The use of Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLLC © ) separators for gas-liquid separation is a new technology for oil and gas industry. Consequently, it is important to understand the flow behavior in the GLLC © and the effect of different geometrical geometries to enhance separation. The main objective of this study is to address the effect of different inlet geometries on the flow behavior in the GLLC © by measuring velocity components and the sum of the axial and tangential velocity fluctuations inside the GLLC © using a Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV). Three different inlet geometries were considered, namely, one inclined inlet, two inclined inlets, and a gradually reduced inlet nozzle. Axial and tangential velocities and turbulent intensities across the GLLC © diameter were measured at 24 different axial locations ( 318 - 900 mm below the inlet) for each inlet geometry. Flow rates of 0.00454 and 0.00063 m 3 ∕ s were selected to investigate the effect of flowrate (Reynolds number) on the flow behavior. Color contour maps color contour plots of axial and tangential velocity and the sum of the axial and tangential velocity fluctuations revealed some remarkable details of the flow behavior.

Local measurements and 3D CFD simulations in gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone separators are scarce. The main objective of this study is to conduct local measurements and 3D CFD simulations to understand the swirling flow behavior in a cylindrical cyclone with one inclined tangential inlet. Axial and tangential velocities and turbulent kinetic energy across the cylinder diameter ID = 0.089 m were measured at 24 different axial locations (0.32–0.90 m below the inlet) by using a laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV). The liquid flow rate was 16.4 m 3 / h , which corresponds to an average axial velocity of 0.732 m/s and Reynolds number of 66,900. Measurements are used to create color contour plots of axial and tangential velocity and turbulent kinetic energy. Color contour maps revealed details of the flow behavior. Additionally, 3D CFD simulations with different turbulence models are conducted. Simulations results are compared to LDV measurements.