Vane Pack Mist Eliminators

Vane or chevron-type mist eliminators are commonly used in gas-liquid separation processes, where it is important to remove liquid droplets from a gas stream. These mist eliminators are designed to provide a tortuous path for the gas flow, which causes the liquid droplets to collide with the surfaces of the vanes or chevrons, where they coalesce and drain down to a liquid collection section.

The vane-pack mist eliminator consists of closely spaced blades or vanes arranged in a sinusoidal or zig-zag pattern. The gas stream flows through the vanes, which change the direction of the gas flow and create areas of high turbulence. The inertia of the liquid droplets causes them to collide with the vanes and coalesce, eventually draining down to the liquid collection section.

Vane packs can be installed in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. However, the vane capacity is reduced in vertical up-flow applications compared to horizontal flow applications. This is because the liquid droplets have a greater tendency to fall back onto the vanes in vertical up-flow applications, reducing the effectiveness of the mist eliminator.

There are different styles of vanes available, including those with and without pockets. Vanes with pockets have single or double pockets that promote liquid drainage, allowing for a higher gas throughput per flow area. However, these vanes are not typically used in highly fouling services, as the pockets can become clogged with solids or other materials, reducing their effectiveness.