Vessel Function

Condensate production from gas wells and separators varies with pressure, temperature, and gas composition. Storage vessels provide buffer capacity smoothing flow to stabilization or sales, enable level-based measurement for allocation, and maintain adequate liquid head preventing pump cavitation. Typical residence times provide 15-60 minutes surge volume.

Tank Design

Horizontal or vertical pressure vessels with inlet from upstream separation, gas vapor space connected to flare or vapor recovery, liquid outlet to pumps or downstream processing, level instrumentation for inventory monitoring, and drain connections. ERGIL sizes vessels based on production rate, surge requirements, and available plot space.

Operating Conditions

Design pressure accommodates upstream separator pressure plus safety margin typically 50-300 psig. Temperature ratings handle produced condensate conditions 10-80°C. Vapor space sizing prevents liquid carryover during surges. Materials suitable for light hydrocarbon service with trace contaminants.

Material Selection

Carbon steel construction per ASME Section VIII suitable for stabilized condensate. Internal coatings where H₂S or water content causes corrosion. Proper nozzle sizing for inlet momentum dissipation and outlet pump suction. Design includes vortex breakers preventing gas entrainment.

Applications

Production facility condensate collection, gas plant inlet separation surge, wellhead gathering system storage, condensate stabilizer feed tanks, and lease automatic custody transfer surge vessels. Serves upstream production operations requiring condensate handling with capacities 100-10,000 barrels.

Level Control

Level transmitters provide continuous inventory monitoring. High and low-level alarms manage pump operation and upstream flow. Interface detection separates water from condensate where required. Integration with SCADA enables remote monitoring and allocation reporting.

Safety Features

Pressure relief valves protect against overpressure from blocked outlets or thermal expansion. Flame arresters on atmospheric vents where required. Proper grounding prevents static accumulation. Gas detection monitors vapor space. Installation per API 650/620 and NFPA codes.

Performance Benefits

Provides production surge capacity preventing upstream shutdowns. Enables accurate condensate measurement for allocation. Maintains pump suction conditions preventing cavitation. Simple proven storage technology. Minimal maintenance with periodic inspection.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII for pressure vessels or API 650 for atmospheric tanks. Materials suitable for condensate service. Relief sizing per API 520/521. Complete documentation with capacity calculations and material certifications. Foundation design for vessel weight plus liquid inventory.

ERGIL condensate vessels deliver reliable storage and surge capacity ensuring smooth production operations and accurate measurement in oil and gas condensate handling.