3-phase Separator and Slug Catcher
3-phase Separator and Slug Catcher
(OP)
Considering the limited space available on an offshore platform the task is to design a 3-phase separator that can accomodate possible slug of well fluid. Options available are: (unless someone has better idea)
(i) Have a slug catcher followed by a separator, but this option requires a great deal of space.
(ii) Built the slug catching capacity within the horizontal 3 phase separator, which may result in oversized separator and have weight problem, lifting and rolling on the platform as well as localized weight on the structure
(iii) Install a Control valve upstream of separator and control the separator liquid levels and pressure by controlling the upstream control valve. This option is more apealing as I can have a controlled flow to the separator and any slug can be mitigated with in the 24"x30 KM pipeline upstream of control valve.
Your expert opinion will be valuable.
(i) Have a slug catcher followed by a separator, but this option requires a great deal of space.
(ii) Built the slug catching capacity within the horizontal 3 phase separator, which may result in oversized separator and have weight problem, lifting and rolling on the platform as well as localized weight on the structure
(iii) Install a Control valve upstream of separator and control the separator liquid levels and pressure by controlling the upstream control valve. This option is more apealing as I can have a controlled flow to the separator and any slug can be mitigated with in the 24"x30 KM pipeline upstream of control valve.
Your expert opinion will be valuable.





RE: 3-phase Separator and Slug Catcher
RE: 3-phase Separator and Slug Catcher
RE: 3-phase Separator and Slug Catcher
Why not have 30" pipe hanging vertically as a "drip" leg on the line coming in. The foot print is 30" diameter and 40' tall.
RE: 3-phase Separator and Slug Catcher
Where do the liquids go from the separator? Is there an existing downstream surge volume that you can set up to accommodate a "crash dump" or "panic dump" case (in the event the liquids are not too unstable)? That would involve twinning the liquid outlet valves and routing the bigger one(s) of the twin(s) to the surge volume (in whatever form that exists).
I suppose that would depend on your ratio of "liquid" to (presumably) "water". Panic dumping is not the best thing to do with 3-phase separators especially if there is downstream heat (e.g. produced water storage heater). I still see it done (albeit onshore), but less frequently these days.
Might be worth a quick review even if it doesn't withstand the first minute of scrutiny from a safeguarding perspective.
Regards,
SNORGY.
RE: 3-phase Separator and Slug Catcher
[b]SNORGY[/]The crash dump I am thinking to take it to the Flare Knock Out Drum unless there is good reason Not to use it.
decatocan you elaborat a little more keeping in mind that it is offshore platform, space and enornment are challenging.
RE: 3-phase Separator and Slug Catcher
That's probably one of the better places to go if you are considering that option (panic dump provision). You would probably want to take a look at the knockout pump (if any) and see if you could re-run from there back to the separator after your slugging event.
Regards,
SNORGY.
RE: 3-phase Separator and Slug Catcher
RE: 3-phase Separator and Slug Catcher
RE: 3-phase Separator and Slug Catcher
dcasto Your suggestion is valid and a way can be found to implement it but I want a paradigm. I believe that due to number of risers and may be vibration it may not be a good option or atleast I am not aware. May be someone on this forum can respond to this option.
atayto The way I understand this kind of separator/scrubber are normally used for wet gas to make it liquid free and could be used, Thanks may be I use it for the project I am working provided I convince the client.
need more literature on it
RE: 3-phase Separator and Slug Catcher
Regards,
SNORGY.
RE: 3-phase Separator and Slug Catcher
RE: 3-phase Separator and Slug Catcher
**********************
"Pumping accounts for 20% of the world's energy used by electric motors and 25-50% of the total electrical energy usage in certain industrial facilities."-DOE statistic (Note: Make that 99% for pipeline companies) http://virtualpipeline.spaces.live.com/
RE: 3-phase Separator and Slug Catcher
Regards,
SNORGY.
RE: 3-phase Separator and Slug Catcher
**********************
"Pumping accounts for 20% of the world's energy used by electric motors and 25-50% of the total electrical energy usage in certain industrial facilities."-DOE statistic (Note: Make that 99% for pipeline companies) http://virtualpipeline.spaces.live.com/
RE: 3-phase Separator and Slug Catcher