Field developments are increasing in complexity and total investment costs, due to the fact of more complex reservoir characteristics and deeper water developments. Over the last decades there have been implementation of subsea boosting solutions, partly with multiphase pumps, some with separation and pumps combined. The benefits for improved field economics and hydrocarbon recovery rates have been identified by many industry players. To further improve robustness, reduce risks and reduce total capital expenditure (CAPEX) continued development and qualification of innovative compact inline and novel spherical type separators has been done or ongoing. Not only does (compact) separation technology allow for more robust seafloor solutions, this also has an influence on chosen flow assurance solution and need for hydrate inhibition, as seabed separation of gas and liquids can allow for reduced gas hydrates formation as the gas and liquids can be transported separately to the topsides host. Furthermore using seafloor separation means that the topsides architecture can be simplified. In order to enable the use of qualified separation technology, testing flowloops where realistic conditions qualification can be done are required. The use of such a facility with high flowrates and real hydrocarbons at elevated pressures allows for comprehensive testing in the full operating window and reducing the uncertainty prior to field deployments.
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