Structural Design and Performance Analysis of Three-Phase Hydrocyclones (3PH)

ABSTRACT

Hydrocyclones are widely used in the separation of two-phase immiscible mixtures. In various application scenarios, three-phase hydrocyclones (3PH) are often urgently needed. In this work, the typical 3PHs are classified into six categories according to their structural characteristics. A comprehensive analysis of their structural feature, design points and processing difficulties are carried out to provide guidance for the design of 3PH structure. On this basis, the technical and economic analyses are conducted based on operating parameters, separation performance and pressure loss. Furthermore, the current problems and future development directions of the 3PH separation technology are summarized. Hydrocyclones mounted in series are suitable for application scenarios with low requirements for floor space and energy consumption. The 3PH of constructing axially adjacent two-stage cyclone chambers is applicable for long and narrow spaces such as downhole separation. The 3PHs with two radially nested cyclone chambers or one independent cyclone chamber are applicable to limited spaces such as offshore platforms. Considering the comprehensive performance of different 3PHs, the 3PH with a single three-phase cyclone chamber is more recommended in practical applications. The analysis results can provide theoretical and technical support for the design, optimization and technical promotion of high-efficiency 3PH separation technology.

KEYWORDS:

• Hydrocyclone
• three-phase separation
• structural design
• separation mechanism
• separation performance

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support on this research from the National Key Research and Development Project of China (Grant No. 2018YFE0196000), Natural Science Foundation (Key Projects) of Heilongjiang Province, China (Grant No. ZD2020E001) and Supporting Project for Longjiang Scholars of Northeast Petroleum University, China (Grant No. lj201803).

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Supporting Project for Longjiang Scholars of Northeast Petroleum University, China [lj201803]; National Key Research and Development Project of China [2018YFE0196000]; Natural Science Foundation (Key Projects) of Heilongjiang Province, China [ZD2020E001].