Function
Safe Removal Of Gaseous Waste
From petroleum and natural gas refineries
PROCESS
⸺ Purpose
Knockout drums separate and remove liquid droplets and solid particles from gas streams, eliminating contaminants like water or hydrocarbon liquids.
⸺ Separation Mechanism
Gravity causes heavier droplets and particles to settle at the bottom of the drum as the high-velocity gas stream changes direction and slows down.
⸺ Design
Knockout drums are cylindrical vessels with gas inlets and outlets. They feature an inlet diverter or baffles to guide gas flow and enhance separation. A liquid sump or drain collects separated liquid.
⸺ Internal Components
Additional components like mist extractors or demister pads improve separation by capturing and coalescing small liquid droplets.
⸺ Liquid Removal
Separated liquid is periodically drained or removed manually or through automated systems.
⸺ Sizing and Capacity
Knockout drums are sized based on gas flow rate, droplet size, and separation efficiency requirements to handle the expected load effectively.
⸺ Safety Considerations
Knockout drums incorporate safety features such as pressure relief devices and level indicators to prevent hazardous conditions like overpressure or overfilling.