In various types of industry, air is used throughout a system. As the air passes through different components and sections of the process, it can pick up moisture and other types of contaminants.
The use of a vapor liquid separator allows for the process air stream to pass through a separator, stripping the moisture from the air stream. This allows the air forced to the outlet side of the separator to be free from moisture and contaminants that may damage equipment in the rest of the system.
Without the use of a vapor liquid separator, the moisture laden air passes through the system and can result in damage to components. This includes sensors and electronic instruments in the air stream, and it can also result in corrosion on metal parts and components, including in-stream air blowers and fans.
How it Works
There are different types of vapor liquid separator models. One of the most commonly used and most effective options uses centrifugal force. As the air stream enters the separator it is forced into a circular or a cyclonic pattern of movement, pushing the heavier air, which contains the water, towards the exterior of the separator.
As the water from the air collects on the interior of the chamber, it runs down and out of the chamber into a holding tank. This often all that is required, with different applications having different needs for vapor removal.
For higher levels of vapor removal, a demister element can also be incorporated into the design. This is an additional element that cuts across the cross-section of the moving air in the tank, further reducing the moisture content of even the very fine suspended water droplets.
These types of systems can be found in most types of processing systems, in oil and gas refineries, in air conditioning and refrigeration systems as well as for use in soil vapor extraction and in pulp and paper processing facilities.
