SPE Projects, Facilities & Construction
Volume 5, Number 4, December 2010, pp. 192-199

SPE-122829-PA

A Conceptual Study of Finger-Type Slug Catcher for Heavy-Oil Fields

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DOI  More information 10.2118/122829-PA http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/122829-PA

Citation

  • Márquez, J., Manzanilla, C., and Trujillo, J. 2010. A Conceptual Study of Finger-Type Slug Catcher for Heavy-Oil Fields. SPE Proj Fac & Const  5 (4): 192-199. SPE-122829-PA. doi: 10.2118/122829-PA.

Discipline Categories

  • 4.1 Processing Systems and Design
  • 4.1.2 Separation and Treating

Keywords

  • Projects, Facilities and Construction, Slug Catcher

Summary

The gas/liquid-separation processes in heavy- and extra-heavy-oil fields are performed mainly with gravity conventional separators. However, the separation efficiency of this equipment depends on the operating conditions, an appropriate design, and the properties of the fluids. Therefore, the separation efficiency is affected mainly by the high liquid viscosity, low pressures, and low gas-flow rate that are present in heavy- and extra-heavy-oil fields. Additionally, these conditions increase the probability of slug-flow formation through pipelines, which causes operational problems, mainly in the separation process.

© 2010. Society of Petroleum Engineers

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History

  • Original manuscript received: 20 February 2009
  • Meeting paper published: 1 June 2009
  • Revised manuscript received: 24 December 2009
  • Manuscript approved: 21 January 2010
  • Published online: 28 October 2010
  • Version of record: 9 December 2010