Question

c. With a neat diagram show various components of a separator. Explain briefly their functions and utility

Answer 1

A separator is an equipment that is used to separate the components of a mixture by the principle of gravity due to the difference in density of the components. The heavier fluid settle down on the bottom of the vessel and discharge through the valve. The lighter fluid stays at the top above on the heavier fluid and discharged through the particular valve. Thus the separation takes place.

Major components shown in the figure below for 3 components separator

Section A - primary liquid scrubber (cyclone) - in this section, initial separation is being done through the scrubber.

For 3 components mixture as shown in the figure

Gas is being separated from oil and water through scrubber and oil and water falls to the bottom of the vessel.

Section B - Gravity settling - due to the difference in density of the water and oil, heavier fluid (water) settles down on the bottom of the vessel and discharged from the bottom. Lighter fluid (oil) at the top above on the heavier fluid and discharged through the particular valve.

Vapor outlet & Demister pad - it is used to extract the liquid particles from the gas and then the gas is discharged.

Pressure relief valve - if the pressure increases due to the gas phase then the valve opens and releases the pressure inside the vessel.

Pressure controller (PC) - to control the pressure inside the vessel it is used. A constant pressure is needed For the separation.

Level controller (LC) - to maintain the level of the fluid inside the vessel, it is used.