Separation Function

Fuel gas contains condensed hydrocarbons and water from pipeline transport, pressure regulation cooling, or ambient temperature variations. Liquid carryover causes burner instability, turbine blade erosion, control valve damage, and incomplete combustion. KO drums provide gravity separation removing liquids before gas reaches combustion equipment ensuring reliable clean fuel supply.

Vessel Design

Vertical configuration with tangential or vaned inlet creating centrifugal separation. Wire mesh mist eliminator captures submicron droplets. Gas outlet at top flows to fuel headers. Liquid sump at bottom with automatic or manual drain. ERGIL sizes drums for gas flow rate, operating pressure, and required separation efficiency with typical residence times 5-15 seconds.

Design Conditions

Operating pressure matches fuel gas systems typically 50-600 psig. Temperature ratings accommodate seasonal variations -20°C to 50°C. Materials handle natural gas with trace H₂S, CO₂, or mercaptans. Relief valve protection sized for blocked outlet scenarios.

Material Selection

Carbon steel construction suitable for natural gas service. Stainless steel for sour gas containing H₂S or corrosive components. Internal coatings where moisture and contaminants cause corrosion. Design per ASME Section VIII with materials meeting fuel gas specifications.

Applications

Gas turbine fuel conditioning for power generation, industrial boiler fuel supply, process heater and furnace protection, compressor engine fuel gas, and reciprocating engine fuel treatment. Serves power plants, refineries, chemical facilities, and manufacturing operations requiring clean dry fuel gas.

Liquid Management

Level switches activate automatic drain valves discharging liquids to closed systems. High-level alarms prevent overflow into fuel headers. Float-operated traps provide continuous drainage. Liquid routing to flare, slop systems, or recovery depending on composition.

Control Features

Differential pressure monitoring indicates mist eliminator fouling requiring maintenance. Level control manages liquid inventory preventing gas breakthrough. Integration with fuel gas systems enables automated operation. Simple reliable separation with minimal supervision requirements.

Performance Benefits

Protects expensive turbines and burners from liquid damage. Prevents combustion instability and emissions excursions. Reduces unplanned shutdowns from fuel quality issues. Compact design suits space-constrained installations. Proven separation technology with long service life.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII Division 1 with full code compliance. Materials rated for fuel gas service. Relief sizing per API 520. Electrical systems for hazardous Class I Division 2 classification. Complete documentation with separation calculations and material certifications.

Operational Advantages

Continuous liquid removal maintains fuel gas quality. Minimal pressure drop preserves gas pressure for combustion. Simple maintenance with accessible internals. Low operating costs with automated drainage. Reliable performance across varying ambient conditions.

ERGIL fuel gas knockout drums deliver dependable liquid separation ensuring clean dry fuel supply protecting combustion equipment and maintaining reliable power generation and heating operations.