Knock-Out Drum (KO Drum) (KO Drum)

Knock-Out Drum

Introduction

A Knock-Out Drum (KO Drum), also known as a Vapor–Liquid Separator, Suction Scrubber, or small-scale Slug Catcher, is a specialized pressure vessel designed to remove liquid droplets, entrained mist, aerosols, and condensate from gas streams. KO Drums protect downstream compressors, blowers, turbines, burners, and pipelines from damage caused by liquid carryover or slug flow.

Widely used in oil & gas production facilities, refineries, petrochemical plants, power plants, and gas transmission networks, KO Drums ensure safe, efficient, and stable operation of gas-handling systems.

Product Description

A KO Drum operates on gravity separation, flow stabilization, and mist elimination principles. It provides adequate residence time for vapor–liquid disengagement and uses internal components such as mesh pads, vane packs, cyclones, and inlet diffusers for enhanced separation efficiency. The design ensures liquid-free gas output suitable for downstream process equipment.

Technical Features

1) Types of KO Drums We Manufacture:
  • Horizontal KO Drums: Best for large liquid loads, higher slug-handling capacity, and increased liquid hold-up.
  • Vertical KO Drums: Suitable for low to moderate liquid content; compact and excellent mist removal efficiency.
  • Two-Stage KO Drums:
    • Stage 1: Gravity separation
    • Stage 2: Mist elimination (mesh pad / vane pack)
  • Compressor Suction KO Drums: Designed to safeguard all compressor types using demisters, cyclones, and anti-foam internals.
2) Engineering Design Features:

1. High Vapor–Liquid Separation Efficiency

  • Droplet capture efficiency up to 3–10 microns
  • CFD-optimized vapor flow path
  • Low-pressure drop
  • Stable liquid inventory control

2. Advanced Internal Components

  • Mesh pad mist eliminators (SS304L / SS316L)
  • Vane-type demisters
  • Cyclonic separators
  • Inlet diffusers
  • Anti-vortex baffles
  • Weir plates
  • Slug-catching chambers

3. Rugged Construction

  • Design Pressure: Full Vacuum to 150 bar
  • Design Temperature: –196°C to +450°C
  • Suitable for hydrocarbons, sour gas, steam, and chemical vapors
3) Construction Materials:

Carbon Steel

  • SA 516 Gr.60 / Gr.70
  • SA 106 Gr.B

Stainless Steel

  • SS304 / SS316
  • Duplex / Super Duplex
  • Austenitic & ferritic grades

Special Alloys

  • Hastelloy
  • Inconel
  • Monel
  • Nickel alloys
  • Chrome-moly steel

Corrosion Protection Options

  • Epoxy / PU coatings
  • Glass flake linings
  • Phenolic coatings
  • Internal cladding
  • NACE-compliant materials
4) Design Codes & Standards:
  • ASME Section VIII Div.1 / Div.2
  • API 12J (Gas–liquid separators)
  • API 521 (Flare & pressure relief systems)
  • PED / CE Certification
  • NR-13 (Brazil)
  • NACE MR0175 / MR0103

Documentation Includes:

  • Mechanical design reports (PV Elite / COMPRESS)
  • GA & fabrication drawings
  • WPS / PQR / WPQ
  • MTC 3.1 / 3.2 certificates
  • Inspection & testing documentation
Instrumentation & Control Integration:
  • Magnetic level gauge
  • Radar or DP-type level transmitter
  • Pressure gauge / transmitter
  • Temperature indicators
  • Drain & vent valves
  • Sight glasses (optional)
  • Automatic level control valves (LCV)
  • High-level & low-level alarms
  • Flame arrestor / breather (as required)

Control Packages:

  • Local control panel
  • PLC / SCADA integration
  • Skid-mounted assemblies

Applications of KO Drums

  • Oil & Gas – wellhead separation, compressor suction scrubbers, flare KO Drums
  • Refineries – FCC gas separation, hydrotreater systems, hydrogen recycle loops
  • Petrochemicals – off-gas cleaning, VRUs, steam stripping systems
  • Power Plants – steam KO drums, turbine protection systems
  • Gas Transmission – condensate removal in pipeline gas, compressor station protection
Quality Control & Testing:
  • Hydrostatic or pneumatic pressure testing
  • 100% radiography (if required)
  • Ultrasonic testing (UT)
  • Magnetic particle inspection (MPI)
  • Dye penetrant testing (DPT)
  • Helium leak testing (for critical service)
  • Third-party inspection (TUV, DNV, BV, Lloyds, ABS)
Optional Features / Customizations:
  • High-efficiency coalescing internals
  • Fireproofing (intumescent coating)
  • Heat tracing (steam/electric)
  • Thermal insulation & aluminum cladding
  • Skid-mounted KO Drum packages
  • Double-chamber slug catchers
  • Cryogenic service design
  • Vacuum-rated designs

Why Choose Us?

  • 20+ years of expertise in pressure vessel manufacturing
  • In-house design, fabrication, testing, blasting & coating
  • Strong experience with global EPC companies & oil & gas operators
  • Full compliance with ASME, API, PED & NACE standards
  • Engineered solutions tailored to project specifications
  • Proven performance across refineries, petrochemical plants & gas facilities
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Ready to Discuss Your Knock-Out Drum (KO Drum) Requirements?

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