Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A system and method for boosting the pressure of multi-phase fluids to enable handling of slug flow from oil and gas wells. The system is arranged to include a cyclonic separator having outlets of a first gas-rich line and a first liquid-rich line, a gravitational separator having outlets of a second gas-rich line and a second liquid-rich line, downstream of the cyclonic separator. There is also a gas compressor for boosting pressure in the second gas-rich line and a liquid pump for boosting pressure in the second liquid-rich line. The boosted gas and liquid is received by a commingler downstream which outputs a combined fluid flow. Control valves are provided at various stages of the system that are activated in response to slug flow detected by flow regime detectors upstream of the cyclonic separator. The system is, overall, able to be much smaller than a convention slug catcher system and, in fact, the gravitational separator may be comprised of a pipe section the same or similar to the inlet from the well.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim