Increasing Separation Capacity with New and Proven Technologies

Abstract

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractCompact separation has been a "buzz" word in design of new facilities for many years now as more reserves are being located in deeper waters. However, upgrading existing facilities to handle more production is also important. Third party processing, under-estimated reserves, or recently located nearby reserves result in higher rates. Space then becomes a premium especially in the deep water facilities where extra space may have been minimal in the design. This paper will discuss some new and proven technology not only for compact separation, but also for increasing gas/liquid separation capacities of existing vessels.Applications of the technologies will also be presented.

A Cyclone-Based Low Shear Valve for Enhanced Oil-Water Separation

“…Due to compactness and in many cases superior performance, hydrocyclones continuously expand areas of utilization in the industry in general (Bradley, 1965 andSvarovsky, 1984) and in the oil industry in particular (Arnold and Ferguson, 1999, Chin et al, 2002and Rawlins, 2003. Cyclones for separating gases are commonly classified as gas cyclones whereas cyclones separating solids or liquids from a liquid are termed hydrocyclones.…”