TABLE OF CONTENTS Separation of oil and gas is a critical field processing operation. As producing pressure is increased and lighter condensates are produced, efficient separation has become more critical than ever. Moreover, some of the new concepts in separation technology have been applied to advantage on old lease producing oil at moderate or low pressures. As gas transmission lines raise their standards, separation becomes a part of the overall field processing necessary to condition the gas. Several technologies are available to remove liquids and solids from gases. However, selecting gas/liquid separation technologies requires not only knowledge of the process conditions, but a knowledge of the characteristics of the liquid contaminants. Selection should be made based on the droplet size, concentration, and whether the liquid has waxing or fouling tendencies (Brown et al., 1994). Before evaluating specific technologies, it is important to understand the mechanisms used to remove liquids and solids from gases. Three principles used to achieve physical separation of gas and liquids or solids are momentum, gravity settling, and coalescing. Any separator may employ one or more of these principles; however, the fluid phases must be immiscible and have different densities for separation to occur. Momentum force is utilized by changing the direction of flow and is usually employed for bulk separation of the fluid phases. The gravitational force is utilized by reducing velocity so the liquid droplets can settle out in the space provided. Gravity segregation is the main force that accomplishes the separation, which means the...
