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[Highlander]

Hi,

With regards to a Mud-Gas Separator's (part of well-testing equipment) inlet nozzle, can anyone tell me what are the design factors to consider when sizing the inlet nozzle?

Do we take the Mud-Gas Separator as per any vapor-liquid separator and size the inlet nozzle based on inlet momentum criteria?

Can I just size the inlet nozzle based on API 14E's 2-phase erosional velocity criteria? Or it is necessary to take into account the fluid's momentum to prevent metal washout of the separator's shell?

Reason is that if I size the nozzle base only on 2-phase erosional velocity criteria, I can design for a higher mud-gas flow rate. However, if I have to take into account momentum, the design flow rate will be greatly reduced. With little operation experience, I am unsure how much impact does high momentum have on the erosion of the separator's shell. I am afraid of severe erosion on the separator's shell at the inlet nozzle.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.