Two Phase Three Phase Separators (AutoRecovered)

Two Phase & Three
Phase Separators
Work Instruction
A0 Issued for Information M. Jalali / M. Sabeti A. Javanpour A. Ghahremani 2018-11-13

Rev. Description Prepared Checked Approved Date
Page 1 of 39 Document Code : EPRWI-039

.This document is the property of Oil Design and Construction Company. Any unauthorized attempt to reproduce it, in any form, is strictly prohibited
Two Phase & Three Phase Separators
Work Instruction
Table of Contents
1 Objective.................................................................................................................................................4
2 Scope.......................................................................................................................................................4
3 Responsibilities.......................................................................................................................................4
4 References...............................................................................................................................................4
5 Prerequisite Documents..........................................................................................................................4
6 Definitions..............................................................................................................................................4
7 Description..............................................................................................................................................5
7.1 Separator applications and considerations......................................................................................6
7.2 Horizontal or vertical design...........................................................................................................6
7.3 Sizing procedure .............................................................................................................................7
7.4 NIOEC Specifications for vessel sizing........................................................................................22
7.5 Comparison of different procedures:.............................................................................................24
7.6 Design pressure and temperature..................................................................................................25
7.7 Vessel connection..........................................................................................................................25
7.8 Pressure drop.................................................................................................................................30
7.9 Conditions requiring winterization................................................................................................30
7.10 Vessel internals..............................................................................................................................31
8 Spread sheets........................................................................................................................................38
9 Attachment............................................................................................................................................39

Work Instruction
Change Matrix
No. Description Page Date Comment
1 First issue All Pages 2018-11-13 -
4-7, 10-13,
2 Second issue 15, 17-25, 2019-12-18
31,34,38, 39

Work Instruction
1 Objective
This instruction is used for design of two phase and three phase separators.
2 Scope
The purpose of this procedure is to define the methodology to be followed for the design of separators,
including vertical and horizontal which is applied for two phase (vapor-liquid) and three phase (vapor-
liquid-liquid) separations. Its field of application is that associated with oil and gas plants in basic and
detail design stages.
3 Responsibilities
Process discipline is responsible for preparing procedure for design of two phase and three phase
separators.
4 References
 IPS-E-PR-880 “Engineering standard for process design of gas-liquid separators”
 IPS-E-PR-850 “Engineering standard for process requirements of vessels and separators”
 IPS-E-PR-420 “Engineering standard for process design of heat tracing and winterizing”
 NIOEC-SP-00-50 “NIOEC specification for design criteria for process and mechanics”
 NIOEC-SP-70-01 “NIOEC specification for instrumentation”
 W.D. Monnery, W.Y. Svrcek “Design Two-Phase Separators within the Right Limits”, 1993.
 W.D. Monnery, W.Y. Svrcek “Successfully Specify Three-Phase Separators”, 1994.
 separators.rocess Engineering Design Manual.
5 Prerequisite Documents
 Process Flow Diagram
 Process Design Criteria
 Utility Characteristics

Work Instruction
6 Definitions
The following is a glossary of terms used in the gas (vapor)-liquid separator and separation technology:
 Coalescer
A device in which a gas stream is forced to follow a tortuous path, and the droplets carried by the
gas collide each other to form larger droplets.
 Control Volume
A certain liquid volume necessary for control purposes and for maintaining the velocity limit
requirement for degassing and to counter foam in separators.
 Disengagement Height
The height provided under the wire-mesh pad of a vapor-liquid separator.
 Hold-Up Time
A time period during which the amount of liquid separated in a gas-liquid separator is actually in
the vessel for the purpose of control or vapor separation.
 Mist Eliminator (Demister)
Is a device installed in the top of scrubbers, separators, tray or packed vessels, etc. to remove
liquid droplets entrained in a flowing gas stream.
 Terminal Velocity or Dropout Velocity
Is the velocity at which a particle or droplet will fall under the action of gravity, when drag force
just balances gravitational force and the particle (or droplet) continues to fall at constant velocity.
 Vapor Space
The volume of a vapor liquid separator above the liquid level.
 Knock-Out
A separator used for a bulk separation of gas and liquid. It falls into one of two categories as
below:

Work Instruction
a) The free water knock-out is a vessel used to separate free water from a flow stream of gas, oil,
and water. The gas and oil usually leave the vessel through the same outlet to be processed by
other equipment. The water is removed for disposal.
b) The total liquid knock-out is normally used to remove the combined liquids from a gas
stream.
7 Description
This section aims to describe the relevant information, including application, sizing procedure, design
considerations and required internal and external tools, about separators.
7.1 Separator applications and considerations

Gas-Liquid Separators can be generally divided into two main groups, high gas to liquid ratio (e.g. flare
knock-out drums, scrubbers), and low gas to liquid ratio (e.g. oil/gas separators, flash tanks) separators.
Separators may be oriented either vertically or horizontally. In some cases, it may be necessary to
compare both designs to determine which is more economic. Separators may be designed with or without
mist eliminator pads and may also have inlet diverters.
7.1.1 Two phase separators

A two phase separator is usually used for separation of gas and liquid which mainly appears in the
following categories:
 Conventional Gas/Liquid Separators.
 Cyclones.
 Oil/Gas Separators.
 Flare Knock-out Drums.
 Filter Separators.
7.1.2 Three phase separators

It is often necessary to separate two immiscible liquids the light and heavy phases and vapor. A typical
example in petroleum is the separation of water and hydrocarbon liquid and vapor.
Work Instruction
As with two phase design, three phase units can be vertical or horizontal, although they typically are
horizontal. The vertical orientation is only used if there is a large amount of vapor to be separated from
small amount of the light and heavy liquid.(less than 10~20% by weigh).
The design of three phase separators is similar to their two phase counter parts, except that the liquid
section differs.
Using demister pads improves the vapor-liquid separation. Typical process applications are:
 Crude/Water separators
 Overhead Accumulators
 Ejector Effluent Separators
7.2 Horizontal or vertical design

Each design case must be evaluated separately but in general the following can be used as a guideline:
7.2.1 Typical Vertical Drums:
 Compressor K.O. drums
 Degassing Boot
 Fuel Gas K.O. Drums
 Absorber K.O. Drums
 Floating Installation.
7.2.2 Typical Horizontal Drums:
 Production HP Separators
 Reflux Drum
 3 Phase Separation
 Flare K.O. drum
Generally for gas/liquid separation, a vertical vessel should normally be selected for the following
reasons:
 When the gas/liquid ratio is high;
Work Instruction
 A smaller plan area is required (critical on offshore platforms);

