Critical Protection

Compressors handle only gas. Even small liquid quantities cause valve breakage, rod bending, or impeller erosion. Suction separators positioned directly at compressor inlet catch any liquids reaching this point providing last-line defense against expensive damage.

Vessel Location

Mounted immediately upstream of compressor suction nozzle. Short piping connection minimizes liquid accumulation between separator and compressor. High-level shutdown connects directly to compressor emergency stop preventing liquid ingestion during upsets.

Vertical Configuration

Vertical design suits low liquid volumes typical at compressor suction. Tangential inlet creates spin. Wire mesh mist eliminator captures droplets. Compact height fits existing compressor installations. Small footprint suits space-constrained facilities.

Operating Pressure

Matches compressor suction pressure typically 50-500 psig for low-stage compression, higher for downstream stages. Low pressure drop preserves compression efficiency. Design accommodates pressure variations during load changes.

Material Selection

Carbon steel for sweet gas. Stainless steel or NACE materials for sour service. Mist eliminator withstands operating conditions. Compact construction reduces weight. Materials resist corrosion from gas composition.

Separation Efficiency

Removes free liquids and droplets above 10 microns. Wire mesh captures smaller particles. Combined efficiency 99%+ protects compressor. Pressure drop under 1 psi maintains suction conditions.

Level Safety

High and high-high level switches provide alarm and compressor shutdown. Redundant instruments ensure safety. Fast-acting shutdown valves stop gas flow before liquid reaches compressor. Fail-safe design protects during instrument failures.

Liquid Drainage

Manual or automatic drain valves remove accumulated liquids to closed drain systems. Level-activated drainage maintains inventory. Drain frequency depends on liquid production rate typically intermittent rather than continuous.

Applications

Reciprocating compressor suction protection, centrifugal compressor inlet scrubbing, refrigeration compressor safeguarding, gas lift compressor protection, and any compression requiring liquid removal. Essential safety equipment for reliable operation.

Installation

Rigidly mounted on foundation near compressor. Piping designed to drain back to separator preventing liquid accumulation. Instrumentation wired to compressor controls enabling integrated shutdown. Easily accessible for inspection and maintenance.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII for operating pressure. Separation efficiency verified through testing. Safety systems per compressor manufacturer requirements. Complete documentation with shutdown logic and installation drawings.

ERGIL suction separators prevent compressor damage through reliable liquid removal at inlet protecting valuable compression equipment.