Performance improvement of gas liquid cylindrical cyclone separators usingintegrated level and pressure central systems

The performance of gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC(C)(1)) separators f or two-phase flow metering loop can be improved by eliminating liquid overf low into the gas leg or gas blow-out through the liquid leg, utilizing suit able integrated control systems. In this study, a new integrated control sy stem has been developed for the GLCC, in which the control is achieved by a liquid control valve in the liquid discharge line and a gas control valve in the gas discharge line. Simulation studies demonstrate that the integrat ed level and pressure control system is highly desirable for slugging condi tions. This strategy will enable the GLCC to operate at constant pressure s o as nob to restrict well flow and simultaneously prevent liquid carry-over and gees carry-under. Detailed experimental studies have been conducted to evaluate the improvement in the GLCC operational envelope for liquid carry -over with the integrated level and pressure control system. The results de monstrate that the GLCC equipped With integrated control system is capable of controlling the liquid level and GLCC pressure for a wide range of flow conditions. The experimental results also show that the operational envelop e for liquid carry-over is improved twofold at higher liquid flow rate regi on and higher gas flow rate region. GLCC performance is also evaluated by m easuring the operational envelope for onset of gas carry-under. [S0195-0738 (00)00804-9].