Abstract
A novel apparatus that is capable of dynamic flash evaporation and phase separation using centrifugal flow (i.e., using a Hydro-Cyclone Apparatus/HCA) is explored in this study. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the segregation of phases using the novel apparatus that forms a stable air core at the center from a premixed air-water mixture. The stable air core is then retrieved using an air retrieval tube that is strategically placed in the test section for maximum retrieval of air. For the purpose of this study, a prototype of the apparatus was fabricated using rapid prototyping (3D Printing). Experiments were performed on the flow separator apparatus (HCA) by varying the ratio of the air and water flow rates. A high-speed digital image acquisition apparatus was used in this study for flow visualization in the HCA. Flow maps were generated based on the measurements for flow rates and pressure drops obtained from the experiments conducted in this study. This enabled the measurement of several parameters, which include: the dimensions and morphology of the stable air core, entrainment of the water from the air retrieval tube, etc. The data obtained from this study will be used in the design of experiments for the novel apparatus to demonstrate the feasibility of a compact dynamic flash evaporator and separator system that can be used for various water conservation applications, which include: desalination (e.g., seawater, brackish water, as well as total dissolved solids/ TDS from produced water in oil and gas industries), water remediation (e.g., suspended solids) and purification (e.g., urine purification apparatus/ UPA).
