151. Pilot application of a novel Gas–Liquid separator on offshore platforms.
- Author
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Liu, Yiqian, Wang, Chaoyang, Cai, Jingbo, Lu, Hao, Huang, Liaoyun, and Yang, Qiang
- Subjects
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DRILLING platforms , *LIQUEFIED natural gas , *MACHINE separators , *GAS compressors , *ENGINEERING design , *LIQUID phase epitaxy - Abstract
Existing devices available on offshore gas/oil platforms are incapable of realizing complete separation of the liquid phase from wet natural gas. This results in eccentric motion of rotors and eventually causes trouble halting of natural-gas compressors. To tackle this problem, use of a novel gas-liquid separator has been reported for offshore oil platform applications. A pilot scale test was performed using the proposed equipment. Results of the test demonstrate that the optimum operating point of the pilot plant corresponds to a flow rate of 90 m3/h (30 °C, 5.0 MPa), and this could be used as a reference for subsequent industrial scale-ups. The results of the pilot test lead to the conclusion that the said novel separator has higher separation efficiency when compared against conventional industrial devices used on oil platforms. Using of the proposed equipment is aimed at alleviating the problem of liquid entrainment of natural gas entering the compressor, increasing compressor service life, and reducing operational and maintenance costs. The proposed study provides a new outlook towards engineering design of offshore-oil-platform equipment of theoretical as well as practical value. • Use of a novel gas–liquid separator to separate the liquid phase from natural gas extracted from the seafloor is proposed. • Operating conditions during the pilot test were maintained identical to those corresponding to industrial operation. • An improvement in separation efficiency was achieved over conventional separators employing cyclone and wire-mesh demisters. • The service life of compressors will be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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