Analysis of Separation Zone Parameters and their Influence on the Emulsion Separation Process in Multivortex Separators

The separation of emulsions remains a relevant task in industry, requiring innovative solutions to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the processes. In particular, the separation of emulsions in a centrifugal field is a promising method due to its efficiency and the ability to process large volumes of emulsions in a short time. The aim of the present study is to determine the structural dimensions of the separation zone for the effective removal of phases in the process of emulsion separation using a multi-vortex separator. The research focuses on optimizing the design of the devices and evaluating their operational capability. In this context, a three-dimensional model of a vertical separator is described, which uses the inter-tube space for emulsion separation. The emulsion enters through an inlet nozzle with rectangular openings, creating vortices in the inter-tube space. These vortices facilitate phase separation: the heavy phase is discharged upwards and the light phase downwards. An important aspect is the determination of the geometric parameters of the separator, such as the diameter of the openings for phase discharge. Dependences for determining the diameter of the opening in the bottom of the separation zone and in its upper part, considering the flow rate and concentration of the emulsion in the inter-tube space, are obtained. As the concentration of the light phase in the emulsion increases, the size of the opening required in the bottom of the separation zone of the inter-tube space of the multi-vortex separator decreases. The research results demonstrate that changing the mass fraction of the light phase in the emulsion within the range of 0.15–0.25 does not affect the change in the values of the radius r(H) at a flow velocity into the separation zone of 10 m/s. With an increase in the height of the separation zone due to the deviation of the vortex axis in the inter-tube space from a straight line, it is necessary to limit it by introducing a boundary zone of execution. It is expected that the obtained results will contribute to the development of centrifugal field separation technology in oil fields and increase the economic effect of implementing a multi-vortex separator.