Fluid Flow in a Flashing Cyclone Separator

Abstract

In geothermal steam-gatheringsystems for electric power generation, are used to provide a turbine working fluid which is dry or slightly superheated steam (water vapour). This paper describes the steam flow patterns and pressure distribution within a typical cyclone separator which is operating at saturation (boiling or flashing) conditions. The mass and volume fractions of the gas (steam) and liquid phases which must be separated are for a typical two-phase flow example. The steam fraction occupies most of the separator vessel volume; analysis of the motion of this steam phase allows depiction of the stream surfaces within the flow and an estimate of the pressure drop across the separator. Solutionsof a set of simplified conservation equations are found by analytical and numerical methods.