The simulation of water-oil emulsion separation process in a settling tank with corrugated plates

Abstract

Abstract This research paper deals with the problem of increasing the efficiency of water-oil emulsion separation. In order to intensify the process of its stratification, the internal baffles with orientation of corrugations at an angle of 45° were studied. The numerical simulation of emulsion separation process inside the apparatus was conducted by means of ANSYS Fluent software package. In the course of studies, three models of apparatus of different geometrical dimensions were considered. Each subsequent design was by 50% larger than the previous one. The results of studies allowed to make a conclusion that the separation efficiency of water-oil emulsion is on average equal to 73.7%. At the same time, a peak range was determined, corresponding to the rates from 0.05 to 0.17 m/s, at which the separation efficiency is on average equal to 77.7%. The maximum separation efficiency of at least 80%, regardless of dimensions of apparatus, is achieved at the emulsion rate equal to 0.11 m/s and rates close to this value. The emulsion movement rate, the size and density of oil globules are the key indicators that affect the change in the efficiency of water-oil emulsion separation into components.