Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Study of an Oilfield Separator--Part I: A Realistic Simulation

Abstract

A realistic computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of a field three-phase separator has been developed. This realistic CFD simulation provides an understanding of both the microscopic and macroscopic features of the three-phase separation phenomenon. For simulation purposes, an efficient combination of two multiphase models of the commercial CFD software, Fluent 6.3.26 (ANSYS 2006a), was implemented. The flow-distributing baffles and wire mesh demister were also modeled using the porous media model. Furthermore, a useful approach to estimating the particle size distribution in oilfield separators was developed. The simulated fluid-flow profiles are realistic and the predicted separation efficiencies are consistent with oilfield experience.

Sloshing Impact on Gas Pretreatment for LNG Plants Located in a Stranded Offshore Location

“…Hence, the sloshing in the AGRU is responsible for the decrease of removal efficiencies of CO 2 and H 2 S to 11.3% and 50%, respectively. Furthermore, if only the liquid carryover due to sloshing in multiphase separators is considered, the sweet gas production rate is 18.5 MMCFD. − …”

Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Study of an Oilfield Separator--Part II: An Optimum Design

“…The developed CFD simulation of the separator could capture these field-separation problems by evaluating the mass distribution of oil and water droplets between oil and water outlets. As presented in Pourahmadi Laleh et al (2012), the overall separation efficiency of 98.0% in 1988 would decrease to 70.4% for the future-production condition. The separation efficiencies for oil and water droplets were calculated to be 100 and 96.9%, respectively, for the 1988 production condition.…”

“…A sensitivity analysis on the defined droplet-size distribution showed that separation efficiencies are not overly sensitive to the assumed maximum droplet size (Pourahmadi Laleh 2010). Therefore, the required particle-size-distribution parameters were set as estimated for the 1988 production condition (Pourahmadi Laleh et al 2012). The results are presented in Table 3.…”

“…These CFD-based studies, however, have been focused generally on performance issues in specific operating separators. Recently, a realistic CFD simulation of an oilfield three-phase separator has been provided by Pourahmadi Laleh et al (2012). The separator of interest was installed on the Gullfaks-A offshore platform.…”

“…For all the CFD case studies, generation of the physical model and the grid system was completed in the Gambit 2.4.6 (ANSYS 2006b) environment, and the CFD simulations were performed in the Fluent 6.3.26 (ANSYS 2006a) environment. The modeling strategies are the same as those of the preceding study and were discussed in Pourahmadi Laleh et al (2012).…”