 Easier solids removal.
 Liquid removal efficiency does not vary with liquid level (area in vessel available for gas flow
remains constant).
 Vessel volume is generally smaller.
However, a horizontal vessel should be chosen in case of:
 Large volume of total fluid is available;
 Large amount of dissolved gas is available;
 Large liquid slugs have to be accommodated.
 There is restricted head room.
 A low downward liquid velocity is required (for de-gassing purposes or for foam breakdown).
There are different variations of horizontal three phase separators. The liquid separation section is usually
a variation of a device to provide interface level control, which may include a boot or a weir. A boot
typically is specified when the volume of heavy liquid is not substantial (< 15-20% of total liquid by
weight) while a weir is used when the volume is substantial.
7.3 Sizing procedure

Roughly available manuals for separator sizing accompany a general rule. Vertical vessels’ diameters are
determined with gas flow rate while horizontal vessels’ diameters are fixed through residence time of
each liquid in the vessels. The length of the vertical vessels as well as the diameter of the horizontal
vessels is affected by the controlling levels. The levels should be justified so good that dispersed droplets
find their time to be extracted from the continuous phase.
The separation is usually accomplished in three stages. The first stage, primary separation, uses an inlet
diverter so that the momentum of the liquid entrained in the vapor causes the largest droplets to impinge
on the diverter and then drop by gravity. The next stage, secondary separation, is gravity separation of
smaller droplets as the vapor flows through the disengagement area. The final stage is mist elimination

Work Instruction
where the smallest droplets are coalesced so that larger droplets are formed which will separate by
gravity.
For secondary separation, the allowable velocity must be calculated so that disengagement area can be
subsequently determined. Performing a force balance on the settling liquid droplet provides the necessary
relationship. When the gravity force, given by Eq. 1,
M P ( ρ L− ρV ) g 1
F G=
gC ρ V
Balance the drag force, given by Eq. 2.
( π /8 ) C D D2P U V2 ρV 2
FD=
gC
The heavier liquid droplets will settle at a constant terminal velocity, U T . Equating Eqs. 1 and 2 results
in,
√ 4 g DP ( ρ L −ρV ) 3
UT=
3C D ρ V
Hence, as long asU V <U T , the liquid droplets will settle out. Typically, the allowable vertical velocity,U V
is set between U T and 0.75 U T . Eq. 3 can be rearranged as Eq. 4:
√ ( ρ L −ρV ) 4
U T =K
ρV
Where K can be determined by the following table.
Table 1: Methods developed for calculating K.
With Mist Eliminator
1≤P≤15 K=0.1821+0.0029P+0.0460Ln(P)

Work Instruction
15≤P≤40 K=0.35 P, psia

40≤P≤5500 K=0.430-0.023Ln(P)

GPSA
0≤P≤1500 K=0.35-0.0001(P-100) P, psig
*Most vapors under vacuum K=0.20
*For glycol and amine solutions, multiply K by 0.6-0.8.
*For vertical vessels without mist eliminators, divide K by 2.
*For compressor suction scrubbers, mole sieve scrubbers and expander inlet separators multiply K by 0.7-0.8

Theoretical (no mist eliminator)
√

4 g DP
K=
3 CD

C D =exp(Y )
2 3 4
Y =8.411-2.243 X +0.273 X -1.865E-2 X +5.201E-4 X

Notes:
X =ln
( 0.95 ×10 8 ρV D 3P ( ρL −ρV )
2
μV )

D P : ft

3
ρ :lb/ ft
μ :cP
−6
1 micron= 3.28084 × 10 ft

7.3.1 Calculation procedure for vertical vessels (2-phase)

1- Calculate the vertical terminal vapor velocity:

Work Instruction
( )
1 /2
ρ −ρ
U T =K L V , ft /s 5
ρV
Calculate the K value from Table 1, using one of the methods mentioned before and set U V =0.75 U T for
a conservative design.
2- Calculate the vapor volumetric flow rate:
WV 3
QV = , ft / s 6
3600 ρV
3- Calculate the vessel internal diameter, DVD :
( )
1/ 2
4 QV
D VD = , ft 7
π UV
If there is a mist eliminator, add 3-6 in. to D VD to accommodate a support ring and round up to the next 6
in increment to obtain D ; if there is no mist eliminator, D=D VD .
4- Calculate the liquid volumetric flow rates, Q L.
5- Select holdup time from available references (NIOEC values are reported in Table 2) and calculate
the holdup volume:
3
V H =T H .Q L , ft 8
6- Select surge time from available references (NIOEC values are reported in Table 2) and calculate
the surge volume:
V S =T S .Q L , ft
3
9
7- Obtain low liquid level height, H LLL from clause 5.3.8.3 in NIOEC-SP-00-50.
8- Calculate the height from low liquid level (LLL) to normal liquid level (NLL):
VH
H H= , ft
()π 2
D
4 V
10

Work Instruction
9- Calculate the height from normal liquid level (NLL) to high liquid level (HLL):
VS
HS= , ft
π
()
4 V
D
2 11
(6 in minimum)
10- Calculate the height from high liquid level (HLIN) to the centerline of the inlet nozzle refer to clause
5.3.8.3 in NIOEC-SP-00-50.:
11- Calculate the disengagement height, from the centerline of the inlet nozzle to:
a) The vessel top tangent line if there is no mist eliminator or
b) The bottom of the demister pad.
H D=0.5 DV ∨a minimum of
1
H D=36+ d ,∈ ( Without mist eliminator ) 12
2 N
1
H D=24 + d ,∈ ( With mist eliminator )
2 N
12- If there is a mist eliminator, take 6 in. for the mist eliminator pad and take 1 ft. from the top of the
mist eliminator to the top tangent line of the vessel.
H ME=12+6 ,∈ ( With mist eliminator )

13
H ME=0 ,∈ ( Without mist eliminator )
13- Calculate the total height, HT of the vessel:
H T =H LLL + H H + H S + H LIN + H D + H ME , ft 14

Work Instruction
Figure 1: Vertical Two-phase separator
Note: In case LSLL and LSHH is provided, clause 5.3.8.2 is to be used.

