Production and Test Separation Systems

Separators are typically installed immediately downstream of the wellhead and are responsible for the initial, gross separation of well fluids. They are pressure vessels, often capable of handling fluids from high pressure wells, and give the time for the well fluid to separate into gas, oil and water.

This course will explore the different types and functions of a separator.  They will also learn about the methods used to enhance the separation process.  Additional items including the instrumentation and safety features found on production and test separators as well as the maintenance and inspection of these devices will be covered.

Participants will also learn about the operating production and test separators. They will learn about the internal construction and hardware features as well. The health, safety and environment issues associated with separators will also be discussed.

  • Agenda
  • Audience
  • Technical Information

Day 1
Introduction to Separation, Two-Phase Oil and Gas Separation

  • Introduction to Separation
    • Initial Separation Pressure
    • Stage Separation
    • Selection of Stages
    • Determining Separator Operating Pressure
    • Two-Phase vs. Three-Phase Separators
  • Two-Phase Oil and Gas Separation
    • Introduction
    • Phase Equilibrium
    • Factors Affecting Separation
    • Functional Sections of a Gas-Liquid Separator
    • Equipment Description

On day 1, participants will obtain an overview of separation in the oil industry as well as gain basic knowledge of the principles underlying oil and gas separation. The participants will then gain comprehensive knowledge of the purpose, function, configuration and application of two-phase oil and gas separation systems found in the oil industry.


Day 2
Two-Phase Oil and Gas Separation (continued)

  • Two-Phase Oil and Gas Separation (continued)
    • Selection Considerations
    • Vessel Internals
    • Final Selection
  • Potential Operating Problems in Two-Phase Oil and Gas Separation
  • Two-Phase Separator Design Considerations

During day 2, participants will continue to gain comprehensive knowledge of the purpose, function, configuration and application of two-phase oil and gas separation systems found in the oil industry including the potential operating problems in two-phase oil and gas separation as well as the design considerations for two-phase separators.

Day 3
Three-Phase Oil and Water Separation, Test Separation Systems, Inspection and Maintenance of Separation Systems

  • Three-Phase Oil and Water Separation
    • Equipment Description
    • Selection Considerations
    • Vessel Internals
    • Potential Operating Problems in Three-Phase Oil and Water Separation
    • Three-Phase Separator Design Considerations
  • Test Separation Systems
  • Inspection and Maintenance of Separation Systems

On day 3, the participants will gain comprehensive understanding of the purpose, function, configuration application of three-phase oil and water separation systems found in the oil industry including their potential operating problems and design considerations. The participants will also gain basic understanding of test separation systems as well as the inspection and maintenance of separation systems.


Day 4
Multi-Stage Separation Process Example

  • Basic Control of the Separation Process
  • Multi-Stage Separation Process Example
    • Process Description (Process Flow Diagrams)
    • Mechanical Equipment (Mechanical Drawings)
    • Process Variables and Control Loops (Process & Instrumentation Drawings)
    • Process Safety Systems (Process & Instrumentation Drawings)
    • HSE (Health, Safety and Environmental) Considerations
    • Potential Upset Scenarios
On day 4, the participants will gain basic knowledge of process control in the separation process. The participants will also gain comprehensive knowledge of the safe and efficient operation of a multi-stage separation process using an actual example of a world-scale crude oil separation and treatment facility. This presentation will reinforce the application of concepts and fundamentals learned in the first three days of instruction and will include the review and study of actual process flow diagrams (PFD), process and instrumentation drawings (P&ID) as well as mechanical drawings.

This course is mainly targeted to process technicians, process technologists and laboratory and maintenance personnel. The course can also be applicable to employees working with equipment and materials purchasing, equipment procurement, job planning as well as immediate supervisors to the working technicians.

Discipline:    Process operations

Delivery type:   Classroom

Provider:    TPL

Possible Instructors: Fully qualified and certified TPL instructor with a minimum of 15 years instructor experience to international delegates in client or offsite locations.

Level:    Skill

Course Version:      0

Length:       4 days

Skills Needed to
Take Course (pre-requisites):    Participants should have some recent exposure to oil and gas facility terminology.