EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE REMOVING SEPARATED LIQUID FROM THE SWIRLER BLADES OF A VORTEX DEVICE
Rubrics: 2. CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY
Authors:
1.
Kazan National Research Technological University
2.
NHTI Kazanskiy nacional'nyy issledovatel'skiy tehnologicheskiy universitet
from 01.01.2017 until now
Russian Federation
from 01.01.2017 until now
Russian Federation
3.
NHTI (filiala) KNITU; NCHTI KNRTU
Type:
Article
Pages:
from 101
to 106
Status:
Published
Received:
03.12.2025
Accepted:
08.04.2026
Published:
05.05.2026
Language:
Russian
Keywords:
DROPLET SEPARATION, SWIRLER BLADE, DROPLET ENTRAINMENT, PRESSURE DROP
Funding:
Rabota vypolnena za schet granta, predostavlennogo Akademiey nauk Respubliki Tatarstan obrazovatel'nym organizaciyam vysshego obrazovaniya, nauchnym i inym organizaciyam na podderzhku planov razvitiya kadrovogo potenciala v chasti stimulirovaniya ih nauchnyh i nauchno-pedagogicheskih rabotnikov k zaschite doktorskih dissertaciy i vypolneniyu nauchno-issledovatel'skih rabot (soglashenie № 10/2025-PD-KNITU ot 22.12.2025).
Abstract:
Improving the efficiency of multiphase flow separation in vortex separators is directly related to solving the problem of secondary liquid entrainment, which occurs when a coalesced film detaches from the swirler blades. Existing methods for removing this film often exacerbate the situation by increasing the hydraulic resistance or promoting splashing. Therefore, developing a design that provides effective drainage with minimal impact on the main flow is relevant. The aim of this work was the experimental argumentation of the operability of a new device for removing separated liquid directly from the blades of an axial swirler outside the separator casing, aimed at reducing secondary entrainment. The research methodology involved testing a laboratory model on an air-water system and glycerol solutions with variations in gas velocity (15-23 m/s), liquid load (up to 300 kg/h), and kinematic viscosity (1-50 cSt). The design comprised a swirler with six blades equipped with special drainage tubes with a slotted intake. A comparison was made with a base device and a patent analogue based on key parameters: liquid entrainment, pressure drop, and a comprehensive performance coefficient. As a result, the operability of the proposed device was confirmed. It was found that the fraction of liquid removed from the blades can reach up to 20% of the total load, showing little dependence on gas velocity but decreasing significantly with increasing viscosity due to increased channel resistance. An empirical correlation for calculating this amount was obtained. Comparative analysis demonstrated that, despite a 40-45% increase in hydraulic resistance, the new device provides a 45-50% reduction in liquid entrainment and has the best comprehensive performance coefficient. The main advantage of the design lies in eliminating secondary entrainment by diverting part of the liquid from the main flow, which helps preserve the swirl and improves the conditions for final separation within the device.
Improving the efficiency of multiphase flow separation in vortex separators is directly related to solving the problem of secondary liquid entrainment, which occurs when a coalesced film detaches from the swirler blades. Existing methods for removing this film often exacerbate the situation by increasing the hydraulic resistance or promoting splashing. Therefore, developing a design that provides effective drainage with minimal impact on the main flow is relevant. The aim of this work was the experimental argumentation of the operability of a new device for removing separated liquid directly from the blades of an axial swirler outside the separator casing, aimed at reducing secondary entrainment. The research methodology involved testing a laboratory model on an air-water system and glycerol solutions with variations in gas velocity (15-23 m/s), liquid load (up to 300 kg/h), and kinematic viscosity (1-50 cSt). The design comprised a swirler with six blades equipped with special drainage tubes with a slotted intake. A comparison was made with a base device and a patent analogue based on key parameters: liquid entrainment, pressure drop, and a comprehensive performance coefficient. As a result, the operability of the proposed device was confirmed. It was found that the fraction of liquid removed from the blades can reach up to 20% of the total load, showing little dependence on gas velocity but decreasing significantly with increasing viscosity due to increased channel resistance. An empirical correlation for calculating this amount was obtained. Comparative analysis demonstrated that, despite a 40-45% increase in hydraulic resistance, the new device provides a 45-50% reduction in liquid entrainment and has the best comprehensive performance coefficient. The main advantage of the design lies in eliminating secondary entrainment by diverting part of the liquid from the main flow, which helps preserve the swirl and improves the conditions for final separation within the device.
Keywords:
DROPLET SEPARATION, SWIRLER BLADE, DROPLET ENTRAINMENT, PRESSURE DROP
DROPLET SEPARATION, SWIRLER BLADE, DROPLET ENTRAINMENT, PRESSURE DROP
