Coalescer filters are essential for gas and liquid treatment in the (petro)chemical and oil and gas industries. They ensure efficient separation of liquid aerosols from gas streams. But strictly speaking, a coalescer is not a filter: it does not remove particles through blockage, but through physical separation based on droplet growth and gravity.
What does a coalescer filter do?
A coalescer uses the principle of coalescence: fine liquid droplets (< 0.3 microns) are combined into larger droplets that can then be easily separated. This process is essential in situations where residence time is limited or where accurate separation is crucial—think of compressor inlets, gas sweetening units, or downstream protection of membranes and catalysts.
In addition to gas/liquid (L/G) separation, coalescers can also be used for liquid/liquid (L/L) separation, for example, in amine and glycol recovery, or in process water deconditioning.