factor of 0.15 for safety margin.
Gas-Liquid Separators

Vertical Separators:

The diameter of the vessel must be

large enough to slow the gas down to
below the velocity at which the
droplets will settle out. So, the
minimum allowable diameter will be:
Gas-Liquid Separators

Demister
Assignment

Estimate the required diameter of a vertical

vessel which will separate the liquid fraction in
a gaseous feed as shown in Hysys simulation
below. The mass flowrates shown in the PFD
are normal flow rates. The vessel should be
designed to accommodate the feed stream at
rated condition. The rated condition can be
assumed to be equal to 110% of normal flow
rates. The vessel shall not have a demister pad
due to fouling tendency of the feed stream.
Report the vessel diameter to nearest 100 mm.
Assignment
Assignment
Assignment
Vapor-Liquid-Liquid Separators
Vapor-Liquid-Liquid Separators
Vapor-Liquid-Liquid Separators
Vapor-Liquid-Liquid Separators
Vapor-Liquid-Liquid Separators

1. Calculate the required vessel diameter based on residence time.

a. Select the tangent length/diamater (L/D) ratio. Typically, 3.
b. Use 10 minutes residence time.
c. Set normal liquid level (NLL) at centerline.

2. Calculate the required diameter based on liquid from vapor separation.

a. When the remaining vapor space height is 0.25 of the vessel
diameter, the flow area of vapor through the vessel is 0.20 of the
vessel’s cross-sectional area and L/D is 3:
Vapor-Liquid-Liquid Separators

3. Calculate the diameter based on vapor from liquid separation.

When the remaining vapor space height is 0.25 of the vessel
diameter, the flow area of vapor through the vessel is 0.20 of the
vessel’s cross-sectional area and L/D is 3:

4. Calculate the vessel diameter based on liquid-liquid separation.

When the remaining vapor space height is 0.25 of the vessel
diameter, the flow area of vapor through the vessel is 0.20 of the
vessel’s cross-sectional area and L/D is 3:
Vapor-Liquid-Liquid Separators

5. Select the largest calculated diameter of the vessel from Step 1

to 4.

6. Determine the dimension of the heavy phase boot based on liquid-

liquid separation:

7. Determine the diameter of the boot based on 10 minutes residence

time, 3.5 meter boot length:

8. Select the largest calculated diameter of the boot from Step 6 to 7.

Use standard pipe size if applicable.