7.3.2 Calculation procedure for horizontal vessels (2-phase)
1- Calculate the vapor volumetric flow rate, QV .
2- Calculate the liquid volumetric flow rates, Q L.
3- Calculate the vertical terminal vapor velocity, U T ,( K value as per Table 1 for no mist eliminator).
Set UV = 0.75UT for a conservative design.
Work Instruction
4- Select holdup and surge times from Table 2 and calculate the holdup and surge volumes, V H and V S
.
5- Assume an estimated L/D and then calculate the diameter.
To find the range of L/D refer to IPS-880. The ranges are 2.5-6 and 2-4 for the case of without mist-
eliminator and with mist-eliminator, respectively.
( )
1 /3
4 (V H+ V S)
D= , ft ( Round ¿nearest 0.5 ft .) 15
0.6 π ( L/ D )
6- Calculate the total cross-sectional area:
π 2 2
AT = D , ft 16
4
7- Calculate the low liquid level height.
H LLL=0.5 D+7 ,∈. 17

Where D in ft. and round up to the nearest in. if D≤ 4”, HLLL =9 in.
8- Using HLLL/D. Obtain ALLL/AT and calculate the low liquid area ALLL.
9- The minimum vapor space above space the high liquid level in horizontal vessels should not be less
25 percent of the vessel inside diameter or 12 inches, whichever is greater. In this way, using HV/D,
obtain AV/AT and calculate AV.
10- Calculate the minimum length to accommodate the liquid holdup/surge:
( V H +V S )
L= 18
AT − AV − A LLL
11- Calculate the liquid dropout time, ∅ .
HV
∅= ,s 19
UV
12- Calculate the actual vapor velocity, U VA .
QV
U VA = , ft / s 20
AV
13- Calculate the minimum length required for liquid/vapor disengagement, Lmin.
Work Instruction
Lmin =U VA ∅ , ft 21
14- If L< Lmin, then set L=Lmin (vapor/liquid separation is controlling). This simply results in some extra
holdup and residence time. If L<¿ Lmin, then increase H V and repeat calculation from the step 9. If L> Lmin
, the design is acceptable for vapor/liquid separation. If L≫L min, liquid holdup is controlling. L can only
be reduced and Lminincreased if H V is reduced. H V may only be reduced if it is greater than the minimum
specified in Step 9. (Calculations would have to be repeated from the step 9 with reduced HV).
Calculate L/D. If L/D > 6.0 (or 4 with mist-eliminator) then increase D and repeat calculations from the
step 6. If L/D <2.5 (or 2 with mist-eliminator), then decrease D and repeat calculations from the step 5.
15- With the optimum vessel size (minimum weight). Calculate normal and high liquid levels:
VH
A NLL= A LLL + 22
L
With ANLL /AT obtain HNLL.
H HLL=D−H V 23

Work Instruction
Figure 2: Horizontal Two-phase separator
Note: In case LSLL and LSHH is provided, clause 5.3.8.2 is to be used.

7.3.3 Calculation procedure for vertical vessels (3-phase)
1- calculate the vertical terminal vapor velocity
( )
ρ L− ρV 1 /2
24
U T =K
ρV
Calculate the K value, using one of the methods mentioned before and set U V =0.75 U T for a
conservative design.
2- calculate the vapor volumetric flow rate:

Work Instruction
WV 25
QV =
3600 ρV
3- calculate the vessel internal diameter, D ❑ :
( )
4 QV 1/ 2
26
D VD =
π UV
If there is a mist eliminator, add 3-6 in. to D VD to accommodate a support ring and round up to the next 6
in increment to obtain D ; if there is no mist eliminator, D=D VD .
4- Calculate the setting velocity of the heavy liquid out of the light liquid using Stokes’ law (the
maximum is 10 in./min):
k S ( ρ L−ρV ) 27
U HL=
μL
5- Similarly, calculate the rising velocity of the light liquid out of the heavy liquid phase using Stokes’
law:
k S ( ρL −ρV ) 28
U LH =
μH
6- Calculate the light and heavy liquid volumetric flow rates, Q¿ and Q HL:
W¿ 29
Q¿ =
60 ρ L
W HL 30
Q HL=
60 ρ H
7- Assume H L=1 ft (minimum) and calculate the settling time for the heavy liquid droplets to settle
through this distance (12 is a conversion factor for ft to in.):
12 H L 31
t HL =
U HL

Work Instruction
8- Assume H H =1 ft (minimum) and calculate the settling time for the light liquid droplets to rise
through this distance:
12 H L 32
t LH =
U HL
9- If there is a baffle plate, calculate the area of the baffle plate.
10- Calculate the residence time of each phase based on the volumes occupied by the light and heavy
phases:
HL AL 33
θ¿ =
Q¿
H H AH 34
θ HL =
Q HL
If θ¿ <t HL or θ HL <t LH , increas the diameter and repeat the procedure from Step 7.
11- Calculate the height of the light liquid above the outlet (holdup height) based on the required
holdup time from Table 2:
Q¿ T H 35
H R=
AL
Check this value with that assumed in Step 9 to ensure that the assumed value is reasonable. If surge is
not specified, calculate the surge height based on surge time:
( Q¿ +Q HL ) T S 36
HS=
A
12- Calculate the vessel height using the guidelines:
H A =6∈. minimum
H BN =H s + greater of ( 0.3 D∨3 ft ) (derived from NIOEC-SP-00-50)
H D=0.5 DV ∨a minimum of
1
H D=36+ d ,∈ ( Without mist eliminator )
2 N

Work Instruction
1
H D=24 + d ,∈ ( With mist eliminator )
2 N
H T =H H + H L + H R + H A + H BN + H D 37
If a mist eliminator pad is used, additional height is added as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3: Vertical Three-phase separator

Work Instruction
7.3.4 Calculation procedure for horizontal vessel (3-phase)

7.3.4.1 Interface control with Boot
2- Calculate the light and heavy liquid volumetric flow rates, Q¿ and Q HL.
3- Calculate the vertical terminal velocity, U T , and set U V .
.
5- Determine L/ Dand set the diameter according to (According to NIOEC, the minimum internal
diameter of horizontal vessels shall be higher than 900 mm):
( )
4 (V H+ V S)
1 /3
38
D=
0.6 π ( L/ D )
6- Set the vapor space height, H V , to the larger of 0.25 D or 1 ft. Using H V /D , obtain AV / A T and
calculate AV .
7- Set the light liquid heights in the vessel and boot, H LLV and H LLB.
8- Calculate the cross-sectional area of the light liquid above the bottom of the vessel, A LLV , using
H LLV / D .
9- Calculate the minimum length to accommodate the liquid holdup/surge:
(V H+ V S) 39
L=
AT − AV − A LLV
10- Calculate the liquid dropout time, Φ .
11- Calculate the actual vapor velocity, U VA .
12- Calculate the minimum length required for liquid/vapor separation, Lmin =U VA × Φ.
13- If L< Lmin, then set L=Lmin (vapor/liquid separation controls). This simply results in some extra
holdup and residence time. If L<¿ Lmin, then increase H V and recalculate AV , then repeat from Step 9. If
L> Lmin, the design is acceptiable for vapor/liquid separation. If L≫L min, liquid holdup controls. L can
only be reduced and Lminincreased if H V is reduced. H V is may only be reduced if it is greater than the
minimum specified in Step6. With reduced H V , recalculate AV and repeat from Step 9.
14- Calculate the settling velocity of the heavy liquid out of the light liquid phase, U HL.
15- Calculate the settling time of the heavy liquid out of the light liquid phase:

