Numerical Simulation and Experimental Study on Helical Pipe Oil-Water Separator For Deoiling

The separation principle of helical separator is introduced. RNG k-epsiv turbulence model is used to numerically simulate oil-water separation in helical pipe by computation fluid dynamics (CFD). By observing the oil distribution of non-holed helical pipes, holes are opened at the locations that oil aggregated. Oil sprays out of the helical pipe through the holes, which has a good separation effect. According to the simulation results, experimental study was carried out, the effect of flowrate on separation efficiency is analyzed, and the optimum inlet flowrate is obtained. Comparing the results of experiment and simulation of the oil distribution, they are in good accordance, which verifies the correctness of RNG k-epsiv model. When the oil volume fraction of inlet is 0.04%, the separating efficiency of experimental study was satisfactory.