Numerical simulation on the header-orifice structure-based liquid-vapor separator used in liquid-separation condenser

Abstract Liquid-vapor separation process is a widely used process in many industrial and domestic applications. Liquid-separation condenser using header-orifice as liquid-vapor separator has been widely studied, confirming its superiority of higher heat transfer coefficient and lower pressure drop simultaneously over the conventional condenser. However, research on flow and separation mechanism of the header-orifice liquid-vapor separator is rarely found in existing literatures. Herein, we propose a numerical simulation model based on Volume of Fluid for the header-orifice liquid-vapor separator. The model is verified and applied to study the liquid-vapor separation mechanism of the header-orifice. The major parameters that influence the liquid-separation efficiency are analyzed, including the diameter of a liquid-separation hole, header height and inlet mass flow rate. Multi-factor analysis is also performed to investigate the synergetic effects of the parameters on the liquid-separation efficiency. A correlation of liquid-separation efficiency as a function of cross-section area, two-phase Reynolds number, and modified Weber number is obtained based on the orthogonal experimental method.