A Study on the Effect of Fluid Properties and Watercut on Liquid Carry-Over in Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone Compact Separators

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinivas Swaroop Kolla ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Oil ◽  
Limited Range ◽  
Level Control ◽  
Mineral Oils ◽  
Three Phase ◽  
Cylindrical Cyclone ◽  
Light Oil ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
Superficial Gas Velocity ◽  
Operational Envelope

Prediction of the operational envelope (OE-limited range of gas and liquid velocities) for liquid carry-over is essential for the optimized performance of gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC©) compact separators. This study presents for the first time the operational envelop for three-phase gas-oil-water flow incorporating pressure and level control configurations. A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of a 3 in. diameter GLCC in terms of OE for liquid carry-over. Experiments were carried out at different watercuts ranging from 0% to 100% utilizing water and two different types of mineral oils namely: light oil and heavy oil with specific gravities of 0.859 and 0.937, respectively. The liquid level was controlled at 6 in. below the GLCC inlet for all the experimental flow conditions. The experimental results indicate that OE for liquid carry-over for three-phase flow is very sensitive to watercut. As the watercut reduces, the OE for liquid carry-over reduces monotonically. Also, the OE for heavy oil (indicated by higher viscosity) reduces as compared to light oil. The superficial gas velocity required to create an annular mist flow in the upper part of the GLCC increases with the increase of watercut and viscosity.

Experimental Investigation of Liquid Carry-Over in GLCC© Separators for 3-Phase Flow

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinivas Swaroop Kolla ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Oil ◽  
Phase Flow ◽  
Level Control ◽  
Three Phase ◽  
Three Phase Flow ◽  
Light Oil ◽  
Series Of Experiments ◽  
Oil Water ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
Operational Envelope

Prediction of the Operational Envelope (OPEN) for liquid carry-over is essential for optimized performance of Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC©1) compact separators. This study extends the previous GLCC liquid carry-over studies from 2-phase flow to 3-phase gas-oil-water flow incorporating pressure and level control configurations. A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of a 3″ diameter GLCC in terms of OPEN for liquid carry-over. Both light oil and heavy oil were utilized, with watercuts ranging from 0 to 100%. The liquid level was controlled at 6″ below the GLCC inlet. A significant effect of watercut on the OPEN for liquid carry-over for three-phase flow was observed. As the watercut reduces, the OPEN for liquid carry-over reduces too. Also, the OPEN for heavy oil reduces as compared to light oil, which could be primary due to the effect of viscosity. Finally, the annular mist velocity increases with the increment of watercut and viscosity.

Wet Gas Separation in Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC) Separator

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robiro Molina ◽  
Shoubo Wang ◽  
Luis E. Gomez ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Separation Efficiency ◽  
Mechanistic Model ◽  
Velocity Ratio ◽  
Wet Gas ◽  
Cylindrical Cyclone ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
Operational Envelope ◽  
Annular Film

A novel Gas Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC©), equipped with an Annular Film Extractor (AFE), for wet gas applications has been developed and studied experimentally and theoretically. Detailed experimental investigation of the modified GLCC has been carried out for low and high pressure conditions. The results show expansion of the operational envelope for liquid carry-over, and improved performance of the modified GLCC. For low pressures, the modified GLCC can remove all the liquid from the gas stream, resulting in zero liquid carry-over. For high pressure conditions, the GLCC with a single AFE has separation efficiency > 80% for gas velocity ratio of < 3. A mechanistic model and an aspect ratio design model for the modified GLCC has been developed, including the analysis of the AFE. The model predictions agree with the experimental data within ± 15% for low pressure and ± 25% for high pressure conditions.

Wet Gas Separation in Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone Separator

2008 ◽  
Vol 130 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robiro Molina ◽  
Shoubo Wang ◽  
Luis E. Gomez ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Separation Efficiency ◽  
Mechanistic Model ◽  
Velocity Ratio ◽  
Wet Gas ◽  
Cylindrical Cyclone ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
Operational Envelope ◽  
Annular Film

A novel gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC©, ©The University of Tulsa, 1994), equipped with an annular film extractor (AFE), for wet gas applications has been developed and studied experimentally and theoretically. Detailed experimental investigation of the modified GLCC has been carried out for low and high pressure conditions. The results show expansion of the operational envelope for liquid carry-over and improved performance of the modified GLCC. For low pressures, the modified GLCC can remove all the liquid from the gas stream, resulting in zero liquid carry-over (separation efficiency=100%). For high pressure conditions, the GLCC with a single AFE has separation efficiency >80% for gas velocity ratio, vsg/vann≤3. A mechanistic model and an aspect ratio design model for the modified GLCC have been developed, including the analysis of the AFE. The model predictions agree with the experimental data within ±15% for low pressure and ±25% for high pressure conditions.

