Performance Improvement of Gas Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone Separators Using Integrated Level and Pressure Control Systems

Abstract

The performance of gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC©) separators for two-phase flow metering loop can be improved by eliminating liquid overflow into the gas leg or gas blow-out through the liquid leg, utilizing suitable integrated control systems. In this study, a new integrated control system has been developed for the GLCC, in which the control is achieved by a liquid control valve in the liquid discharge line and a gas control valve in the gas discharge line. Simulation studies demonstrate that the integrated level and pressure control system is highly desirable for slugging conditions. This strategy will enable the GLCC to operate at constant pressure so as not to restrict well flow and simultaneously prevent liquid carry-over and gas carry-under. Detailed experimental studies have been conducted to evaluate the improvement in the GLCC operational envelope for liquid carry-over with the integrated level and pressure control system. The results demonstrate that the GLCC equipped with integrated control system is capable of controlling the liquid level and GLCC pressure for a wide range of flow conditions. The experimental results also show that the operational envelope for liquid carry-over is improved twofold at higher liquid flow rate region and higher gas flow rate region. GLCC performance is also evaluated by measuring the operational envelope for onset of gas carry-under. [S0195-0738(00)00804-9]