Hello,
I'm investigating the design of horizontal 3-Phase separators with standard weirs to separator Oil, Brine, and Associated Gas in Upstream Oil and Gas sector. I have created a spreadsheet to size the separator primarily based upon methodology presented in the GPSA section 7 (see attached spreadsheet).
My questions are:
-How tall can we make the weir?
-Are there any other factors I'm not considering?
-Is my method of estimating vapor capacity accurate?
The taller the weir is the more liquid can be retained within the vessel decreasing the size of vessel needed for a specific retention time. The trade off is as the liquid level increases vapor capacity decreases. From everything I have read on the subject, these separators are sized primarily on retention time while vapor capacity is ignored and weir height isn't mentioned.
From the one separator I have seen designed and put into use the vapor space required was 1/6 of the vapor space available. It just seems a bit inefficient to me and I don't know if I'm missing something. The operating conditions of the separator I'm talking about are currently input into the spreadsheet. As mentioned previously, this separator has already been built and put into service but I'm looking to improve on the design of this type of vessel.
Standard control equipment for the vessels would be level controllers and valves on either side of the weir and a back pressure control valve on the vapor outlet. Also, this is the first vessel in the processing train.
Any guidance or input is appreciated. Thanks.
Attached Files
Edited by kengor10, 06 May 2022 - 11:24 AM.