Dually Prewetted Underwater Superoleophobic and under Oil Superhydrophobic Fabric for Successive Separation of Light Oil/Water/Heavy Oil Three-Phase Mixtures

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (41) ◽  
pp. 36368-36376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guoliang Cao ◽  
Wenbo Zhang ◽  
Zhen Jia ◽  
Feng Liu ◽  
Haiyue Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Oil ◽  
Three Phase ◽  
Light Oil ◽  
Oil Water

Design and Performance of Passive Control System for Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone Separators

1998 ◽  
Vol 120 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. S. Mohan ◽  
S. Wang ◽  
O. Shoham ◽  
G. E. Kouba
Keyword(s):  
Control System ◽  
Passive Control ◽  
Level Control ◽  
Control Approach ◽  
Flow Energy ◽  
External Power Source ◽  
Cylindrical Cyclone ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Operational Envelope ◽  
Classical Control

The performance of gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC) separators can be improved by reducing or eliminating liquid carryover into the gas stream or gas carryunder through the liquid stream, utilizing a suitable liquid level control. In this study, a new passive control system has been developed for the GLCC, in which the control is achieved by utilizing only the liquid flow energy. A passive control system is highly desirable for remote, unmanned locations operated with no external power source. Salient features of this design are presented here. Detailed experimental and modeling studies have been conducted to evaluate the improvement in the GLCC operational envelope for liquid carryover with the passive control system. The results demonstrate that a passive control system is feasible for operation in normal slug flow conditions. The advantage of a dual inlet configuration of the GLCC is quantified for comparative evaluation of the passive control system. The results of this study could form the basis for future development of active control systems using a classical control approach.

Performance Improvement of Gas Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone Separators Using Integrated Level and Pressure Control Systems

2000 ◽  
Vol 122 (4) ◽  
pp. 185-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shoubo Wang ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham ◽  
Jack D. Marrelli ◽  
Gene E. Kouba
Keyword(s):  
Control System ◽  
Integrated Control ◽  
Control Valve ◽  
Pressure Control ◽  
Rate Region ◽  
Cylindrical Cyclone ◽  
Pressure Control System ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
Operational Envelope ◽  
Integrated Control System

The performance of gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC©) separators for two-phase flow metering loop can be improved by eliminating liquid overflow into the gas leg or gas blow-out through the liquid leg, utilizing suitable integrated control systems. In this study, a new integrated control system has been developed for the GLCC, in which the control is achieved by a liquid control valve in the liquid discharge line and a gas control valve in the gas discharge line. Simulation studies demonstrate that the integrated level and pressure control system is highly desirable for slugging conditions. This strategy will enable the GLCC to operate at constant pressure so as not to restrict well flow and simultaneously prevent liquid carry-over and gas carry-under. Detailed experimental studies have been conducted to evaluate the improvement in the GLCC operational envelope for liquid carry-over with the integrated level and pressure control system. The results demonstrate that the GLCC equipped with integrated control system is capable of controlling the liquid level and GLCC pressure for a wide range of flow conditions. The experimental results also show that the operational envelope for liquid carry-over is improved twofold at higher liquid flow rate region and higher gas flow rate region. GLCC performance is also evaluated by measuring the operational envelope for onset of gas carry-under. [S0195-0738(00)00804-9]

Tangential Wall Jet Flow and Gas Entrainment in Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone Compact Separator

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinivas Swaroop Kolla ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Film ◽  
Mechanistic Model ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Wall Jet ◽  
Velocity Change ◽  
Gas Entrainment ◽  
Cylindrical Cyclone ◽  
Wall Jet Flow ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
Operational Envelope

