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multivariate production systems optimization - Stanford University

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Chapter 5<br />

PHASE SEPARATION<br />

The well stream that arrives at the surface consists of multiple phases such as oil, gas,<br />

water, and possibly sand. Before the hydrocarbon well stream may be directed to storage<br />

facilities or delivered to market, it must first be separated into the discrete phases present.<br />

Gas pipelines stipulate maximum levels of water vapor content and contaminants. Oil<br />

purchase contracts specify the maximum amount of basic sediment and water that is<br />

allowable in the crude.<br />

The most common form of isolating the gas and liquid phases present in a well<br />

stream is to pass the stream through a separator (see Figure 5.1). A separator is typically<br />

maintained at a constant operating pressure by controlling the effluence from the separator<br />

with backpressure valves. A separator is designed to provide sufficient time for the<br />

various phases of the well stream to equilibrate and separate by means of gravity<br />

Inlet<br />

Inlet<br />

Diverter<br />

Figure 5.1: Schematic of Horizontal Separator.<br />

49<br />

Mist<br />

Extractor<br />

Gas Liquid Interface<br />

Pressure Control Valve<br />

Gas Out<br />

Level Control<br />

Valve<br />

Liquid Out

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