Separation Function

Gas from wells and gathering systems carries formation water, hydrocarbon condensate, and entrained liquids. Inlet separators provide initial cleanup removing bulk liquids before gas enters compression, dehydration, or processing. Liquid removal protects equipment and improves process efficiency.

Vessel Configuration

Vertical separators use gravity and mist elimination. Gas enters tangentially creating spin that throws liquids to walls. Droplets fall to sump while gas flows upward through mesh pad capturing smaller particles. Horizontal separators handle high liquid volumes with longer residence time. Design depends on gas rate and liquid loading.

Operating Pressure

Low-pressure operation typically 15-150 psig suits wellhead gathering, first-stage separation, or atmospheric tower overhead. Lighter construction versus high-pressure vessels reduces costs. Design pressure provides margin above operating conditions with relief valve protection.

Material Selection

Carbon steel works for sweet gas and condensate. Stainless steel or special alloys for sour service with H₂S. Internal components resist corrosion from produced water containing salts and acids. Coatings protect against CO₂ corrosion in some applications.

Liquid Handling

Level control activates dump valves sending liquids to storage or treatment. Three-phase separators handle oil, water, and gas using density difference. Interface level control manages oil-water separation. Dump frequency depends on liquid production rates and downstream capacity.

Applications

Wellhead separation at production batteries, gas gathering system inlet separation, gas plant feed cleanup, compressor suction protection, and glycol dehydration unit inlet conditioning. Serves gas flows from 0.5 to 50 MMSCFD in upstream production operations.

Separation Efficiency

Removes free liquids and droplets above 100 microns through gravity. Mist eliminators capture 10-20 micron particles. Combined stages achieve 95-99% liquid removal. Downstream equipment like compressors or dehydrators handle remaining trace moisture.

Control Features

Level switches control liquid dumps maintaining inventory. High-level alarms prevent overflow. Pressure transmitters monitor operating conditions. Temperature measurement tracks process state. Simple controls integrate with production facilities or SCADA systems.

Performance Benefits

Protects downstream equipment from liquid slugs and carryover. Separates salable liquids from gas stream. Simple robust design suits remote unmanned locations. Minimal maintenance requirements. Proven technology with decades of field experience.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII Division 1 for pressure vessels. API 12J specifications for production equipment. Materials suitable for gas and liquid composition. Relief sizing per API 520/521. Complete documentation with capacity calculations and material certifications.

ERGIL LP inlet separators provide reliable liquid removal protecting gas processing equipment and recovering produced liquids in upstream oil and gas operations.