Work Instruction
( H LLB+ D−H V ) 40
t HL =12
U HL
16- Calculate the residence time of the light liquid:
( A T − AV ) L 41
θ¿ =
Q¿
17- If θ¿ <t HL then increase the vessel length:
t HL Q ¿ 42
L=
( A T − AV )
18- Calculate L/ D. If L/ D<<2.5 then decrease D (unless it is already at a minimum and if L/ D≫ 6.0
then increase D; repeat from Step 5. (In case of using a mist-eliminator L/ D shall be in the range of 2-
4)
19- With the optimum vessel size (minimum weight), calculate the normal and high liquid levels:
H HLL=D−H V 43
A NLL= A LLV + V H / L 44
Determine H NLL.
20- Design the heavy liquid boot:
Set the height of the heavy liquid, H LH ; calculate the rising velocity of the light liquid out of the heavy
liquid phase, U LH . Set U LH =0.75 U LH ; calculate the heavy liquid boot diameter:
√ 4 ×12 QHL 45
DB =
πUP
Note: Minimum water boot diameter shall be 300 mm.
Then calculate the settling time of the light liquid out of the heavy liquid phase:
t LH =12 H HL /U LH 46
Note: The least residence time in the boot is 5 min.
Calculate the residence time of the heavy liquid:

Work Instruction
2
π D P H HL 47
θ HL =
4 Q HL
If θ HL <t LH , then increase the boot diameter.
Figure 4: Horizontal Three-phase separator (interface control with boot)
Note: the range of Lboot/Dboot is from 2 to 5.

7.3.4.2 Interface Control With Weir
.
5- Determine L/ Dand set the diameter according to:

Work Instruction
( )
16 ( V H +V S )
1 /3
48
D=
0.6 π ( L/ D )
6- Set the vapor space height, H V , to the larger of 0.25 D or 1 ft according to NIOEC. Using H V /D ,
obtain AV / A T and calculate AV .
7- Calculate the low liquid level in the light liquid compartment using the equation below.
H LLL=0.5 D+7 49
8- Calculate the weir height:
H W =D−H V 50
If H W <2 ft increase D, and repeat the calculations from Step 6.
9- Calculate the minimum length of the light liquid compartment to accommodate hold up/surge, L2 in
Figure 5.
(V H+ V S )
L2 = 51
A T −A V −A LLL
Round to the nearest ½ ft. The minimum for L2=d N +12 in.
10- Set the interface at the height H W /2, obtaining the heights of the heavy and light liquids, H HL and H ¿.
11- For the liquid settling compartment, calculate the cross-sectional area of the heavy liquid and calculate
the cross-sectional area of the light liquid from:
A¿ = AT − AV − A HL 52
12- Calculate the settling velocity of the heavy liquid out of the light liquid phase, U HL, and the light liquid
out of the heavy liquid phase, U LH .
13- Calculate the settling times of the heavy liquid out of the light liquid phase and the light liquid out of
the heavy liquid phase:
H¿ 53
t HL =12
U HL
And

Work Instruction
H HL 54
t LH =12
U LH
14- Calculate minimum L1 to facilitate liquid-liquid separation as the larger of:
( )
t LH Q HL t HL Q¿ 55
L1=max ,
A HL A¿
Round to the nearest ½ ft.
15- Find L:
L=L1 + L2 56
16- Calculate the liquid dropout time Φ .
17- Calculate the actual vapor velocity, U VA
18- Calculate the minimum length required for liquid/vapor separation, Lmin.
19- If L< Lmin, then set L=Lmin (vapor/liquid separation controls). This simply results in some extra holdup
and residence time. If L<¿ Lmin, then increase H V and recalculate AV , then repeat from Step 6. If L> Lmin
, the design is acceptiable for vapor/liquid separation. If L≫L min, liquid holdup controls. L can only be
reduced and Lminincreased if H V is reduced. H V is may only be reduced if it is greater than the
minimum specified in Step6. With reduced H V , recalculate AV and repeat from Step 9.
20- Calculate L/D, if L/D << 2.5, then decrease D (unless it is already at a minimum) and repeat from Step
6. If L/D >> 6.0, then increase D. (In case of using a mist-eliminator L/ D shall be in the range of 2-4)
21- Calculate the thickness of the shell and heads.
22- Calculate the surface area of the shell and heads.
23- Calculate the approximate vessel weight.
24- Increase or decrease the diameter by 6 in. increments and repeat the calculations until L/D ranges from
2.5-6.0 (with mist-eliminator 2-4).
25- With the optimum vessel size (minimum weight), calculate normal and high liquid levels:
H HLL=D−H V 57
And
A NLL= A LLL +V H / L2 58

Work Instruction
Figure 5: Horizontal Three-phase separator (interface control with weir)
7.3.4.1 Bucket and Weir

4- Select residence times for light and heavy liquids, θ¿ and θ HL. For sour water stripper feed drums,
θ HL =60 mins for refinery service, or 10-15 min for chemical-plant service. For amine regenerator feed
drums, θ HL =10−15 min .
5- Determine L/ Dand set the diameter according to:
( )
4 ( Q ¿ θ¿ +Q HL θ HL )
1 /3
59
D=
0.7 π ( L/ D )
Then calculate the total cross-sectional area AT .
6- Set the vapor space height, H V to the larger of 0.25D or 2 ft (1 ft if there is no mist eliminator.)
7- Calculate L1:
Work Instruction
( )
Q¿ θ ¿ +Q HL θHL 60
L1 =
AT − A V
8- Calculate the liquid dropout time Φ .

9- Calculate the actual vapor velocity U VA .
10- Calculate the minimum length required for vapor/liquid separation Lmin.
11- If L1 ¿ Lmin then set L1=Lmin . This simply results in some extra holdup and residence time. If L1 ≪ Lmin,
then increase H V , recalculate AV and repeat the calculations from Step 7. If L1 ¿ Lmin , the design is
acceptable for vapor/liquid separation.
12- Calculation the light liquid layer thickness based on the heavy liquid settling out:
( )
0.00128 θ¿ ( ∆ S G ) D P
2 61
H ¿=
μL
13- Calculate the difference in height between the light and heavy liquids weirs:
( )
ρL 62
∆ H =H ¿ 1−
ρH
14- Design the light liquid bucket: set the top of light liquid weir ¿ D−H V ; assume the bottom is at 0.125D;
assume a holdup/surge (typically 5-15 min); assume H ¿ is 6 in. below the weir height and LLL is 6 in.
above the bottom of the bucket. Then calculate L2
( )
( T H + T S ) Q¿ 63
L2=
A HLL − A LLL
15- Assume L3 is the larger of D/12 or 12 in.

