The Taylor Forge Engineered Systems harp type separator/slug catcher is a versatile device for catching slugs and separating liquid and solid particles from pipeline gas. It is built from high strength material and in its larger sizes can offer cost and delivery savings over vessel type slug catchers
The units can be furnished completely engineered including the pig trap, separator/slug catcher, foundation and instrumentation The separator/slug catcher can be buried below ground or placed on piers above ground as conditions require. Controls can be integrated into the existing systems. The system can be split in two halves for redundant operation and/or sequential construction.
Effective level controls are normally installed, including a vent line from a level column near the liquid manifold to the gas out manifold. With proper interconnections and the addition of interface controls, the sludge manifold can be used to effectively separate water from hydrocarbon liquids. If liquid particles smaller than 50 microns are to be removed from the gas stream, separator elements can be added to the dry gas manifold or downstream of the slug catcher.
Economical way to catch large slugs (thousands of barrels).
Gives predictable particle separation in the 50 micron and up sizes.
Predictable separation up to tens of thousands of barrels slug size.
Ships in pieces for field assembly with line pipe.
When slug size is large enough to justify the logistics of field assembly, and B31.8 type construction is allowed, the harp type separator/slug catcher will be considerably cheaper than vessels.
Depending on various conditions or the particular application, the basic design configuration may be easily modified. The use of multiple slopes and/or elbows allow the slug catcher to be filled to a higher level without danger of re-entrainment and carryover of liquid. The use of reducers and/or a two-level arrangement allows the separation and storage tubes to be different sizes for economy and more efficient operation. The two-level arrangement also shortens the installation and allows the bulk of the liquid to be diverted from the gas stream prior to the separation of the smaller particles.
The separator/slug catcher consists of several modules — distribution header, separation chambers, dry gas risers, storage harps, and liquids and sludge manifolds. The distribution manifold takes the incoming gas/liquid stream, slows it down, and splits it into several smaller streams to allow uniform flow into the separation chambers. In the separation chambers, the majority of the gas liquid separation is accomplished. The required length, size and number of these chambers is a combined function of gas flow, gas chemistry and other known conditions. The primary function of the dry gas risers is to deliver dry gas back into the system. As some secondary separation occurs here, their sizing is important.
The storage harps hold the liquids at line pressure and the number and length of these harps is determined by the storage requirements, i.e., slug size — 2 phase and residence time — 3 phase. Secondary separation also occurs here. The liquid and sludge manifolds provide separation of the water, oil and debris. The oil and water are then removed from the storage end for further processing (oil) or reinjection (water). The debris is cleaned out on an as needed basis. When the liquid buildup in the lines is heavy and lines are long, many barrels’ of liquid can collect. When pigging lines, this liquid arrives at the slugging rate and must be stored at pressure or flashed and disposed. In offshore applications and cold climates, thousands of barrels of storage may be required.
Predictable Efficiency -- Using worst-case design, our system is able to perform separation when a vessel separator cannot.
"Carryover" -- is prevented because our system is designed for worst case and unexpected slugs are handled along with the uninterrupted gas flow.
Ease of Installation -- Our TF separat- or/slug catcher system is shipped to you in prefitted modules. The field contractor only makes circumferential butt welds to fit the system together.
Full Onstream Operation -- Our slug catchers are on-line while pigging or dumping and can be automated to any degree you wish.
Short Lead Time -- We reduce the time required from purchase order to operation. Our delivery is normally less than one-third the time to get a large vessel-type separator.
Planned Phase Addition -- Our designs allow your company to add more capacity as gas supply increases, with minimum lead time, minimal expense and
no shutdown.
Cost Effective -- We offer cost savings up to 50% over conventional large OD vessel and pipe collection pro grams. Particular savings are realized when ANSI B31.8 design is used.
Large Volume Storage -- The large volume storage is accomplished by the most economical way known -- in-line pipe or storage pipes.
Sludge Manifolds -- The sludge manifold can be cleaned with on-line maintenance while unit is in operation.
Single Source Responsibility -- We can supply all structural, process and mechanical engineering for your separation installation.
