Effects of structure of rotating-stream tray separator on its three-dimensional flow field
Three kinds of rotating-stream tray(RST)separators were designed and designated as S_1,S_2 and S_3.The separator S_1 had double flow paths,while S_2 and S_3 had single flow path.The trays of S_1 and S_2 were the same of the double-path type,which was different from the conventional outward tray of S_3.Measurements of three-dimensional flow in the three RST separators were conducted at the same total gas flow rate and streamlines were given through calculation according to the measured data.Compared with the RST separators S_2 and S_3,the separator S_1 not only reduced the separation distance,but also effectively increased the tangential velocity,especially in the neighborhood of the separator center.The structure of tray vanes had a great effect on the velocity profiles,especially on the axial velocity profiles.The maximal axial velocities of S_1 and S_2 near the separator wall were much lower than that of S_3.The maximal axial velocity of S_1 decreased by above 37% against that of S_3,which was favorable for reducing the secondary carry-over in the two-phase separation process.Streamlines showed that the separator S_3 had vortex rings over the whole axial section,while the separator S_1 had vortex ring only near the tray vanes.The separator outlet baffle could increase the tangential velocity,moderate the axial velocity,and reduce the centripetal velocity.