Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to gas-liquid separation apparatuses.
BACKGROUND
Gas-liquid separation is a critical process in various industries, especially in petrochemical, oil and gas, chemical processing, and wastewater treatment. Often, electrolysis may be used to split water (H2O) into hydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen gas (O2) by passing an electric current through the electrolyte. Normally, the size of hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) gas bubbles generated during electrolysis can vary over a wide range depending on electrolyte flow rate, electrode structure (mesh, solid, and so forth), and electrode surface characteristics (roughness, wettability, and so forth). In certain cases, bubbles less than 50 µm are generated which are difficult to remove from a liquid phase of the gas-liquid mixture by using a conventional separator. In an electrolysis plant where the same electrolyte circuit is used for the anode and cathode sides, difficulty of removal of smaller bubbles from the liquid phase may cause cross-contamination of H2 on the O2 side, and vice versa, thereby, compromising the purity of the gases produced, which may be undesirable, especially in applications where high purity gases are required, such as in industrial processes or in the production of certain chemicals.
Notably, in the gas-liquid mixtures, microbubbles may result from an interaction of a high-flowrate liquid with air (e.g., in cooling water systems), and then the entrapped bubbles are carried forward into the circuit, reducing cooling efficiency. Moreover, microbubbles having sizes less than 50µm result in significant gas-carry-under in the outgoing liquid from the separator. Thereby, causing significant challenges in specific applications where incompatible gases can get mixed downstream of the separator.
Conventionally, there are micro-bubble separators available in the market, commonly used for separating trapped air from water lines, which rely on the concept of coalescence, where air bubbles adhere to the surface of packing material (e.g. SS Pall rings) and then grow bigger to form larger air bubbles. However, such micro-bubble separators are inadequate for the bubble sizes that are less than 50 µm. Alternatively, for microbubbles having size less than 50µm, proper retention time of the microbubbles in the separator is ensured by decreasing the flow velocity by having a higher cross-section of the separator, or by making the separator longer. However, both the aforementioned strategies lead to an increase in separator size, thus increasing costs, footprint, and weight.
Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure provides a gas-liquid separation apparatus. The present disclosure provides a solution to the technical problem of effectively separating gas phase (namely, gases) from a liquid phase (liquids) in a gas-liquid mixture. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in the prior art and provide a gas-liquid separation apparatus to separate gases and liquids from a gas-liquid mixture by increasing the bubble's buoyancy using the concept of coalescence.
One or more objectives of the present disclosure are achieved by the solutions provided in the enclosed independent claims. Advantageous implementations of the present disclosure are further defined in the dependent claims.
In one aspect, a gas-liquid separation apparatus comprising a plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements stacked upon each other along an inflow of gas-liquid mixture, wherein the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements is configured to:
- allow the inflow of gas-liquid mixture to pass therethrough;
- restrict a vertical movement of a first set of gas bubbles having a first diameter through the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements, and
- allow coalescence of the first set of gas bubbles, at an upper surface of each of the horizontally-oriented flow restriction element, into a second set of gas bubbles having a second diameter, and wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter,
and wherein the gas-liquid separation apparatus is configured to separate the second set of gas bubbles from the gas-liquid mixture.
The disclosed gas-liquid separation apparatus is an advanced separation technique that leverages the bubbles coalescence activity within the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements. In this regard, once the bubbles reach the top of each horizontally-oriented flow restriction element or slit, the increased bubble density at the ceiling of each horizontally-oriented flow restriction element increases the bubble collision frequency significantly, thus leading to significant coalescence activity, thereby increasing the average bubble size coming out of the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements outlets. Notably, the increase in bubble size from less than 10µm at an inlet to greater than 1000µm at the outlet of the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements contribute to higher buoyancy thereof, thus, enabling easy separation thereof from the liquid phase using conventional separation mechanisms in much smaller separators. Moreover, the disclosed gas-liquid separation apparatus eliminates the need for the microbubbles to rise from the bulk liquid to its surface, thereby reducing the retention time significantly. In this regard, the gas-liquid mixture is forced to go through the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements, the height and length of the which are defined by the smallest size of the bubbles, and spend just enough retention time only to reach the top surface of the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements, which is significantly lower than what is required to reach the liquid surface. Furthermore, in applications where the separation of micro-bubbles governs the performance of the process, the disclosed gas-liquid separation apparatus reduces the size of the gas-liquid separation apparatus and cost and provides a separation efficiency that cannot be achieved by other conventional separation techniques.
