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Numerical simulation of bubble separation length in a gas–liquid separator based on the Euler–Lagrange method

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Abstract

In this study, the bubble separation behavior in a gas–liquid separator is numerically investigated on the basis of the Euler–Lagrange approach, in which the forces acting on bubbles in a swirling flow field are modeled to calculate the trajectories of the bubbles. By adopting this approach, the effects of five parameters, namely, back pressure, Reynolds number, bubble diameter, void fraction, and swirl number, on separation performance in terms of pressure loss, separation efficiency, separation length, and split ratio are computed and analyzed. On the basis of the analysis, correlations of separation length with the two main parameters are established, which can serve as a basis for the optimal design of separator.

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Correspondence to Dezhong Wang.

Additional information

This paper was presented at the ISFMFE 2016, LOTTE City Hotel, Jeju, Korea, October 18–22, 2016. Recommended by Guest Editor Hyung Hee Cho.

Tingting Zhang is an undergraduate student majoring in nuclear engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. She is pursuing her Ph.D. degree at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and her research interests include bubble dynamics and two-phase flow.

Dezhong Wang is a Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, from where he received his Ph.D. degree. His research interests include fluid mechanics, key technology of nuclear power equipment, flow visualization, and laser measurement technology.

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Zhang, T., Yin, J. & Wang, D. Numerical simulation of bubble separation length in a gas–liquid separator based on the Euler–Lagrange method. J Mech Sci Technol 31, 5123–5129 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-017-1006-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-017-1006-3

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