How do you design a vapor-liquid separator or a flash drum?

1 Answer

Answer :

The size of a vapor-liquid separator should be dictated by the anticipated flow rate of vapor and liquid  from the vessel. The following sizing methodology is based on the assumption that those flow rates are  known. Use a vertical pressure vessel with a length-to-diameter ratio of about 3 to 4, and size the vessel  to provide about 5 minutes of liquid inventory between the normal liquid level and the bottom of the  vessel (with the normal liquid level being at about the vessel’s half-full level).
At the vapor outlet, provide a de-entraining mesh section within the vessel such that the vapor must  pass through that mesh before it can leave the vessel. Depending upon how much liquid flow you  expect, the liquid outlet line should probably have a level control valve.

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