Gas Processing I

NGT 140

Horizontal Three-Phase Separator

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 Separator Purpose’s

Separators are mechanical devices for removing

and collecting liquids from natural gas

A properly designed separator will also provide

for the release off entrained gases from the
accumulated hydrocarbon liquids
Separator’s must perform the following
• Cause a primary-phase separation of the mostly
liquid hydrocarbons from those that are mostly
gas

• Refine the primary separation by removing most

of the entrained liquid mist from the gas

• Further refine the separation by removing the

entrained gas from the accumulated liquid
 Horizontal Separator
• Horizontal separators are ideally suited for
well streams having high gas-oil ratios,
constant flow, and small liquid surge
characteristics

• Horizontal separators are smaller and less

expensive
• Higher gas velocities can be obtain due to two
forces acting upon the liquid particles
( gravity and the horizontal force of the gas
stream )

• The horizontal separator has a much higher gas-

liquid interface area than other types which aid
in the release of solution gas and reduction of
foam
• The horizontal configuration is best suited for the
two liquid phases.

• In addition to being easier to hook up, easier to

service , and easier to skid mount

• Horizontal separators can be stacked in piggy back

fashion to form stage separation assemblies and
minimize horizontal space requirements
 A well stream separator must

Discharge the separated gas and liquid from the vessel

and insure that no re-entrainment of one into the

other takes place