3 Phase Separator performance

[Phani Y]

Hi all,

I am a part of Process Surveillance team in upstream oil and gas industry. I want to know about the calculated variables that are to be monitored to assess the performance of a horizontal three phase separator. For example, in case of Heat Exchangers, Overall heat transfer co-efficient and approach temperatures give us an idea if the exchangers are underperforming. Similarly, trending what calculated parameters for a 3 phase separator give us the info if it is underperforming, so that appropriate action can be taken.

 

[LittleInch]

Well basically it's the separation parameters.

So amount of oil in water, water in the condensate and liquid in the gas. Measuring those can be quite difficult, especially liquid in the gas stream so you might need to use downstream equipment to measure the impact.

Dirt and sand gathering in the water sump can be a big issue unless you have some sort of sparging nozzles.

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[Phani Y]

LittleInch,

Thanks for the response. Can I expect some specific answer to my question, like, with the available operating parameters like Separator Pressure, Interface and Oil levels, Temperature, Water, Oil & Gas outlet flow rates along with design parameters from datasheet, can I trend any calculated parameters to assess my separator performance. In case if the data I provided is insufficient, I'd appreciate if you can explain with an example.

 

[LittleInch]

Those parameters won't really give you much information on the performence of a separator.

You need to examine the efficiency of the separation. The other readings mentioned will tell you whether the separator is within its design parameters.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.