Pilot application of a novel Gas-Liquid separator on offshore platforms

摘要

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 90m(3)/h (30 degrees 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.