It is to be appreciated that all the aforementioned implementation forms can be combined. All steps which are performed by the various entities described in the present application as well as the functionalities described to be performed by the various entities are intended to mean that the respective entity is adapted to or configured to perform the respective steps and functionalities. It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative implementations construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a gas-liquid separation apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a stack of a plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 3 is an illustration of exemplary implementation of a gas-liquid separation apparatus, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.
Referring to FIG. 1A, illustrated is a gas-liquid separation apparatus 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the gas-liquid separation apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements 102 stacked upon each other along an inflow (inflow) A of gas-liquid mixture 104, wherein the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements 102 is configured to allow the inflow of gas-liquid mixture 104 to pass therethrough; restrict a vertical movement of a first set of gas bubbles 114 having a first diameter through the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements 102, and allow coalescence of the first set of gas bubbles 114, at an upper surface of each of the horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102, into a second set of gas bubbles 116 having a second diameter, and wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter, and wherein the gas-liquid separation apparatus 100 is configured to separate the second set of gas bubbles 116 from the gas-liquid mixture 104.
As shown, the gas-liquid separation apparatus 100 further comprises a separator unit 106 configured to collect a volume of the gas-liquid mixture 104, wherein the separator unit 106 comprises an inlet 108 configured to receive the inflow A of the gas-liquid mixture 104; a first outlet 110 configured to release a separated gas B therefrom; and a second outlet 112 configured to release a separated liquid C therefrom, wherein the separator unit 106 is fluidically coupled to the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements 102. Herein, the term "fluidically connected" refers to an arrangement between the separator unit 106 and the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements 102 to create a pathway therebetween through which the gas-liquid mixture 104 can flow from the separator unit to the horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements or vice versa (as depicted in FIG. 3) to effectively separate the gas and liquid phases from the gas-liquid mixture 104.
The term "gas-liquid separation apparatus" as used herein refers to a device or system designed to separate gases from liquids in the gas-liquid mixture 104 to produce respective pure phases thereof. Optionally, the gas-liquid separation apparatus may employ various physical or chemical mechanisms to achieve efficient separation based on the differences in properties between the gas and liquid phases. Herein, the gas-liquid separation apparatus employs bubble collision and coalescence through surface adhesion to separate gases from liquids in a mixture by allowing the gas-liquid mixture 104 to flow through a plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements 102 to reduce the retention time of the gas in the gas-liquid mixture 104.
The term "horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements" 102 as used herein refers to structures or components arranged in a horizontal orientation that impede or regulate the flow of a substance, such as a fluid like gas and/or liquid of the gas-liquid mixture 104. In an implementation, as shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements 102 are disposed within the separator unit 106 that receives the gas-liquid mixture 104 comprising the first set of gas bubbles 114 via the inlet 108. Each horizontally-oriented flow restriction element is designed to create resistance or restriction to the flow of the inflow A of gas-liquid mixture 104 therethrough. Optionally, the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 are first stacked together, and then bound to the separator unit 106 so that unintentional gaps between plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 are not created, thereby any chance of a microbubble passing through the gaps between the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 is eliminated.
Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is a stack 200 of a plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Notably, the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 are implemented as thin through-and-through channels 204 that increase surface area for the inflowing gas-liquid mixture 104 therethrough. Moreover, in this regard, the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 restrict the vertical movement of gas bubbles in the liquid.
