Abstract

The paper here presented describes the mathematical modelling of separator efficiency both in steady and transient conditions, including the following aspects:

  • Separator inlet flow regime detection and evaluation of single phase/field flowrate;

  • Evaluation of inlet droplet distribution evolution with time at separator inlet and within separator;

  • Identification of control parameters required to control separator levels;

  • Calculation of transient separator efficiency (both for gas/liquid and liquid/liquid zones) considering changes of separator levels, separator re-entrainment and droplet distribution;

The aim of this work is to provide a closed model which, starting from a given gas, liquid and water production trend, will calculate the separator design parameters for nominal production conditions and, on time basis, the following parameters:

  • Liquid entrained into gas stream;

  • Water/oil entrained into oil/water streams;

  • Control system main parameters;

A test of the proposed model will be reported highlighting:

  • The efficiency variation during transient conditions

  • The suitability of separator configuration defined using steady state approach during transient conditions

Keywords:
separator efficiency, configuration, feed pipe, capacity constraint, droplet, liquid level, gravity section, separator, transient condition, constraint
Subjects:
Processing Systems and Design, Separation and treating
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2015. Offshore Mediterranean Conference
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