Abstract Gas Carry-Under (GCU) is one of the undesirable phenomena that exist in the Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC) separators even within the liquid carry-over Operational Envelope (OE). In order to quantify the GCU, it is important to understand the cause of gas entrainment that occurs in the GLCC other than the incoming entrained gas within the liquid medium. The tangential inclined inlet of 27° with reduced area allows the stratified liquid flow to exit the inlet nozzle tangentially along the wall into the vertical lower part of the GLCC, whereby the liquid film spreads along the wall in an asymmetrical shape. The gas moves to the center of the GLCC and escapes through the gas leg. The liquid film flow is complex and turbulent exhibiting unevenness of the film thickness and asymmetrical velocity distribution. Experimental investigations show that the magnitude of liquid wall jet film tangential and axial velocity change as a function of length along the GLCC below the inlet of the GLCC. This wall jet film flowing down along the wall is the cause for gas entrainment and GCU. The experimental results show that the gas entrainment mechanism is not like the conventional jet entrainment as expected to be occurring in GLCC. The change in velocities of the wall jet film at various liquid heights maintained below the inlet results in varying gas entrainment at various inlet liquid levels and for fluid properties. The wall jet phenomena that takes places at the inlet has been discussed in detail and a mechanistic model capable of predicting the wall jet parameters has been presented in this paper. Further, a novel mechanistic model that is developed for the first time is also presented which can predict the gas entrainment at various liquid levels and flow conditions using the wall jet parameters as an input condition.

Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC©) Compact Separators for Wet Gas Applications

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shoubo Wang ◽  
Luis E. Gomez ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham ◽  
Gene E. Kouba
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Liquid Droplets ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Wet Gas ◽  
Low Weight ◽  
Cylindrical Cyclone ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
Operational Envelope

Abstract Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC©1) separators are becoming increasingly popular as attractive alternatives to conventional separators as they are simple, less expensive, have low-weight, and require little maintenance. However, present studies focus on GLCC designs and applications at relatively lower gas velocities (below the minimum velocity for onset of liquid carry-over in the form of mist flow). With appropriate modifications GLCCs can be used for wet gas and high gas oil ratio (GOR) applications, characterized by higher gas velocities, to knock out the liquid droplets from the gas core. The objectives of this study are to design a novel GLCC capable of separating liquid from a wet gas stream; conduct experimental investigations to evaluate the GLCC performance improvement in terms of operational envelope for liquid carryover; and, measure the liquid extraction from the gas stream. Specific design guidelines for wet gas GLCC are also formulated based on the experimental studies. This investigation provides new capabilities for compact separators for wet gas and high GOR (exceeding 90%) applications.

Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC©) Compact Separators For Wet Gas Applications

2003 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shoubo Wang ◽  
Luis E. Gomez ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham ◽  
Gene E. Kouba
Keyword(s):  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Liquid Droplets ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Wet Gas ◽  
Cylindrical Cyclone ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
Operational Envelope ◽  
Gas Volume

Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC©1) separators are becoming increasingly popular as attractive alternatives to conventional separators as they are simple, compact, less expensive, have low-weight, and require little maintenance. However, present studies focus on GLCC designs and applications at relatively lower gas velocities (below the minimum velocity for onset of liquid carry-over in the form of annular/mist flow). With appropriate modifications, GLCCs can be used for wet gas (high gas liquid ratio, GLR) applications, characterized by higher gas velocities, to knock out the liquid droplets from the gas core. The objectives of this study are to design a novel GLCC capable of separating liquid from a wet gas stream; conduct experimental investigations to evaluate the GLCC performance improvement in terms of operational envelope for liquid carry-over; and, quantify the liquid extraction from the gas stream. GLCC design considerations/guidelines for wet gas application are also provided based on the experimental studies at low pressures. This investigation extends the capabilities of compact separators for wet gas applications for insitu gas volume fraction (GVF) greater than 95%.

NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF FLOW BEHAVIOR IN GAS-LIQUID CYLINDRICAL CYCLONE (GLCC©*) SEPARATORS WITH INLET DESIGN MODIFICATIONS

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Srinivas Swaroop Kolla ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Study ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Field Application ◽  
Attractive Alternative ◽  
Inlet Section ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cylindrical Cyclone ◽  
Light Oil ◽  
Section Design

Abstract The Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC©*) is a simple, compact and low-cost separator, which provides an economically attractive alternative to conventional gravity-based separators over a wide range of applications. More than 6,500 GLCC©'s have been installed in the field to date around the world over the past 2 decades. The GLCC© inlet section design is a key parameter, which is crucial for its performance and proper operation. The flow behavior in the GLCC© body is highly dependent on the fluid velocities generated at the reduced area nozzle inlet. An earlier study (Kolla et al. [1]) recommended design modifications to the inlet section, based on safety and structural robustness. It is important to ensure that these proposed configuration modifications do not adversely affect the flow behavior at the inlet and the overall performance of the GLCC©. This paper presents a numerical study utilizing specific GLCC© field application working under 3 different case studies representing the flow entering the GLCC, separating light oil, steam flooded wells in Minas, Indonesia. Commercially available Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software is utilized to analyze the hydrodynamics of flow with the proposed modifications of the inlet section for GLCC© field applications.

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