Hi,
Context: Offshore production platform ALPHA receiving LP wet gas from a satellite platform BRAVO. BRAVO has wellheads, two phase separator, crude oil export pumps, crude oil export pipeline, LP wet gas export pipeline to ALPHA.
We are currently checking if our existing gas slug catcher at ALPHA which receives LP wet gas from BRAVO can handle additional wet gas flowrates from BRAVO as a result of addition of new wells as part of future development.
The gas slug catcher is designed for MAX GAS : 60 mmscfd (67,000 Nm3/h); Max Continuous liquid: 2500 BPD (17 m3/h) etc. It has a Vane type inlet device, single perforated baffle, vortex breakers etc.
It has a design pressure of 13.8 barg; the Inside diameter: 2700 mm; length : 8100 mm
Gas MW: 24; oil/condensate density: 688 kg/m3; water density: 1000 kg/m3; gas viscosity : 0.01 cp
The arrival pressure at the slug catcher is around 3 barg; and currently the gas rates are around 40 MMSCFD
The performance requirement is that liquid carry over in gas outlet shall be 0.1 US Gal/mmscf
The sizing criteria is that liquid residence time at normal liquid level : 3 minutes; and minimum surge volume of 10 m3 between normall liq level and high liquid level.
How can i appraise the slug catcher for higher flowrates than 60 MMSCFD of gas; what is the limiting factor that will help us decide if the existing vessel is sufficient or not?