A Study of Flow Regimes in the Upper Part of a Compact Gas-liquid Separator
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, May 2019
Pages:
73-81
Received:
3 July 2019
Accepted:
22 July 2019
Published:
6 August 2019
Abstract: In the offshore oil and gas environment, there is usually the challenge with regards to available space offshore platforms for equipment installation; hence, compact separators are more attractive due to their small footprint. Also, in subsea oil and gas production, compact separators are attractive because of their light weight and ease of installation. A good understanding of the flow regimes in the upper part of the separator is essential for a robust design and operation. The performance of gas-liquid compact separator in terms of liquid carryover (LCO) and pressure drop depends on the type of flow regime in the upper part of the separator. However, there is a lack of experimental data on flow regimes in the upper part gas-liquid cyclone separators. In this research, data on flow regimes in the upper part of a 1.5-inch horizontal-inlet gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone separator was acquired using electrical resistance Tomography (ERT), wire mesh sensor (WMS), pressure transducer and visual observation. Based on flow imagining, observations and statistical analysis, the flow regimes were classified as swirling-annular, light-mist, heavy-mist and churn flow. A flow regime map for the separator was proposed based on a modified liquid and gas-Froude number. The work would be a useful guide to process engineers during the preliminary design and sizing of separators with similar geometry configuration.
Abstract: In the offshore oil and gas environment, there is usually the challenge with regards to available space offshore platforms for equipment installation; hence, compact separators are more attractive due to their small footprint. Also, in subsea oil and gas production, compact separators are attractive because of their light weight and ease of install...
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An Analysis of Inlet Inclination on the Performance of a Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclonic Separator
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, May 2019
Pages:
82-88
Received:
5 August 2019
Accepted:
24 August 2019
Published:
10 September 2019
Abstract: Gas-Liquid cylindrical cyclonic separator plays a significant role with regards to gas-liquid separation in the oil fields. Its major operational challenges include liquid carryover and excessive pressure losses. The Inlet geometry of a gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone is one of its critical parts that affect the performance of the separator. The inlet geometry drives the performance of the separator in terms of liquid carryover and pressure drop. Traditionally, the 27° downward inclined inlet is usually used because of its advantage in terms of liquid carryover operating envelope. However, detail comparison in terms of pressure drop in the gas leg of the separator is yet to be reported. In this paper, the author presents experimental results on the effect of inlet inclination on the performance of a gas-liquid cyclonic separator in terms of separation efficiency (liquid carryover) and pressure drop. The results showed that under the same inlet conditions, the liquid carryover operating envelope of the 27° downward inclined inlet pipe cyclonic gas-liquid separator is slightly wider than the horizontal inlet of the same separator. However, the pressure drop across the gas leg of the 27° downward inclined inlet pipe cyclonic gas-liquid separator is far greater than the horizontal inlet of the same separator. The paper concludes that, where there is a strict requirement on pressure drop, the horizontal inlet cyclonic separator should be favoured against the 27° inclined inlet.
Abstract: Gas-Liquid cylindrical cyclonic separator plays a significant role with regards to gas-liquid separation in the oil fields. Its major operational challenges include liquid carryover and excessive pressure losses. The Inlet geometry of a gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone is one of its critical parts that affect the performance of the separator. The inl...
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