As shown, each of the horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 have a pre-defined dimension, wherein the pre-defined dimension of each of the horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 comprises a length L and a width W to accommodate the inflow A of the gas-liquid mixture 104; and a height H dependent on at least one of: a minimum diameter of the first set of gas bubble, a viscosity of the gas-liquid mixture 104, a density of the gas-liquid mixture 104, a temperature of the gas-liquid mixture 104, a flow rate of the gas-liquid mixture 104. As shown, the length L, the width W and the height H of each horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 create a volume for receiving a corresponding volume of the gas-liquid mixture 104 in each horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102. Herein, the length L and the height H of the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements 102 are defined by the smallest size of the gas bubbles that need to be separated using the gas-liquid separation apparatus 100. Notably, in said configuration, the microbubbles, i.e., the micron-sized gas bubbles, need enough retention time only to reach the top surface of each horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102, which is significantly lower than what is required to reach to the liquid surface. Moreover, the height H of the horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 depends on the size of the smallest microbubble expected in the inflow A of the gas-liquid mixture 104, as well as the viscosity, density, and the temperature of the gas-liquid mixture 104. Moreover, higher viscosity and a higher density of the gas-liquid mixture 104 may require each horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 to have a lower height H and a higher height H, respectively, to provide enough resistance/interaction for effective separation. Notably, the temperature of the gas-liquid mixture 104 can impact its viscosity and density, thereby indirectly affecting the height H of the horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102. Beneficially, a collective effect of aforesaid parameters in the optimal height H of the horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 facilitates efficient separation of the gas and liquid phases within the gas-liquid mixture 104.
Optionally, a retention time of the second set of gas bubbles 116 after the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 100 is in a range of 50-250 times lower than the retention time of the first set of gas bubbles in the gas-liquid mixture. The term "retention time" refers to the time taken by the gas bubbles to traverse through the horizontally-oriented flow restriction element and the bulk liquid in the separator. It may be appreciated that the retention time is a critical factor in the gas-liquid separation process. The gas-liquid separation apparatus 100 is designed to significantly reduce the retention time of the coalesced gas bubbles in the bulk liquid, emphasizing a rapid and effective separation process. Notably, due to their bigger size due to coalescence, the second set of bubbles 116 spends substantially less time after exiting the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102. Due to shorter height inside the plurality of horizontally oriented flow restriction elements 102, the small bubble, namely, the first set of bubbles 114, coalesce to become bigger size bubbles, namely, the second set of bubbles 116.When ejected at the end of the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102, the second set of bubbles 116 reach the surface of the bulk liquid faster. Beneficially, the primary objective of the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 is to make the residual coalesced second set of bubbles 116 rise to the surface faster in order to reduce the residence time of the residual second set of bubbles 116 in the bulk liquid. This enhances the overall efficiency of the separation process, leading to improved overall performance and product quality. Optionally, the retention time of the second set of gas bubbles 116 after the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 is in a range of 50, 100, 150 or 200 times up to 100, 150, 200 or 250 times lower than the retention time of the first set of gas bubbles 114 in the gas-liquid mixture. In an example, the first set of gas bubbles 114 spend 30 seconds in the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 while the second set of gas bubbles 116 spend 1 second in the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102.
In an implementation, for a liquid level of 500 mm in the separator unit 106, the height H of each horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 may be 2 mm to result in a retention time reduction of 250x. Moreover, for less than 10 µm bubble size, a 2mm the horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102, with a length L sufficient to provide a retention time of 100s may be effective.