16- Design the heavy liquid compartment: Set the top of the heavy liquid weir ¿ D−H V −∆ H ; assume a
holdup/surge (typically, 5-15 min); assume HLL is about 6 in. below the weir height and LLL is about
6 in. above the bottom of the vessel. Then calculate L4 .
( )
( T H +T S ) Q HL 64
L4 =
A HLL − A LLL
17- Calculate L=L1 + L2 + L3 + L4 .

Work Instruction
L L
18- Calculate L/ D. If ≪2.5 , then decrease D and repeat from Step 5. If ≫6 , then increase D and
D D
repeat from Step 5. (In case of using a mist-eliminator L/ D shall be in the range of 2-4)
19- Calculate the thickness of the shell and heads.
20- Calculate the surface area shell and heads.
21- Calculate the approximate vessel weight.
22- Increase or decrease the diameter by 6-in. increments and repeat the calculations until L/D ranges from
2.5-6.0. (In case of using a mist-eliminator L/ D shall be in the range of 2-4)
Figure 6: Horizontal Three-phase separator (interface control with bucket and weir)
7.4 NIOEC Specifications for vessel sizing

1- Residence time is defined between low liquid level (LLL) and high liquid level (HLL) as Table 2.
Table 2: Residence time between LLL and HLL.
SERVICE RESIDENCE TIME (minutes)
Feed surge drum 20
Feed to the columns 10
Columns feeding other units 15 (on net liquid product)

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Columns discharging to storage only 5

Columns feeding heat exchangers trains 5 (on net liquid product)
10 (with respect to equivalent flowrates of the vapor generated in
Columns feeding fired heaters
the fired heater plus 5 minutes on net bottom product full)
Vacuum column bottom 4 (with quench)
Columns feeding multistage charge
20
pumps (5 or more stages)
Drums feeding other equipment for
10
further processing
OVHD receivers 5 (on reflux plus net product)
Drums feeding fired heaters 10 (on total liquid)
Reboiling by thermosiphon 15 to 30 seconds
Gas and water separators 5 (on water flowrate)
5 (below normal interface level or 10 minutes on water (HLL-LLL),
Water boots
whichever is greater)
240 (on maximum entrained liquid in the inlet line) or 14 inch level
Compressor suction K.O. Drums
range (HLL-LLL), whichever is greater.
A volume corresponding to 15 meters of liquid slug in the inlet line
Other types of K.O. Drums
or a 14 inch level range, whichever is greater.
Minimum liquid level shall be held in the tower and hold-up volume
allocated in the kettle shall allow 3 minutes residence time of liquid
Tower with kettle reboiler
product below HLL. For deethanizer kettle reboiler, residence time
shall be 2 minutes.
2- In case LSLL and/or LSHH is provided, the following additional hold-up times shall be taken into
consideration (where, LSHH and LSLL are located above HLL and below LLL respectively):
- Liquid hold-up time between LLL and LSLL shall be minimum 2 minutes based on the total
inflow to the vessel (or section of the tower) or 3 minutes based on the liquid stream flow from
the vessel, whichever is greater.
- Liquid hold-up time between HLL and LSHH shall be minimum 3 minutes based on the total
inflow to the vessel (or section of the tower) or 4 minutes based on the liquid stream flow from
the vessel, whichever is greater.
- For vertical vessels, the elevation between feed nozzle and LSHH shall be equal to drum diameter
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multiplied by 0.3 or 750 mm, whichever is greater (including flash drums and excluding trayed
towers) and the elevation between LSLL and bottom tangent line (TL) shall be minimum 300
mm.
3- In case LSLL and/or LSHH is not provided, the following criteria shall be considered:
- For vertical vessels, the elevation between feed nozzle and HLL shall be equal to drum diameter
multiplied by 0.3 or 900 mm, whichever is greater (including flash drums and excluding trayed
towers) and the elevation between LLL and bottom tangent line (TL) shall be minimum 550 mm
(200 mm for compressor K. O. Drums).
4- The minimum vapor space above the high liquid level in horizontal vessels should not be less than 25
percent of the vessel inside diameter or 12 inches, whichever is greater.
5- Minimum internal diameter of horizontal vessels shall be 900 mm. Boots, if necessary, shall be sized
for a minimum residence time of five minutes as a guideline, their diameters shall be the same as the
commercial pipe sizes as far as possible. The height-diameter ratio shall be 2:1 to 5:1, it shall be
determined with consideration given to operability and the minimum sizes of level instruments and
equipment. Boot diameters shall be 300 mm minimum because good operability cannot be provided
if the boots are smaller than 300 mm. Maximum boot diameters shall be 1/3 of the drum inside
diameter.
7.5 Comparison of different procedures:

The two phase and three phase vessels were sized using some procedures and NIOEC spec. Totally 15
cases, including ARUP, SRUP, SARP, South Pars vessels and the procedures examples were sized by the
present spread sheets and compared with real data. The following conclusions were extracted from the
sized vessels.
Two phase vertical separators are sized by Monnery, Total 1985, Total 1998 and JGC procedures; in
addition, NIOEC spec is considered while sizing vessels.
- Monnery, Total 1985 and JGC produce the same value of diameter.
- If NIOEC is not followed, Monnery produces the lowest height while Total 1998 releases the
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highest one regarding the same diameter.

- If NIOEC is followed, JGC almost produces the lowest height regarding the same diameter.
Two phase horizontal separators are sized by Monnery and Total 1998; in addition, NIOEC spec is
considered while sizing vessels.
- Monnery and Total 1998 follow two different methods to size the diameter of vessels, so it is
somewhat impossible to compare the methods. Generally, Total 1998 produces higher vessels in
size.
Three phase horizontal separators are sized by Monnery, Total 1985 and Shell procedures; in addition,
NIOEC spec is considered while sizing vessels by Total 1985 and Shell.
- There are different factors determining the size of vessels, so it is not easy to present a decisive
conclusion of the performance of the procedures.
- Generally, using NIOEC spec really increases the size of vessels compared with the routine
procedures.
- Monnery produces the lowest size compared with the other procedures.
- Total 1985 and Shell provide the user more information about the detail design of vessels.
7.6 Design pressure and temperature
The design temperature and pressure is the maximum and / or minimum temperature and pressure for
which the mechanical calculation shall be performed. The design temperature and pressure shall be
established according to NIOEC-SP-00-50.
7.7 Vessel connection

