SOL ALPHA
Separation · Vertical separator

Design a vertical knock-out drum

Design gas velocity, droplet separation, liquid holdup, skirt and wind loading of a vertical separator.

5 solution steps6 suggested modulesStatus: solution concept

The engineering task

Liquid droplets and short liquid surges must be removed upstream of a compressor, flare or gas-treatment unit. Diameter is governed mainly by gas flow, while height follows from separation zones, liquid holdup and instrument spacing.

For slender equipment, wind load and skirt design can govern as much as internal pressure. An incorrect droplet-size or slug-volume assumption can cause carry-over despite apparently adequate gas area.

Required design data

  • Gas flow and maximum liquid ingress
  • Target droplet size and mist eliminator type
  • Holdup, alarm and response times
  • Equipment height, wind region and site

Technical solution approach

Define operating cases

Evaluate normal operation, maximum gas rate and liquid slug separately.

Determine diameter from separation

Allowable gas velocity and demister loading provide the required free area.

Set vertical zones

Arrange inlet, calming, demister and liquid zones with sufficient clearances.

Calculate pressure parts

Verify shell, heads and nozzles for pressure and local loads.

Check support

Match skirt, natural frequency, wind moment and anchorage to final height.

Expected deliverables

Diameter and total height
Separation limit and demister loading
Liquid holdup and instrument limits
Skirt and wind verification

Suitable SOL ALPHA modules

The modules form a technically plausible toolchain. Their final selection and sequence will be confirmed during the later calculation against the applicable code and project conditions.