Three phase separators are specialized pieces of equipment used to separate a mixture of oil, water, and gas into its individual components. These separators are commonly used in the oil and gas industry to process the fluids produced from oil and gas wells. They are designed to efficiently and effectively remove the water and gas from the oil, allowing the oil to be stored, transported, and refined.
Common types of three phase separators are as follow:
Horizontal three phase separators: Horizontal three phase separators are designed with a horizontal orientation and are typically used for low to medium volume production streams. They are well-suited for handling fluids with low gas-to-oil ratios and low liquid-to-gas ratios. Key considerations in the design of horizontal three phase separators include the size and capacity of the separator, the materials of construction, and the design of the inlet and outlet nozzles.
Vertical three phase separators: Vertical three phase separators are designed with a vertical orientation and are typically used for high volume production streams. They are well-suited for handling fluids with high gas-to-oil ratios and high liquid-to-gas ratios. Key considerations in the design of vertical three phase separators include the size and capacity of the separator, the materials of construction, and the design of the inlet and outlet nozzles.
Two-stage three phase separators: Two-stage three phase separators are designed with two separator vessels, each with its own set of inlet and outlet nozzles. They are typically used for high volume production streams and are well-suited for handling fluids with high gas-to-oil ratios and high liquid-to-gas ratios. Key considerations in the design of two-stage three phase separators include the size and capacity of the separator, the materials of construction, and the design of the inlet and outlet nozzles.
Coalescing three phase separators: Coalescing three phase separators are designed to remove small droplets of water or oil from a gas stream by using a coalescing media, such as a filter or membrane. They are typically used in offshore oil and gas production and are well-suited for handling fluids with low liquid-to-gas ratios. Key considerations in the design of coalescing three phase separators include the size and capacity of the separator, the materials of construction, and the design of the coalescing media.