7.7.1 Blanked off ventilation & manway
7.7.1.1 Blanked off ventilation
On unlined horizontal vessels, a manway shall be provided on the top or side of the vessel at or below
the horizontal centerline. If the bottom half of the horizontal vessel is lined, the manway shall be located
on the upper side or the top of the vessel. Additionally, on horizontal vessels over 3 meters in tangent
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length, a blanked off ventilation nozzle shall be provided on the top of the vessel near the end, opposite
the manway. The ventilation nozzle shall be sized as follows:
Vessel Tangent Length blanked off
Nozzle size
- 3.0 meters through 4.4 meters 4”
- Over 4.4 meters through 7.5 meters 6”
- Over 7.5 meters 8”
7.7.1.2 Manway
Size of manways shall be 24” (NPS). Minimum inside diameter shall be 18”. Larger size to be specified
when required accommodating internals. Manways shall be provided as follows:
- Horizontal vessels:
* 900 to 1300 mm ID: Manway on the head, 18” ID
* Larger than 1300 mm ID: Manway on the side or Top shell, 20” ID
- Vertical vessels:
* Under 900 mm ID: Top head flanged
* 900 to 1300 mm ID: Manway, In shell, 18” ID
* Larger than 1300 mm ID: Manway, In shell, 20” ID
7.7.2 Vent, drain and steam out nozzles
Vessel vents, drains and steam out nozzles shall be independent of the normal process flow lines and
shall be in accordance with the following criteria:
Table 3: Procedure for finding proper vent, drain and steam out nozzles.
Vessel Volume (m3)

Vent size Drain size Steam out Nozzle
and ID (mm) (Note 1)
DN 40 DN 40
V<45, D<1200 DN 25 (1”)
(1½”) (1½”)

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45<V<75, 1200<D<2500 DN 50 (2”) DN 50 (2”) DN 40 (1½”)
45<V<75, 2500<D<3500 DN 80 (3”) DN 80 (3”) DN 40 (1½”)
45<V<75, 3500<D<4500 DN 100 (4”) DN 80 (3”) DN 50 (2”)
75<V<220, 4500<D<6000 DN 100 (4”) DN 80 (3”) DN 80 (3”)
220<V<420, D>6000 DN 100 (4”) DN 100 (4”) DN 80 (3”)
V>420, D>6000 DN 150 (6”) DN 100 (4”) DN 100 (4”)
Notes:
(1) Size of nozzles shall be selected based on vessel volume and vessel inside diameter, whichever to be greater.
(2) Drain on vertical vessel may be located on bottom line.
(3) Select drain size to be same as process line, when process connection is to be smaller than the above table.
(4) Vent connections must be located on top of the vertical and horizontal vessels.
7.7.2.1 Steam out connection

Separate steam out connections shall be provided for each vessel. The nozzle sizing of steam out
connection should be complied with Table 3. The configuration in case of permanent steam-out
connection, shall include check valve, ¾” bleeder, pressure blind and gate valve adjacent to the vessel on
the low pressure steam supply line towards the vessel.
Figure 7: Permanent steam-out connection
Also the configuration of temporary steam-out connection is similar to the following schematic:

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Figure 8: Temporary steam-out connection
7.7.3 Instrument connection

The following table shall be conformed for instrument to process connection size and type:
Table 4: Instrument to Process Connection
Connection to vessel
Instrument
Size Type
Without Diaphragm Seal 1" Flanged
Pressure/DP Transmitter
With Diaphragm Seal 2" Flanged
Pressure/DP Gauge or Without Diaphragm Seal 1" Flanged
Switch With Diaphragm Seal 1 1/2" Flanged
External Side Mounted 1 1/2" Flanged
Level Displacer Transmitter Internal Side Mounted 4" Flanged
Internal Top Mounted 6" Flanged
Without Diaphragm Seal 1" Flanged
DP Level Transmitter
With Diaphragm Seal 2"/3" Flanged
Level Gauge 1" Flanged
External Displacer/ Float Type Side Mounted 1" Flanged
Level Switch Internal Displacer/ Float Type Side Mounted 4" Flanged
Internal Top Mounted 4"/6" Flanged
Level Standpipe 3" Flanged
Radar Level Transmitter 6"/8" Flanged
Tank Gauging
Thermo Element 4" Flanged
DP Flow Transmitter - -
Thermo-well 1 1/2" Flanged
Minimum flange rating for instrument nozzles on vessels shall be as follows:

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a) Level instrumentation standpipes: ANSI 300 #.

b) Pressure relief valve: ANSI 300 #.
c) All nozzle sizes equal or lower than 1-½ inches: ANSI 300 #.
7.7.4 Nozzles
7.7.4.1 Feed nozzle
Vertical knock-out drum without mist extractors: The feed nozzle shall be fitted with a half open pipe
or a flow diverting box inlet device. The nozzle diameter, dn, may be taken equal to that of the feed pipe
but the product ρ m × V 2m shall not exceed 1500 kg/m.s².
Horizontal knock-out drum without mist extractors: The nozzle diameter, dn, may be taken equal to
that of the feed pipe, but the product
ρ m× V m
2
65
Shall not exceed 1000 kg/m.s2.
Vertical demister separators: When the vessel diameter is less than 0.8 m the feed nozzle should be
fitted with a halfopen pipe inlet device.
For vessel diameters of 0.8 m and greater, a vane-type inlet device is recommended. The diameter of the
nozzle dn, may be taken equal to that of the feed pipe, but the following two criteria shall also be
satisfied:
ρ m.V 2 m < 6000 kg / m. s2 66
ρ g.V 2g −¿ < 3750 kg / m. s2 67
Horizontal demister separators: The feed nozzle shall be fitted with a vane type or another type of inlet
device. The diameter of the nozzle, dn1, may be taken equal to that of the feed pipe but the following two
criteria shall also be satisfied:
ρ m.V 2 m < 6000 kg / m.s2 68
ρ g.V 2g −¿ < 3750 kg / m.s2 69

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The length of the vane type inlet nozzle should be taken equal to approximately 5 times the feed nozzle
diameter.
7.7.4.2 Gas outlet nozzle

The diameter of the gas outlet nozzle should normally be taken equal to that of the outlet pipe, but the
product ρ g × Vg²-out shall not exceed 3750 kg/m.s².
7.7.4.3 Liquid outlet nozzle

The diameter of the liquid outlet nozzle shall be chosen such that the velocity in it does not exceed 1 m/s,
but should preferably be lower. The nozzle shall be equipped with a vortex breaker.
7.7.4.4 Nozzles identification

The following symbols shall be used for identification of the nozzles on pressure vessels, tanks,
exchangers, pumps, compressors, etc., unless otherwise required by the project.
Nozzle Identification Symbol

A,A1,A2 Inlets
B Outlet
C Condensate
D Drain
E*
F Feed
G Level Gauge or Gauge Glass
H Hand hole
J Pumpout
K*
L Level Instrument (Also LT, LI)
M Manhole
N Reboiler Connection

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P Pressure Connection (Also PT, PI)

