Supersonic separation technology is a new approach to condense and separate water, heavy hydrocarbons and other impurities from natural gas. This paper reviews the research advances in condensation characteristics of the Laval nozzle and separation mechanism of the supersonic separator in detail from the perspectives of theoretical analysis, experiments and numerical simulation, and summarizes the new application of this technology including natural gas liquefaction and removal of the acid gases. This review points out that while several aspects of this technology have been well studied, there still exist several issues in the practice. The further research topics are clarified to promote future applications such as the model modification of gas spontaneous nucleation rate to improve the prediction accuracy, and the combination the molecular dynamics technology with interface mechanics theory to study the collision and coalescence of the droplets and the interaction between gas and droplets under supersonic conditions.

Supersonic separation technology for natural gas processing: A review

https://profdoc.um.ac.ir/articles/a/1038721.pdf

Reliable prediction of condensation rates for purification of natural gas via supersonic separators

Numerical simulation of natural gas flows in diffusers for supersonic separators

CFD modeling of particle behavior in supersonic flows with strong swirls for gas separation

Supersonic liquefaction properties of natural gas in the Laval nozzle

Results are given of calculations of flow within the two-dimensional Euler model of supersonic swirling flow of gas in a supersonic separator of natural gas. The formulation of the problem is given, numerical experiment is performed, and the basic parameters of gas flow (velocity components, pressure, and so on) are obtained as functions of radius. The process of relaxation of flow to steady state with the formation of shock wave is considered, and the shock wave structure is determined. The behavior of gasdynamic parameters is analyzed under conditions of separation in the region of shock wave and behind it.

The structure of gasdynamic flow in a supersonic separator of natural gas

A procedure is suggested for determining the field of application of supersonic separators. The formulation of the problem is given as regards the choice of optimal values of Mach number. The compositions of gas-liquid mixtures are determined as a function of the initial parameters (composition of gas, temperature, pressure, and Mach number). The results are given in the form of temperature, pressure, and Mach number dependences of the composition of the liquid phase of gas-liquid mixture. Primary estimation is made of the efficiency of purification of natural gases depending on their initial parameters.

M. M. Malyshkina

Papers

The structure of gasdynamic flow in a supersonic separator of natural gas

The procedure for investigation of the efficiency of purification of natural gases in a supersonic separator