Abstract: This study establishes a numerical model in line with an oil-gas separator in real field. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools are employed to resolve and compare the characteristics of flow field before and after the transformation. Via the population balance model (PBM), the bubble behaviors and size distribution are obtained. It is found that the utility of baffle or separator can effectively promote the coalescence of small bubbles, and coalesced bubbles can be quickly separated from the oil phase by buoyancy. For the flow field control technology, the direct separation method based on the different properties of the two phases and the enhanced separation method based on the control of bubble behavior are proposed. It is pointed that the enhanced separation method has higher oil-gas separation efficient, but more energy consumption. Finally, taking the transformation of an oil-gas separator in real field as an example, comprehensive analysis is carried out to compare the separation efficiency and energy consumption before and after the transformation.

Key words: hydrogenation unit, high pressure separator, gas liquid separation, inertial foam breaker, separation efficiency, gas holdup

摘要： 基于工业实际分离设备建立数学模型，通过计算流体力学方法充分解析分离设备改造前后流场特征，结合群体平衡模型求解得到的气泡运动及尺寸分布发现：采用隔板或折流板等构件能有效地促进小气泡的聚并作用，聚并后的大气泡通过浮力作用能快速从油相分离。研究结果针对流场调控技术提出基于两相物性参数差别的直接分离法和基于气泡行为调控的强化分离法，并指出基于气泡行为调控的强化分离法具有更高的油气分离效率，但会增加分离系统能耗。最后，以实际工业分离设备改造为例，综合分析对比了设备改造前后分离效率和能量损耗情况。

关键词: 加氢装置, 高压分离器, 气液分离, 惯性消泡器, 分离效率, 气含率