R Reflux
S Steam or Sample Connection
T Temperature Connection (Also TI, TE, TW)
V Vapor Vent
W Relief Valve Connection (Oversize unless
actual size known )
(*) Use E or K when none of the other symbols
apply. Do not use I, O, Q, U, X, Y or Z.
7.7.5 Relief valves

All separators, regardless of size or pressure, shall be provided with pressure protective devices and set in
accordance with ASME Code requirements. The size and the number of required valves should be
specified through API-526.
7.8 Pressure drop

The differential pressure between inlet and vapor outlet is:
Pin - Pout = 8 × 10-4× ρ g × V 2 g ,out kPa 70
If a mist eliminator is applied into a separator, an extra pressure drop of 10 mm of liquid is added too. It
should be noted that, the vane type inlet does not cause any significant pressure drop.
7.9 Conditions requiring winterization

Vessel separators shall be winterized when any of the following conditions apply to fluids contained:
a) Pour point or freezing point is above the lowest ambient temperature.
b) Undesirable phase separation, deposition of crystals or hydrate formation will occur at any ambient
temperature.
c) Ice or hydrate formation occurs due to pressure reduction of moisture-bearing gases.
d) Viscosity at any ambient temperature, is so high that an inadequate flow rate is obtained with the
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pressure available for starting circulation.

e) Corrosive compounds form if condensation occurs.
The following points should be considered for drum winterizing:
 A drum or vessel containing hydrocarbon and water which operate normally at 52°C or above,
shall be protected by insulating the nozzles, block valves and drain piping in contact with water.
 A drum or vessel containing hydrocarbon and water which operates normally below 52°C shall be
protected by steam tracing and insulating the nozzles, block valves and drain piping in contact
with water.
 All other process vessels containing fluids which may congeal during dormant periods shall be
insulated and if necessary, shall be heat traced.
 Bottoms of fuel gas drums and low points in above ground gas lines shall be insulated and steam
traced.
 Separators and sumps should be provided with steam injection points or steam coils where
necessary to keep the fluid in pumpable condition.
7.10 Vessel internals

7.10.1 Inlet Diverters
An inlet diverter should always be included as this will break up the bulk of the inlet stream into smaller
particles. There are many types of inlet diverters. The main types are
 Deflector Baffle
 90 Elbow
 Half open pipe
 Vane type distributor
 Slotted tee distributor
7.10.1.1 Deflector baffle
Deflector baffles are historically one of the most common types of inlet devices in oil and gas industries
before inlet devices with higher separation efficiency become so popular. This device simply uses a
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baffle plate in front of the inlet nozzle to change the direction of the inlet stream and separate the bulk of
the liquid from the gas. However, an increasing number of contractors and operators are moving away
from traditional types of inlet devices towards more advanced designs with higher separation
efficiencies.
Figure 9: Baffle Plates
7.10.1.2 90˚ Elbow

This inlet device is used in the horizontal vessels to direct the inlet stream towards the vessel dish end.
Long Radius (LR) elbows are normally preferred for this purpose and there is no straight run of pipe
downstream of the elbow. However, Short Radius (SR) elbows can be used if installing LR elbow
increases the height of the vapor space. They can be also provided with a straight run of pipe with a
length equal to two times of the inlet nozzle diameter (2d1) to direct the feed to the dish end rather than
the surface of liquid inside the vessel and minimize the liquid re-entrainment.
7.10.1.3 Half open pipe
Half open pipes are the modified versions of 90° elbow devices, suitable for both vertical and horizontal
separators, with slightly improved bulk liquid removal and reasonable gas distribution. In this type, a
piece of pipe with a length up to three times the inlet nozzle diameter is welded to the inlet 90° elbow.
In horizontal vessels, the last section of the half open pipe should be horizontal, pointing opposite to the
flow direction in the vessel and with its opening directed upward (Figure 10 A). In vertical vessels, the
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last section is closed and its opening is directed downward (Figure 10 B). The same configuration is used
when the half open pipe is used for a horizontal vessel with a side nozzle (Figure 10 C).
Figure 10: Half open pipe installation configuration in horizontal and vertical vessels. A) Horizontal vessel – Top entry B)
Vertical vessel C) Horizontal vessel – Side entry.
7.10.1.4 Vane type distributor

The simplest form of the vane distributor is the dual vane inlet device (shown in Figure 11 A) which
offers a reasonable flow distribution with low shear and pressure drop. In horizontal vessels, it is suited
for top entry only. The benefits of this device compared with simpler deflectors such as deflector plates
include reduced agitation and hence improved phase operational performance, more stable level control,
and reduced foaming. For liquid slugging applications, usually where there is a long incoming flow line,
this device provides excellent mechanical strength. The dual vane works by smoothly dividing the
incoming flow into two segments using curved vanes to suit the overall geometry of the inlet nozzle. The
gas phase readily separates and disperses along the vessel, whilst the liquid phase velocity is reduced and
the flow directed to the vessel walls where it further disperses and falls into the bulk liquid layer at
relatively low velocity.
For services where there is a high gas flow relative to the liquid flow, the multi-vane inlet device
provides excellent vapor distribution allowing a reduced height to the mass transfer or mist eliminator
internals. The vane distributors work by smoothly dividing the incoming flow into various segments

Work Instruction
using an array of curved vanes to suit the overall geometry of the inlet nozzle and distributor length. To
achieve this effect the vanes start with a wide spacing and gradually reduce the gap, giving the unit its
characteristic tapering shape. It can be installed in both vertical and horizontal (top and side entry) three
phase separators. Figure 11 B shows the internal details of multi-vane inlet distributor.
Some vendors have tried to employ the multivane distributor benefits together with tangential entry
(which provides considerable centrifugal force) to improve the bulk separation. Figure 11 C shows a
typical type of vane developed for vertical separators only.
Figure 11: The different types of Vane inlet devices. A) Dual Vane B) Multivane C) Multivane (only vertical vessel).
7.10.1.5 Slotted tee distributor

The slotted T-shaped distributor consists of a vertical pipe extended inside the vessel to bring the
distributor to the right elevation and a slotted pipe with large holes or rectangular slots (perpendicular to
the inlet pipe) ensuring a reduced feed stream velocity and minimized flow turbulence. It can be used in
both vertical and horizontal (top entry only) separators.
The openings of the slots are usually 120 º (±60º) and towards the dish end and liquid interface in
horizontal and vertical vessels, respectively.

