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Numerical study on the float-regulated high-efficiency gas-liquid separator in refrigeration system.

Author(s) : CHEN H., ZHAO Y., ZHAO F., WANG J., LI R., LI J., YANG P., LIU Y.

Type of article: IJR article

Summary

Achieving uniform refrigerant distribution at the inlet of the evaporator in refrigeration systems presents a significant challenge. In recent years, the use of phase separation technology combined with vapor-bypassed evaporation technology has gained increasing attention for achieving pure liquid separation in the evaporator.
However, the performance of traditional T-junction separators is limited, and efficient two-phase separation under varying operating conditions remains challenging. To address this issue, a Float-type Gas-Liquid Separator (FGLS) is proposed in this study. By dynamically adjusting the buoyancy of the float, it overcomes the fluid
overflow issues inherent in traditional cyclone separators and is suitable for a wide range of operating conditions. A simulation model is developed using numerical simulation, and the behavior of the float movement as well as the characteristics of the two-phase flow within the separator are systematically analyzed. The results demonstrate that the float can be dynamically adjusted to establish a stable liquid level within the separator, and that stable and efficient two-phase separation can be achieved under the isolating effect of the liquid level on the gas bubbles. When the refrigerant flow rate was increased from 3 g⋅s⁻¹ to 15 g⋅s⁻¹ under conventional conditions, the two-phase separation efficiencies of the FGLS remained above 99.6%, with the maximum pressure drop limited to 1426 Pa. A comparison of the effects of float structure under varying liquid volume fraction, mass flow rates, and other operating conditions indicates that the conventional gas-liquid separator performs effectively only under specific conditions. In contrast, the FGLS demonstrates excellent performance across a wide range of variable operating conditions.

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Details

  • Original title: Numerical study on the float-regulated high-efficiency gas-liquid separator in refrigeration system.
  • Record ID : 30035278
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: International Journal of Refrigeration - Revue Internationale du Froid - vol. 189
  • Publication date: 2026/09
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2026.107013

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