Moreover, the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 are configured to restrict a vertical movement of a first set of gas bubbles 114 having a first diameter through the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements, and allow coalescence of the first set of gas bubbles 114, at an upper surface of each of the horizontally-oriented flow restriction element, into a second set of gas bubbles 116 having a second diameter, and wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. Herein, the terms "first set of gas bubbles" 114 and "second set of gas bubbles" 116 refer to gas bubbles having a first diameter and a second diameter, respectively, wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. Notably, the first set of gas bubbles 114 have very low buoyancy as predicted by Stokes’Law, and therefore take very long to rise to the surface of the liquid inside the separator unit. By introducing thin through-and-through type plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 that have the height H determined based on the size of the smallest bubble in the gas-liquid mixture 104, the need for the first set of gas bubbles 114 to rise from the bulk liquid to the surface thereof is eliminated. Moreover, the first set of gas bubbles 114 are allowed enough retention time to coalesce and form the second set of gas bubbles 116 at ceilings of the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102. The second set of gas bubbles 116 when exit from the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 have higher buoyancy that enables their separation from the bulk liquid and exit the separator unit 106 from their corresponding first outlet 110 and second outlet 112, respectively in their pure forms.
Optionally, the first diameter of the gas bubbles ranges from 1µm to 50µm, and the second diameter is in a range of few hundred µm to few thousand µm. Optionally, the first diameter of the gas bubbles, as they pass through the horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements 102 is in a range from 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 or 45 µm up to 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 µm. The second diameter of the gas bubbles, resulting from the coalescence at the upper surface of each horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 may for example be in a range from 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 µm up to 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, or 6000 µm. Beneficially, the gas-liquid separation apparatus 100 is capable of separating gas bubbles of varying sizes from the bulk liquid phase, thereby, enhancing its versatility and adaptability for different applications.
In an example, the level of the bulk liquid in the separator unit 106 is 200 mm, the height of a given plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 is 2 mm, the size of the first set of bubbles 114 is 10 µm and the size of the second set of bubbles 116 is 1000 µm. The time spent by the first set of bubbles 114 in the bulk liquid is 4000 seconds without the given plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 (namely, a coalescer. With the given plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102, the time spent by the first set of bubbles 114 in the given plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 is 40 seconds. By the time the first set of bubbles 114 exit the given plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restrictions element, they coalese to form bubbles larger in size, namely the second set of bubbles 116. The subsequent time spent by the second set of bubbles 116 from the exit of the given plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 to rise to the top (or surface) of the bulk liquid is approximately 2 seconds. Therefore, the overall retention time of the second set of bubbles 116 to rise to the top of the bulk liquid is 42 second (2+40 seconds) with the given plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102, instead of 4000 seconds as required by the first set of bubbles 114 without the given plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102. Beneficially, the use of plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 reduces the overall retention time of the gas bubbles in the bulk liquid, and therefore enhances the efficiency of the gas-liquid separation apparatus 100.
Optionally, each of the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 is fabricated using at least one of: a solid material, a perforated material, a corrugated material. Notably, the aforementioned fabrication materials provide different levels of restriction to the inflow A of gas-liquid mixture 104 as well as increasing the surface area enabling the separation of the gas and liquid phases. Typically, the horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 fabricated using the solid materials are continuous and do not have perforations or openings therein, except for an entry and an exit point at the ends of the length L thereof. Examples of the solid materials may include but are not limited to a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ceramics, metals, alloys of metals, and so forth. The term "perforated material" as used herein refers to a substance, typically a sheet or surface, that has been intentionally punctured, pierced, or stamped with a pattern of holes, slots, or apertures mimicking openings or perforations. Notably, the perforated material provides a higher surface area, compared to the solid material, while providing restriction to the inflow A of gas-liquid mixture 104. Typically, the perforated materials facilitate separation by allowing the gas phase to pass through the perforations more easily than the liquid phase. Such differential flow behavior enable enhancing the separation efficiency by promoting the escape of gas bubbles while retaining liquid phase components. Examples of the perforated materials may include, but are not limited to, stainless steel (SS) mesh, copper mesh, brash mesh and so forth. The term "corrugated material" as used herein refers to a substance that has been shaped into a series of parallel alternating ridges and grooves, creating a wavy or folded pattern, providing increased surface area and inducing turbulence within the gas-liquid mixture 104 flow path, thus, promoting enhanced mixing and interaction between the phases, leading to improved separation efficiency. Examples of the corrugated materials may include but are not limited to corrugated polypropylene (PP) sheets, corrugated polyethylene (PE) sheets, corrugated metal sheets and so forth.
