Initial Separation Function

Production facilities receive mixed-phase fluids - gas with entrained liquids, liquid with dissolved gas, or three-phase mixtures. Inlet separators provide first cleanup removing bulk phases before specialized equipment. This protects compressors, pumps, and process units from slugs and flow variations.

Vessel Configuration

Horizontal or vertical design depending on gas-to-liquid ratio. Inlet diverter breaks flow momentum. Gravity separation zone with adequate retention time. Mist eliminators capture remaining droplets. Gas outlet to compression or treatment. Liquid outlet to storage or further separation.

Operating Conditions

Design pressure matches upstream system typically 100-1500 psig. Temperature accommodates production conditions usually 20-80C. Sizing handles maximum flow rates including upset conditions. Relief valves protect against blocked outlets or thermal expansion.

Material Selection

Carbon steel for sweet production. Sour service requires NACE materials resisting H2S cracking. Internal components withstand erosion from sand production and high velocities. Coatings protect against CO2 corrosion where required.

Phase Separation

Residence time allows gravity disengagement - typically 1-3 minutes for gas-liquid separation. Wire mesh or vane packs capture droplets above 10 microns. Proper velocity control prevents liquid re-entrainment. Design accounts for varying flow rates and fluid properties.

Applications

Gas plant inlet conditioning, production facility first-stage separation, pipeline receiving stations, gathering system headers, and any process boundary where multiphase fluid enters facility. Protects expensive downstream equipment from upsets.

Level Control

Level instruments activate liquid dumps maintaining inventory. High-level protection prevents overflow into gas system. Controllers integrate with downstream equipment coordinating facility operation. Automated control suits unmanned operations.

Performance Factors

Temperature affects density difference and viscosity influencing separation speed. Pressure impacts gas solubility in liquids. Foaming tendency from surfactants or chemicals may require longer retention. Design accommodates field-specific conditions.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII for pressure vessels. API 12J specifications for production equipment. Materials match operating environment and fluid composition. Relief sizing per API 521. Complete documentation with separation calculations.

ERGIL inlet separators provide reliable first-stage fluid separation protecting processing facilities and equipment in oil and gas operations.