Supersonic separation is a novel technology for natural gas separation. The theoretical design uniquely combines concepts from aerodynamics, thermodynamics, physical separation and fluid-dynamics resulting in an innovative gas conditioning process. It is used to condition the gas by removing condensable vapors and natural gas liquids. The supersonic separator is composed of a converging section, a Laval nozzle and a diverging section. Natural gas flows from reservoirs with low velocity and high pressure. In the supersonic separation process, the temperature drops below the dew point of the natural gas. A multiphase flow is formed. Undesired components form liquid condensates that are centrifugally removed through side collection streams. The goal of this work is to develop a one-dimensional thermodynamic numerical model that presents great potential as a fast and accurate tool that enables the simulation of supersonic separators with significant details. The model is to fill certain gaps found in literature with a shortcut modeling technique. This model would best fit the category of preliminary design tools with decreased computational loads. The model was utilized to test several cases for validation. Air, 3-component natural gas and 13-component natural gas mixtures were tested as working fluids at different conditions and nozzle area ratios. Tests included nozzles with and without side streams. The shortcut model demonstrated matching results with previous models from benchmarked studies. The computational load was immensely decreased by reducing the number of locations tested in the diverging nozzle to locate the side streams and the shockwave. The reduction of computational load was demonstrated by decreasing simulation time by 75%-97% depending on the nozzle geometry and conditions. The model proved to be a quick tool suitable for preliminary designs.
Supersonic separation is a novel technology for natural gas separation. The theoretical design uniquely combines concepts from aerodynamics, thermodynamics, physical separation and fluid-dynamics resulting in an innovative gas conditioning process. It is used to condition the gas by removing condensable vapors and natural gas liquids. The supersonic separator is composed of a converging section, a Laval nozzle and a diverging section. Natural gas flows from reservoirs with low velocity and high pressure. In the supersonic separation process, the temperature drops below the dew point of the natural gas. A multiphase flow is formed. Undesired components form liquid condensates that are centrifugally removed through side collection streams. The goal of this work is to develop a one-dimensional thermodynamic numerical model that presents great potential as a fast and accurate tool that enables the simulation of supersonic separators with significant details. The model is to fill certain gaps found in literature with a shortcut modeling technique. This model would best fit the category of preliminary design tools with decreased computational loads. The model was utilized to test several cases for validation. Air, 3-component natural gas and 13-component natural gas mixtures were tested as working fluids at different conditions and nozzle area ratios. Tests included nozzles with and without side streams. The shortcut model demonstrated matching results with previous models from benchmarked studies. The computational load was immensely decreased by reducing the number of locations tested in the diverging nozzle to locate the side streams and the shockwave. The reduction of computational load was demonstrated by decreasing simulation time by 75%-97% depending on the nozzle geometry and conditions. The model proved to be a quick tool suitable for preliminary designs.