Optionally, the one or more horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements 102 comprise a matrix structure 202 having channels 204 configured in geometries selected from at least one of: a hexagonal geometry, a circular geometry, a rectangular geometry. The term "matrix structure" 202 as used herein refers to a three-dimensional (3D) framework or arrangement where the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements 102 are organized in a systematic pattern, such as an array of 1×n, n×n, and so on. In an example, the channels 204 are arranged in a hexagonal pattern, where each channel 204 has six neighboring channels 204. In another example, the channels 204 are arranged in a rectangular pattern, indicating a grid-like organization with right angles between adjacent channels 204.
Typically, the channels 204 within the matrix structure 202 serve as pathways for the flow of fluids, namely, gases and/or liquids of the gas-liquid mixture 104, while promoting the separation of the gas and liquid phases. The channels 204 provide a means to regulate flow, increase surface area for contact between the phases, induce turbulence, and promote coalescence or other separation mechanisms. It may be appreciated that the shape/cross-section of the channels 204 within the matrix structure 202 plays a significant role in determining the separation efficiency of phases in a gas-liquid mixture 104. Notably, the channels 204 having circular geometry (or circular channels) offer a simple and uniform flow path for the gas-liquid mixture 104 with minimal flow resistance, surface area and pressure drops that allow efficient fluid flow. The channels 204 having hexagonal geometry (or hexagonal channels) provide a more complex and interconnected flow path compared to circular channels 204 with increased surface area and turbulence in the flow, which typically aids in breaking up gas bubbles and enhancing mixing between phases. The channels 204 having rectangular geometry (or rectangular channels 204 maximize surface area for interaction between phases and increased flow resistance and pressure drops compared to circular or hexagonal shapes. Beneficially, the matrix structure 202 with channels 204 enable controlling fluid flow and facilitates separation processes by manipulating the interaction between different phases within the channels 204.
Optionally, the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 further comprise one or more vertically-oriented flow restriction elements configured to reduce turbulence in the inflow of gas-liquid mixture 104 passing therethrough. The plurality of vertically-oriented flow restriction element 102 are designed to control or restrict the flow of the gas-liquid mixture in a vertical direction, besides restricting the flow of the gas-liquid mixture in the horizontal direction using the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 as described above. The purpose of the vertically-oriented flow restriction elements is to affect the inflow of the gas-liquid mixture 104. The vertically-oriented flow restriction elements are strategically placed to influence the flow dynamics, minimizing turbulence during the passage of the gas-liquid mixture 104. In this regard, the vertically-oriented flow restriction elements are specifically designed and arranged in a specific pattern with the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102, to decrease turbulence. Optionally, the one or more vertically-oriented flow restriction elements are implemented to restrain the fluid in the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restrictions from going in the direction perpendicular to the intended flow direction. Optionally, the one or more vertically-oriented flow restriction element are arranged at any of: a base or a ceiling of each of the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102, and leave a space at a corresponding ceiling or base of the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102. Optionally, the vertically-oriented flow restriction elements are arranged sequentially at the base of the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102. Optionally, the vertically-oriented flow restriction elements are arranged sequentially at the ceiling of the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102. Optionally, the vertically-oriented flow restriction elements are arranged alternatively at the base and the ceiling of each of the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102. Optionally, the one or more vertically-oriented flow restriction element is arranged at an angle or perpendicular to the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102. In an example, the vertically-oriented flow restriction elements are arranged alternatively at the base and the ceiling of the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102, with each vertically-oriented flow restriction elements perpendicular to the horizontally-oriented flow restriction element 102 and parallel to each other. Beneficially, turbulence reduction contributes to a smoother or more controlled flow of the gas-liquid mixture 104. Optionally, the corrugated material as described above may comprise thin vertical channels (not shown) along with the horizontal channels 204 to provide the reduced turbulence in the inflow of gas-liquid mixture 104 as well as reducing the retention time of the gas bubbles therein.
Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is a gas-liquid separation apparatus 300, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the gas-liquid separation apparatus 300 comprises a plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements 302 are disposed as a pre-separator unit 304 upstream of a separator unit 306, such that the separator unit 306 receives the gas-liquid mixture 308 comprising the second set of gas bubbles 116. It may be appreciated that the separator unit 306 is similar to the separator unit 106 of FIG. 1, except that the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements 302 are not arranged inside the separator unit 306. As shown, a volume of the gas-liquid mixture 308 flows via the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements 302 into the separator unit 306 at a pre-defined time at which a first set of gas bubbles 114 coalesce at the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements 302 to form the second set of gas bubbles 116 having higher buoyancy that the first set of gas bubbles 114.
Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments. The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments". It is appreciated that certain features of the present disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the present disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure.
, C , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We claim:
1. A gas-liquid separation apparatus (100, 300) comprising a plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements (102, 302) stacked upon each other along an inflow (A) of gas-liquid mixture (104, 308), wherein the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements is configured to:
- allow the inflow of gas-liquid mixture to pass therethrough;
- restrict a vertical movement of a first set of gas bubbles (114) having a first diameter through the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements, and
- allow coalescence of the first set of gas bubbles, at an upper surface of each of the horizontally-oriented flow restriction element, into a second set of gas bubbles (116) having a second diameter, and wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter,
and wherein the gas-liquid separation apparatus is configured to separate the second set of gas bubbles from the gas-liquid mixture.
2. The gas-liquid separation apparatus (100, 300) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a separator unit (106, 306) configured to collect a volume of the gas-liquid mixture (104, 308), wherein the separator unit comprises:
- an inlet (108) configured to receive the inflow (A) of the gas-liquid mixture;
- a first outlet (110) configured to release a separated gas (B) therefrom; and
- a second outlet (112) configured to release a separated liquid (C) therefrom,
wherein the separator unit is fluidically coupled to the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements (102, 302).
3. The gas-liquid separation apparatus (100, 300) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements (102) are disposed within the separator unit (106), such that the separator unit receives the gas-liquid mixture (104) comprising the first set of gas bubbles (114).
4. The gas-liquid separation apparatus (100, 300) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements (302) are disposed upstream of the separator unit (306), such that the separator unit receives the gas-liquid mixture (308) comprising the second set of gas bubbles (116).
5. The gas-liquid separation apparatus (100, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the horizontally-oriented flow restriction element (102, 302) have a pre-defined dimension, wherein the pre-defined dimension of each of the horizontally-oriented flow restriction element comprises:
- a length (L) and a width (W) to accommodate the inflow (A) of the gas-liquid mixture (104, 308); and
- a height (H) dependent on at least one of: a minimum diameter of the first set of gas bubble, a viscosity of the gas-liquid mixture, a density of the gas-liquid mixture, a temperature of the gas-liquid mixture.
6. The gas-liquid separation apparatus (100, 300) of claim 1, wherein the one or more horizontally-oriented flow restriction elements (102, 302) comprise a matrix structure (202) having channels (204) configured in geometries selected from at least one of: a hexagonal geometry, a circular geometry, a rectangular geometry.
7. The gas-liquid separation apparatus (100, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element (102, 302) is fabricated using at least one of: a solid material, a perforated material, a corrugated material.
8. The gas-liquid separation apparatus (100, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first diameter of the gas bubbles ranges from 1µm to 50µm, and the second diameter is in a range of few hundred µm to few thousand µm.
9. The gas-liquid separation apparatus (100, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element (102) comprise one or more vertically-oriented flow restriction elements configured to reduce turbulence in the inflow of gas-liquid mixture (104, 308) passing therethrough.
10. The gas-liquid separation apparatus (100, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a retention time of the second set of gas bubbles (116) after the plurality of horizontally-oriented flow restriction element (102, 302) is in a range of 50-250 times lower than a retention time of the first set of gas bubbles (114) in the gas-liquid mixture (104, 308).