VORTEX TUBE CAN INCREASE LIQUID HYDROCARBON RECOVERY AT PLANT INLET

Use of a vortex-tube device yields improved inlet gas-liquid separation, when compared with a Joule-Thomson system, but is less costly and complex than a true isentropic system, such as a turboexpander. Because the vortex-tube unit provides separation as well as pressure reduction, the capital cost of a Joule-Thomson system with valve and separator will be similar to that of the vortex-tube system. The comparative advantage of the vortex tube depends upon the inlet conditions of the gas and the available pressure drop.