Possibility of using pipe separators to separate well products

Analysis of gas collection and gas distribution processes in the technological system of gas-lift exploitation in oil and gas production shows that the gas separated from the liquid during gas collection, containing water and hydrocarbons in the form of vapor and free liquid droplets, results in the formation of a two-phase flow in gas collection pipelines. This liquid phase introduces additional resistance and leads to the formation of hydraulic pulsations. Similar processes also occur in gas distribution pipelines. This is particularly problematic when the product of a gas well is used as a high-pressure gas source, as the formation of a liquid phase and hydrate compounds further complicates the exploitation process. Given the above, one of the urgent challenges is the removal of the liquid phase formed in gas-gathering and gas-distribution pipelines from inside the pipe without altering the technological parameters. To address this issue, the use of a pipe-type separator is proposed. The presented methodology offers a solution by analyzing the separation effect of gas-liquid flows in pipelines. Based on this analysis, it is proposed to use a tubular separator constructed from pipe elements, rather than conventional separators, for such flows. The authors focused on the proposition of the tubular separator design for two characteristic liquid quantities, depending on the flow structure, pressure, temperature, speed, and, most importantly, the amount of liquid phase present in the flow. A methodology for calculating the dimensions of the separator was developed based on the technological parameters of the design. Based on the results, standard diameters of pipe elements are adopted. The proposed methodology provides a basis for selecting a separator for removing the liquid phase in oil and gas collection and transportation systems in oil and gas fields in order to reduce the negative effect of the liquid phase.