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Phase flow; inlet diffuser
Feed inlet devices control the momentum and phase distribution of the incoming stream at separator, scrubber, and column inlet nozzles before it reaches downstream internals. Device type is selected based on the force of inertia of the inlet stream. At lower momentums, V-baffle and half-pipe diverters provide sufficient dissipation. At higher momentums, vane-type inlet diffusers distribute gas uniformly without shattering liquid droplets into finer sizes that overload the downstream mist eliminator. At the highest momentums, inlet cyclone assemblies perform combined bulk liquid separation and mist capture. An improperly selected device causes gas maldistribution, liquid jetting into the liquid surface, and mist eliminator flooding. TrayTec supplies and installs feed inlet devices to your vessel nozzle and process conditions.
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Selection is based on the force of inertia of the inlet stream, calculated from the mixture density and nozzle velocity. Each device type has an operating range, and exceeding that range causes liquid shattering, maldistribution, or mist eliminator overloading. Contact TrayTec with your inlet nozzle size, flow rates, and fluid properties to confirm the correct device type and configuration.
An undersized or wrong device type fails to dissipate inlet momentum effectively, causing the gas stream to enter the vessel at high localized velocity. This jets gas into the liquid surface generating additional liquid entrainment, creates uneven gas distribution that shortcircuits the mist eliminator, and can cause liquid carryover even at design flow rates. Upgrading the inlet device is often the most cost-effective fix for a separator with chronic liquid carryover problems. Contact TrayTec to assess your current inlet device against your operating conditions.
Yes. Inlet device upgrades are one of the most common no-weld retrofit solutions for underperforming separators. Depending on the existing nozzle size and internal configuration, a higher-capacity device can be installed through the existing nozzle or manway without cutting, welding, or re-certifying the vessel. Contact TrayTec with your existing vessel drawing and nozzle dimensions to confirm retrofit options.
