Supersonic fluid separation enhanced by spray injection

摘要

Disclosed herein is a method for enhancing the separation of liquid and/or solid components from a multiphase fluid stream passing through a fluid separator in which the fluid stream is accelerated to a supersonic velocity and thereby cooled such that one or more condensable components condense and/or solidify, wherein a spray comprising a surface active hydrocarbon composition is injected into the fluid stream. The separation of liquid and/or solid components from a multiphase fluid stream passing through a supersonic fluid separator is enhanced by injecting a surface active hydrocarbon composition into the fluid stream passing through the separator. Preferably the spray is injected via an injection tube that has a positive or negative electrical potential, whereas one of the walls of the separator housing has an opposite electrical potential, so that the injected spray and any liquid droplets and/or particles formed around the injected nuclei are induced to flow towards said electrically loaded wall.