Condensation Process

CO2 compression and cooling condenses gas to liquid phase. Mixed vapor-liquid stream needs separation before storage or pipeline transport. Separator provides residence time allowing gravity disengagement. Liquid drains to storage while vapor returns to compression or venting.

Separator Design

Vertical or horizontal vessel with two-phase inlet, vapor space for disengagement, liquid collection section, vapor outlet to compression or recovery, and liquid outlet to storage or transport. Internal baffles prevent liquid re-entrainment in vapor stream.

Operating Conditions

Pressure typically 150-300 psig for refrigerated liquid CO2, higher for dense phase pipeline transport. Temperature -20C to +20C depending on storage method. Materials handle CO2 in liquid and vapor phases across operating range.

Material Selection

Carbon steel with appropriate low-temperature rating. Stainless steel for high-purity applications. Design accommodates thermal cycling during startup and load changes. Proper material selection prevents brittle fracture at low temperatures.

Phase Separation

Inlet velocity reduction allows vapor-liquid disengagement. Gravity separation with adequate retention time. Mist eliminator captures remaining droplets. Clean phases exit separately preventing contamination of liquid product or vapor return stream.

Applications

Carbon capture CO2 liquefaction systems, beverage CO2 production, dry ice manufacturing, enhanced oil recovery CO2 supply, food processing, and industrial gas production. Serves facilities handling 1-1000 tons per day CO2.

Level Control

Level transmitter controls liquid withdrawal maintaining inventory. High-level protection prevents overflow to vapor line. Controllers integrate with compression and refrigeration systems coordinating CO2 processing.

Vapor Recovery

Separated vapor returns to compression reducing losses. Some applications vent vapor or route to low-pressure recovery. Proper vapor handling maximizes liquid product yield and system efficiency.

Performance Benefits

Clean liquid CO2 meets purity specifications for transport or use. Vapor recovery reduces compression power. Prevents liquid slugs to compressors or equipment. Simple gravity separation with proven reliability.

Storage Interface

Liquid outlet connects to insulated storage tanks or transport vessels. Pressure control maintains CO2 in liquid phase. Temperature management prevents vaporization. System design coordinates separator with downstream storage requirements.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII with low-temperature materials. Relief protection for thermal expansion and blocked outlets. Insulation maintains operating temperature. Complete documentation with phase equilibrium calculations.

ERGIL CO2 condensate separators provide reliable liquid-vapor separation in carbon dioxide processing and storage systems.