Paper: Proper Separation Design Can Prevent Costly Downtime

Attent ion to proven des ign parameters, such as are used to design plant process equipment, can improve the operation of petroleum production systems. A review of the development of primary extraction devices is given, along with formulae for efficiency and allowable velocities. Vane type, wire mesh and centrifugal are examined. Staggered baffles and zig-zag or wave plates are discussed. Design criteria for the application of these primary elements are compared, thus allowing the selection of the optimum type mist extractor for most desired services. The influence of liquid loading/entrainment on separator sizing is discussed. Vessel dimensions and liquid capacity are related for each type of primary element. It is shown how comparisons of advantages can help make an economic selection for any given problem.