As with vertical two-phase separators, a minimum diameter must be maintained to assure adequate gas capacity. In addition, vertical threephase separators must maintain a minimum diameter to allow the 500 micron water droplets to settle. The height of the three-phase separator is determined from retention time considerations. Gas Capacity The gas capacity constraints provide the […]
Read More…Category: Oil and Water Separation
Three Phase Horizontal Separator Sizing
For sizing a horizontal three-phase separator it is necessary to specify a vessel diameter and a seam-to-seam vessel length. The gas capacity and retention time considerations establish certain acceptable combinations of diameter and length. The need to settle 500-micron water droplets from the oil establishes a maximum diameter. Gas Capacity The gas capacity constraints provide […]
Read More…Vertical Three Phase Separator
Figure 5-6 shows a typical configuration for a vertical three-phase separator. Flow enters the vessel through the side as in the horizontal separator, the inlet diverter separates the bulk of the gas. A downcomer is required to transmit the liquid through the oil-gas interface so as not to disturb the oil skimming action taking place. […]
Read More…Vessel Internal
Two common internals not discussed are coalescing plates and sand jets. It is possible to use various plate or pipe coalescer designs to aid in the coalescing of oil droplets in the water and water droplets in the oil. Coalescing Plates The installation of coalescing plates in the liquid section will cause the size of […]
Read More…Horizontal Three Phase Separator Part 2
Figure 5-3 shows an alternate configuration known as a “bucket and weir” design. This design eliminates the need for a liquid interface controller. Both the oil and water flow over weirs where level control is accomplished by a simple displacer float. The oil overflows the oil weir into an oil bucket where its level is […]
Read More…Horizontal Three Phase Separator Part 1
Three phase separator are designed as either horizontal or vertical pressure vessel. Figure 5-2 is a schematic of a horizontal separator. The fluid enters the separator and hits an inlet diverter. This sudden change in momentum does the initial gross separation of liquid and vapor as discussed in Two Phase Separator. In most designs, the […]
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