Work Instruction
Figure 12: Tee distributor.
7.10.2 Anti wave baffles

In large volume 3 phase separators it is sometimes necessary to install an anti-wave baffle(s) to eliminate
disturbances of oil/water interface. This is a partial cross sectional area plate with punched holes which
act as a wave breaker while still letting liquid pass through.
7.10.3 Defoaming Plates
Foam at the interface may occur when gas bubbles are liberated from the liquid. This foam can be
stabilized with the addition of chemicals at the inlet. Many times a more effective solution is to force the
foam to pass through a series of inclined parallel plates or tubes to aid in coalescence of the foam
bubbles.
7.10.4 Vortex Breaker
A vortex could suck some gas out of the vapor space and re-entrain it in the liquid outlet. Vortex breakers
should always be installed on liquid outlet nozzle (2 phase), or water and oil nozzle in the case of 3 phase
separators.

Work Instruction
Figure 13: Typical vortex breakers
7.10.5 Mist Extractor

Mist extractors can be made of wire mesh, vanes, centrifugal force devices, or packing. Wire mesh pads,
Figure 14, are made of finely woven mats of stainless steel wire wrapped into a tightly packed cylinder.
The liquid droplets impinge on the matted wires and coalesce. The effectiveness of wire mesh depends
largely on the gas being in the proper velocity range. If the velocities are too high, the liquids knocked
out will be re-entrained. If the velocities are low, the vapor just drifts through the mesh element without
the droplets impinging and coalescing.
The construction is often specified by calling for a certain thickness and mesh density. Experience has
indicated that a properly sized wire mesh eliminator can remove 99% of 10-micron and larger droplets.
Although wire mesh eliminators are inexpensive they are more easily plugged than the other types. Vane
eliminators Figure 15 force the gas flow to be laminar between parallel plates that contain directional
changes. Figure 16 shows a vane mist extractor made from angle iron. In vane eliminators, droplets

Work Instruction
impinge on the plate surface where they coalesce and fall to a liquid collecting spot.
They are routed to the liquid collection section of the vessel. Vane-type eliminators are sized by their
manufacturers to assure both laminar flow and a certain minimum pressure drop.
Some separators have centrifugal mist eliminators Figure 17 that cause the liquid drops to be separated
by centrifugal force.
These can be more efficient than either wire mesh or vanes and are the least susceptible to plugging.
However, they are not in common use in production operations because their removal efficiencies are
sensitive to small changes in flow. In addition, they require relatively large pressure drops to create the
centrifugal force. To a lesser extent, random packing is sometimes used for mist extraction, as shown in
Figure 18. The packing acts as a coalescer.
Figure 14: Wire mesh mist extractor

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Figure 15: Vane mist extractor
Figure 16: Angle iron van mist extractor.

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Figure 17: Centrifugal mist extractor.
Figure 18: Coalescing pack mist extractor.
7.10.6 Coalescing Plates

The installation of coalescing plates in the liquid section will cause the size of the water droplets
entrained in the oil phase to increase, making gravity settling of these drops to the oil-water interface
easier.
Thus, the use of coalescing plates or the use of free-flow turbulent coalesce will often lead to the ability
to handle a given flow rate in a smaller vessel. However, because of the potential for plugging with sand,
paraffin, or corrosion products, the use of coalescing plates should be discouraged, except for instances

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where the savings in vessel size and weight are large enough to justify the potential increase in operating
costs and decrease in availability.
7.10.7 Sand Jets and Drains
In horizontal three-phase separators, one worry is the accumulation of sand and solids at the bottom of
the vessel. If allowed to build up, these solids upset the separator operations by taking up vessel volume.
Generally, the solids settle to the bottom and become well packed.
To remove the solids, sand drains are opened in a controlled manner, and then high pressure fluid,
usually produced water, is pumped through the jets to agitate the solids and flush them down the drains.
The sand jets are normally designed with a 20 ft/s jet tip velocity and aimed in such a manner to give
good coverage of the vessel bottom.
To prevent the settled sand from clogging the sand drains, sand pans or sand troughs are used to cover
the outlets. These are inverted troughs with slotted side openings.
7.10.8 Three-Phase vessel weir plates
The weir plate is a device which separates oil and water into two compartments. Weir plates can be either
fixed or adjustable. Fixed weir plates should be used in cases where the water content is constant.
Adjustable weir plates are required when the water content is expected to increase.
Generally, the weir plate should always be 150 mm (minimum) above the oil/water interface. It can vary
in height from the bottom inside shell wall to the top of the plate from 300 mm to the mid point of the
vessel.
8 Spread sheets
Two different groups of spread sheets were prepared, the first of which is for two phase flow and the
second of which is three phase flow. Each group is able to size vertical and horizontal vessel.
The below chart shows information about the applied methods

Work Instruction
Monnery
Total 1985
Vertical Total 1998
JGC
2 phases NIOEC
Monnery
Spread sheets
Horizontal Total 1998
NIOEC
Vertical Monnery
Monnery
3 phases
Total 1985
Horizontal
Shell
NIOEC

Work Instruction
9 Attachment
 Two phase separator sizing spread sheet
 Three phase separator sizing spread sheet


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Two Phase & Three

A0 Issued for Information M. Jalali / M. Sabeti A. Javanpour A. Ghahremani 2018-11-13

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7.1 Separator applications and considerations

7.1.1 Two phase separators

7.1.2 Three phase separators

7.2 Horizontal or vertical design

 A smaller plan area is required (critical on offshore platforms);

7.3 Sizing procedure

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Table 1: Methods developed for calculating K.

With Mist Eliminator

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15≤P≤40 K=0.35 P, psia

7.3.1 Calculation procedure for vertical vessels (2-phase)

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H ME=12+6 ,∈ ( With mist eliminator )

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Figure 1: Vertical Two-phase separator

Note: In case LSLL and LSHH is provided, clause 5.3.8.2 is to be used.

H LLL=0.5 D+7 ,∈. 17

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Figure 2: Horizontal Two-phase separator

Note: In case LSLL and LSHH is provided, clause 5.3.8.2 is to be used.

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Figure 3: Vertical Three-phase separator

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7.3.4 Calculation procedure for horizontal vessel (3-phase)

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Figure 4: Horizontal Three-phase separator (interface control with boot)

Note: the range of Lboot/Dboot is from 2 to 5.

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Figure 5: Horizontal Three-phase separator (interface control with weir)

7.3.4.1 Bucket and Weir

8- Calculate the liquid dropout time Φ .

15- Assume L3 is the larger of D/12 or 12 in.

17- Calculate L=L1 + L2 + L3 + L4 .

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7.4 NIOEC Specifications for vessel sizing

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Columns discharging to storage only 5

7.5 Comparison of different procedures:

highest one regarding the same diameter.

7.6 Design pressure and temperature

7.7 Vessel connection

Vessel Volume (m3)

Page 31 of 39 Document Code : EPRWI-023

45<V<75, 1200<D<2500 DN 50 (2”) DN 50 (2”) DN 40 (1½”)

45<V<75, 2500<D<3500 DN 80 (3”) DN 80 (3”) DN 40 (1½”)