Testing Purpose

Operators need accurate production data for each well. Test separators isolate individual wells from group production, separate phases, measure flow rates, and sample fluids. Data determines well productivity, guides completion decisions, optimizes artificial lift, and allocates production among working interest owners.

Separator Design

Horizontal three-phase vessel separates gas, oil, and water using gravity and retention time. Gas exits overhead through meter to sales line or flare. Oil flows through positive displacement or turbine meter. Water measures separately or combined with oil. Vessel sizing provides adequate residence for clean phase separation.

Measurement Systems

Gas meters include orifice, turbine, or ultrasonic types with pressure and temperature correction. Oil meters use positive displacement or turbine technology. Water cut analyzers determine oil-water ratios. Flow computers calculate standard volumes. Sampling systems capture representative fluid samples for lab analysis.

Operating Pressure

Design pressure accommodates wellhead flowing pressure typically 150-3000 psig. Pressure control on gas outlet manages separator pressure optimizing liquid recovery. Higher pressure increases liquid shrinkage to gas. Lower pressure maximizes liquid but may restrict well flow.

Material Selection

Carbon steel handles sweet production. Sour service requires NACE materials resisting H₂S cracking. Internal coatings protect against CO₂ corrosion. Vessel internals use materials preventing erosion from sand production and high-velocity flows.

Three-Phase Separation

Inlet diverter momentum break allows gas disengagement. Coalescing plates enhance oil-water separation. Weirs control liquid levels and interface position. Proper sizing and internals achieve clean separation despite varying production rates and fluid properties.

Applications

Well testing during drilling and completion, production monitoring in mature fields, optimization of artificial lift systems, production allocation for royalty calculation, and reservoir management. Portable units move between wells. Permanent installations test high-value wells continuously.

Control Systems

Level controls manage oil and water outlets maintaining interface. Pressure control on gas regulates separator conditions. Temperature monitoring tracks phase behavior. Flow computers integrate measurements calculating production volumes. Data logging stores results for reservoir engineers.

Portability Options

Skid-mounted separators with lifting eyes move between locations. Trailer-mounted units include wheels for highway transport. Self-contained packages integrate separator, meters, tanks, and controls. Portable designs suit drilling programs testing multiple wells sequentially.

Performance Features

Accurate measurement meets regulatory and commercial standards. Three-phase separation handles varying water cuts. Pressure and temperature ratings suit diverse well conditions. Rugged construction withstands field service. Quick setup and operation minimize testing time.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII for pressure vessels. Metering per API MPMS custody transfer standards where applicable. Materials suitable for production fluids. Complete documentation with capacity calculations, material specifications, and meter calibration certificates.

ERGIL test separators provide accurate well production measurement supporting reservoir management and field development in oil and gas operations.