Wellhead Control panels at wells op
Wellhead Control panels at wells op
(OP)
Wellhead Control panels at wells operate in many cases on fuel/instrument gas drawn from test/production separator.
It has been observed that the fuel/instrument gas is not conditioned properly to the desired quality by simple filter separators available at remote sites. This has resulted in damaging the control instruments and accumulation of oil as well as water on the valves diaphragms and other places.
In order to coop with this problem I am proposing a Filter Separator followed by a mixed bed of Activated charcoal and Silica Gel and at the end a simple filter to stop the charcoal particle carry over
As explained above a filter-separator can knockdown the liquid and solid particles down to 5-10 microns. The addition of a vessel containing a mixture of Activated charcoal and physically acting drying agent will improve the separation efficiency and hence provide the desired results.
Since, the possibility of carry over of charcoal particles and drying agent is there therefore, a 1 micron mechanical filter should be added to safeguard the instrument from being damaged by solid particles.
I would like to have your valued comments and recommendations, please
It has been observed that the fuel/instrument gas is not conditioned properly to the desired quality by simple filter separators available at remote sites. This has resulted in damaging the control instruments and accumulation of oil as well as water on the valves diaphragms and other places.
In order to coop with this problem I am proposing a Filter Separator followed by a mixed bed of Activated charcoal and Silica Gel and at the end a simple filter to stop the charcoal particle carry over
As explained above a filter-separator can knockdown the liquid and solid particles down to 5-10 microns. The addition of a vessel containing a mixture of Activated charcoal and physically acting drying agent will improve the separation efficiency and hence provide the desired results.
Since, the possibility of carry over of charcoal particles and drying agent is there therefore, a 1 micron mechanical filter should be added to safeguard the instrument from being damaged by solid particles.
I would like to have your valued comments and recommendations, please





RE: Wellhead Control panels at wells op
Installing a Filter Separator with charcoal filter and silca gel bed is an expensive idea and you will need it at each wellsite. This equipment does not actually solve the root problem, which is the fuel gas itself. Most often the fuel gas separators do not knockout sufficient HC liquids. Typical fuel gas separators supply fuel gas based on hydrocarbon dewpoint of -12 to -10°C. This is insufficient when insulated fuel gas lines run above ground at ambient temperatures lower than -12°C. Hydrocarbon liquid and water if the fuel gas was wet, drop out in the fuel line. The liquid drop out is in case too much for the fuel gas scrubbers to handle and carries over into the instrument lines. Preheating the fuel gas works if the sources are close by. On long lines the fuel gas cools of quickly and you experience the same problems again as fuel gas lines are typical uninsulated.
Possible Solutions:
1. Reduce HC dewpoint of the source fuel gas lines to -35°
(best solution)
2. Preheat fuel gas if sources are close by
3. Install small coalescing filters instead of standard
fuel gas scrubbers with autodumps liquid.
4. Inject methanol (does not solve liquid problem)
Some companies make insulated shacks with fuel gas scrubber and preheat coils mounted in front of a catalytic heater. These shacks are specially designed for wellsite locations and are relative cheap
Krossview
RE: Wellhead Control panels at wells op
There are filter separator and seemed like they are not providing the desired results. The only option I can think of is # 3, which you are proposing.
But to be extra cautious I have put an activated charcoal and a desicator bed. As far as I know the activated charcoal has a tendency to absorb the heavy hydrocarbons (unless someone has different experience, which I sure would like to know).
The only things worries me is that the silica gel/Alumina will be coated with charcoal particles and may have to be changed frequently, which will create probelum. Similarly the filter cartridge may get plugged with charcoal particles very often.
Any one has better idea than we two have discussed?
Possible Solutions:
1. Reduce HC dewpoint of the source fuel gas lines to -35°
(best solution)
2. Preheat fuel gas if sources are close by
3. Install small coalescing filters instead of standard
fuel gas scrubbers with autodumps liquid.
4. Inject methanol (does not solve liquid problem)