Numerical investigation of a moisture wave-type vane separator

Abstract

This study aims to determine the appropriate method for modeling separation processes in wave-type moisture vane separators and to analyze possible design improvements of the typical wave-type vane separator using numerical simulation methods. It discusses conditions of the secondary droplets generation phenomena. The applicability of the particle transport method for modeling the working process in wave-type vane separators is confirmed. The study explores the water droplets distribution pattern in the dispersed two-phase flow of a separator. A numerical study of the workflow in the typical steam-water separator with wave-type vanes was carried out. A dispersed two-phase flow in a separator is modelled as two separate flows. Dry saturated steam is considered as a continuous medium using the Euler method; the liquid phase is represented as a stream of water droplets described by the Lagrange method. Authors propose an option of modernization of the separator design applying three drainage channels on the path of small droplets.