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Knockout Drum Design - Mass Velocity vs Height
Posted: 06 Apr 2026, 08:07
by sys1
What is the relation of the mass velocity with the height of the knockout drum? Or does it affect only the diameter determination?
Re: Knockout Drum Design - Mass Velocity vs Height
Posted: 09 Apr 2026, 06:10
by tuan
Nothing actually. Mass velocity would contribute towards diameter only.
Height is governed by separation zones, operability, and practically there is no single equation like Souders-Brown to address that. Need to be established zone by zone.
Re: Knockout Drum Design - Mass Velocity vs Height
Posted: 12 Apr 2026, 11:02
by jeem
Height is controlled by different physics entirely:
1. Liquid holdup time
Required residence time for liquid disengagement
2. Surge volume
Handling slugs / flow fluctuations
3. Mist elimination zone
Space for mesh pad or vane pack
4. Vapor disengagement space
Calm zone above liquid
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Mass velocity can indirectly influence height because:
Higher velocity ➡ more turbulence
More turbulence ➡ droplets need more time/space to settle
That can increase disengagement height requirement
But this is secondary, not the main design driver.
Re: Knockout Drum Design - Mass Velocity vs Height
Posted: 12 Apr 2026, 11:47
by sys1
Alright, no direct equation to have height calculations done then.
tuan wrote: 09 Apr 2026, 06:10
Nothing actually. Mass velocity would contribute towards diameter only.
Height is governed by separation zones, operability, and practically there is no single equation like Souders-Brown to address that. Need to be established zone by zone.