Coalescence Principle

Liquid aerosols 0.1-5 microns suspended in gas pass through coalescing media. Droplets contact fiber surfaces adhering through van der Waals forces. Multiple contacts agglomerate small droplets into larger drops. Large drops drain by gravity to collection sump.

Coalescer Design

Vertical vessel with gas inlet, coalescing element cartridges arranged in horizontal or vertical configuration, drainage section collecting coalesced liquid, mist eliminator preventing re-entrainment, clean gas outlet, automatic liquid drain.

Media Technology

Micro-glass fiber or polymer media providing high surface area. Fiber diameter 1-10 microns creates tortuous path forcing droplet contact. Multi-layer construction optimizes efficiency and dirt-holding capacity. Elements withstand gas flow without degradation.

Operating Pressure

Design pressure matches application typically 100-1500 psig for pipeline and industrial gas service. Materials rated for operating pressure per ASME Section VIII. Pressure drop through clean element 2-5 psi.

Performance Efficiency

Removes 99.9-99.99% of liquid aerosols 0.3 microns and larger. Achieves outlet liquid loading under 0.1 ppm by weight, often under 0.01 ppm. Performance depends on inlet loading, element design, and gas velocity.

Material Selection

Carbon steel for hydrocarbon gas service. Stainless steel for corrosive gases or high-purity applications. Coalescing elements in materials compatible with gas and liquid chemistry. Design prevents contamination.

Applications

Natural gas transmission pipeline filtration, compressor discharge liquid removal, turbine fuel gas polishing, instrument air coalescing, process gas purification, vapor recovery systems requiring aerosol removal.

Liquid Types

Handles hydrocarbon condensate, compressor lube oil, water, glycol, amine, and specialty liquids. Element materials selected for liquid compatibility. Temperature and chemical resistance critical for performance.

Differential Pressure

DP monitoring indicates element loading from solids or liquid saturation. Clean DP 2-5 psi increasing to 15-25 psi at replacement point. High DP alarm signals maintenance requirement.

Drain System

Coalesced liquid gravity drains to sump. Level-controlled automatic valves remove accumulated liquid preventing re-entrainment. Drain routes to closed recovery or disposal systems.

Element Life

Typical service 12-24 months depending on inlet contamination. Solid particles foul elements reducing capacity. Pre-filtration extends coalescer life. Replacement simple with cartridge design.

Gas Velocity

Design velocity through elements typically 0.1-0.3 ft/sec prevents re-entrainment while maintaining efficiency. Proper vessel sizing critical for performance. Oversizing reduces velocity improving coalescence.

Performance Benefits

Achieves ultra-low liquid content protecting sensitive equipment. Prevents contamination in gas sales and process applications. Meets stringent gas quality specifications. Simple proven coalescing technology.

Construction Standards

Pressure vessels per ASME Section VIII. Coalescing elements per manufacturer specifications. Materials for gas and liquid service. Complete documentation with efficiency data and capacity ratings.

ERGIL gas coalescer filters provide high-efficiency liquid aerosol removal achieving ultra-clean gas through proven coalescence technology in oil, gas, and industrial applications.