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Overview
Separators are mechanical devices for removing, separating and collecting liquids and water from gas. Separators are installed to improve the accuracy of gas and liquid measurement, condition the process for custody transfer or the protection of other equipment not meant to see either gas or liquid. An example of this would be knocking out gas from the fluid stream before measuring the fluid using a positive displacement meter or the removal of liquids from the inlet of a compressor suction.
Types
General
Two Phase Separator - used to separate gas from liquids or to separate liquids from gas. Depending on the process, this may contain a mist eliminator.
Three Phase Separator - used to separate gas, oil and water. Often times this is used for individual well measurement.
Steam Separator - used to separate steam condensate from steam vapor. The two streams may be measured and recombined to a desired steam quality.
Arrangements
Horizontal - Often used for three phase measurement. The gas capacity of these vessels is higher than the gas capacity of a vertical separator. Used for high volume applications.
Vertical - Typically this is a two phase separator designed for high gas rates compared to the amount of liquid in the process.
Spherical - Certain types of well testers utilize this design. It is the most succeptible to failing on surges, foamy applications and high liquid rates.
Gas Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC) - Two phase separator used for well measurement.
Codes
All pressure vessels in the United States are designed and built to ASME Section VIII.
