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Inlet Devices
Traditional Inlet Devices |
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Inlet device in an oil/gas separator is used to direct the flow and absorb the flow momentum of coming stream. However, the inlet has received less attention and “science” than the gas outlets. Actually inlet device play an important role in overall performance of a separation vessel. The followings are a few traditional or typical inlet devices.
The bulk of the produced solids will accumulate in the primary gravity oil-gas separator vessel, from which they must be removed periodically to avoid reduction of the separator residence time, and reduced separation efficiency. Eventually, the solids can accumulate to considerable depths, and increased carry-over into the downstream processes will be observed. This problem is also associated with slug catchers and free water knock-out drums.
Advantages ·Flat impact plates ·Dished-head plates ·Half-open pipes ·Open pipes directed at vessel heads
These inlets, although inexpensive, may have the shortcoming of negatively affecting separation performance. The inlets previously mentioned are more appropriate for handling low-momentum fluids (momentum is density times velocity). However, for higher-momentum fluids, these inlets can cause problems. The flat or dished-head plates can result in small drops and foam. The open-pipe designs can lead to fluid short-circuiting or channeling.
Although inlet momentum is a good starting guideline for selection, the process conditions, as well as the demister choice, should also be considered. For example, if the liquid loading is low enough that a demister can handle all the liquid, then inlet devices can be applied beyond their typical momentum ranges.
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