Droplet separation
Which other parameters affect the selection and design of a droplet separator?
In addition to droplet size, allowable pressure drop and desired separation efficiency, there are a number of other important factors to consider when selecting and optimising the design of a droplet separator.
Gas flow and process variations
One of the most important factor in designing and dimensioning a droplet separator is gas flow in relation to area (net), as each type of droplet separator has a maximum velocity allowed. Separation is optimised at the point of maximum velocity. If the maximum velocity is exceeded, droplets will follow the gas stream and flooding occurs.
Normally, a droplet separator (mist eliminator) is designed based on the maximum process flow. In the flow range below the maximum flow, droplet separator efficiency increases when the gas flow increases. At the same time, the pressure drop increases quadratically, which leads to increased operating costs, among other things. In cases where there are large process variations between maximum flow and nominal flow, or if the process very rarely operates at maximum flow, it is important to make a design compromise in order not to lose too much efficiency and to optimise operating costs. Thus, it is important to know and accurately specify the true process flow, not just the calculated process flow.
The following is specificed for a droplet separator at any given gas flow rate:
- efficiency - % of droplets ≥x µm separated from the gas stream
- limit drop size - the minimum drop size (x) separated from the gas flow
- pressure drop across the droplet separator
Operating temperature
It is important to take into account the operating process and its process variations in order to design the most efficient droplet separator. The operating temperature range usually determines which type of material to use for the droplet separator.
Liquid load
Allowable liquid load by is defined by gas density, liquid surface tension and viscosity.
For vertical gas flow - allowed liquid load also depends on:
- Gas velocity - the higher the velocity (up to the maximum velocity), the lower the expected amount of liquid downstream
- Spacing between profiles/lamellas - allowed liquid load increases with decreasing profile/lamella spacing
- For very high liquid loads, a two-stage separator is recommended
For horizontal flow - allowed liquid load also depends on:
- Number of profiles/lamellas and distance between profiles/lamellas
- Height vs width of the droplet separator - at a given area, a wider droplet separator can handle more liquid
- To increase maximum liquid load, profiles with hooks can be used
Gas flow direction
Gas flow direction, i.e. vertical or horizontal, determines which type of mist eliminator to use and how it is installed.
Risk of clogging
Particles in the gas flow increased the risk of clogging. To reduce the risk, one option is to install a flushing system with a set flushing sequence. Another option is to install a system with pressure sensors that initiate a flushing sequence in the event of increased pressure drop across the droplet separator.
Available space for installation
Space available for installing the droplet separator can sometimes be critical. Are there limitations in width or height? Usually the droplet separator is manufactured in sections to be installed through a manhole, which also means that the sections can be removed for maintenance when needed.
For new installations, a well designed droplet separator can help reduce the diameter of the vessel or tower, leading to cost savings. If the tower dimensions are restricted by other column fittings, the active area of the droplet separator can be reduced to a rectangular or square area, optimising droplet separation efficiency, thus reducing costs.