| Abstract: | Abstract The hydrodynamics and operational principle of the low-energy separator are described. This separator has two stages of separation: pre-separation and a twin separation unit composed of vortex-type separators. Multi-phase flow is fed to a pre-separation pipe designed to create stratified flow. Next, the stratified flow is split up into two streams, one formed mainly by gas and liquid, and another formed mainly by liquid and solid. These streams are diverted toward a twin vortex-type separator where each stream is separated into its individual phases. A three-layer model is used to study the pre-separation process, and a mechanistic-lagrangian model is used to analyze the flow into the twin-separation unit. The device is intended for use on facilities where the space is limited. Potential application of this separator includes, but is not restricted to, separation of multi-phase flows in surface equipment of under-balanced drilling, and in oil production facilities. |
