| 摘要 |
During a first interval, droplet coalescence takes place in turbulent flow through packed columns or a static mixer (110). Over a further coalescence interval, flow velocity is reduced. The flow is then passed up or down at further-reduced velocity, under which condition, larger rising- (oil) or falling- (water) droplets (122) are collected and separated. Smaller droplets (123) (of water) are entrained away, in the other fluid (oil). An Independent claim is included for the separation equipment. Preferred Features: Flow velocities are 0.1-1 m/s, 0.05-0.5 m/s and 0.01-0.1 m/s in the three stages. During the last, further in-built components (132) foster additional coalescence. Ordered-structure packings are used in the first and third stages. The first stage is divided into two parts. From the first to the second of these, the Weber number of the flow reduces, resulting from variation of hydraulic diameter and/or of geometry of inbuilt components. The mean diameter of coalescing droplets increases thanks to the reduction in flow velocity. |
