Numerical assessment of black powder removal from natural gas using magnetophoresis

This paper addresses the persistent issue of black powder—solid suspended particles in natural gas streams—that can cause significant damage to gas industry equipment. Despite existing purification processes, black powder remains a challenge due to the limitations of conventional particle removal techniques. To overcome these drawbacks, this study proposes a novel magnetic filter that offers superior efficiency in capturing even submicron particles, significantly reducing maintenance costs and addressing the longstanding problem of black powder accumulation. The properties of black powder and existing separation methods in the natural gas industry are explored, and the performance of the magnetic filter is evaluated through comprehensive numerical analysis using the Discrete Phase Model (DPM). Results demonstrate the filter’s capability to efficiently capture particles as small as 5 µm, with an impressive removal efficiency of 92% for particles as small as 1 µm. This study provides valuable insights into addressing the persistent issue of black powder in natural gas streams and presents a promising solution for its efficient removal, ensuring the long-term integrity and durability of equipment used in natural gas transmission systems.