Turndown ratio of separator vessels

[wenchop]

Am I correct to suppose that the turndown ratio (capacity utilization) of
1. A two phase separator vessel
2. An three phase separator vessel
is from 0-100%?

In other words, they can operate at minimum capacity from 0 to 100% with no technical issues.

This is about the vessel, I know that the control valves would need to be capable of handling 0-100% of the flow.

Thank you in advance.

 

[zdas04]

Pretty much, but not exactly. The bulk vessel and the nozzles are designed to a maximum velocity so any velocity less than maximum is fine. On the other hand any mist extractors are designed to a MINIMUM velocity. A slight decrease in velocity below the minimum has a significant impact on performance. The bulk vessel will probably do a better job at lower velocities, but the mist pad is much worse and if you get way below design conditions you will often find that you have more liquid carryover than at design conditions.

David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering

"Belief" is the acceptance of an hypotheses in the absence of data.
"Prejudice" is having an opinion not supported by the preponderance of the data.
"Knowledge" is only found through the accumulation and analysis of data.
The plural of anecdote is not "data"

 

[wenchop]

zdas04

Thank you, that is a good point.