Vortex Structural Stabilization in a Multi-Vortex Separator for Trapping Particles from Natural Gas

In order to effectively remove impurities from natural gas in production fields, a multi-vortex separator design is proposed for ensuring the formation of a stable vortex structure in the separation zone. A scheme for installing the proposed separator on the gas header is presented together with a description of the principle of its operation. In the numerical study of separation efficiency, the diameter of the disc perforation (6, 8, and 10 mm) and the volumetric gas flow rate at the outlet (0.5–3 m 3 /h) were varied. Two multi-vortex separator operation modes were identified. The dependence of the separator hydraulic resistance on the average gas flow rate at the inlet to the separator is obtained. Operational parameters for the separator are estimated at an inlet natural gas flow velocity of up to 0.21 m/s and at a pressure of 6 MPa. Dependencies of separation efficiency on a particle diameter range of 5–50 μm are obtained. An increased inlet gas velocity and disc perforation diameter is shown to decrease separation efficiency.