Separator Optimisation

Efficient separation of oil, gas, and water is critical in oil and gas operations to ensure smooth downstream processes, maintain product quality, and minimize operational costs. ScanWell’s real-time separator diagnostics provide operators with the insights needed to optimize these crucial systems, addressing inefficiencies such as emulsions, carryovers, and excessive retention times.

Key Challenges in Separator Performance

1. Emulsions: Stable emulsions can reduce separation efficiency, leading to increased chemical consumption and compromised product quality.
2. Carryover Issues: Gas or liquid carryovers can impact downstream equipment, causing operational disruptions and reducing efficiency.
3. Excessive Retention Times: Overly long retention times reduce throughput, limiting production capacity and increasing energy consumption.
4. Scaling and Fouling: Deposits within separators can reduce capacity and performance, requiring frequent maintenance.

ScanWell’s Real-Time Diagnostics

ScanWell employs advanced diagnostic techniques to monitor and analyze separator performance in real time. This involves measuring critical parameters such as:

• Phase Fractions: Real-time analysis of oil, water, and gas levels to ensure proper separation efficiency.
• Emulsion Layers: Monitoring of emulsion thickness to identify and resolve stability issues.
• Carryover Detection: Tracking liquid or gas carryover to mitigate risks to downstream processes.
• Retention Time Assessment: Ensuring optimal retention times to maximize separation without bottlenecks.

Benefits of ScanWell’s Separator Optimization Services

1. Enhanced Production Output:
   By resolving inefficiencies, operators can achieve higher throughput and improve product quality, maximizing asset value.
2. Reduced Chemical Usage:
   Optimized separation reduces the need for demulsifiers and other chemicals, lowering operational costs and environmental impact.
3. Improved System Performance:
   Real-time data allows operators to proactively address issues, maintain optimal performance, and extend separator lifespan.
4. Sustainability:
   Reduced energy consumption and chemical use contribute to lower emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.
5. Cost Savings:
   Efficient separators decrease the need for maintenance, minimize downtime, and reduce expenses associated with chemical treatment and waste handling.

ScanWell’s solutions integrate advanced sensors, tracer techniques, and analytics tools to deliver actionable insights. Operators can monitor separators continuously or during specific diagnostic campaigns to address performance issues. Key steps include:

1. Real-Time Data Collection: Sensors and monitoring equipment capture data on phase levels, flow rates, and emulsion layers.
2. Analysis and Diagnosis: Advanced analytics identify inefficiencies and root causes, such as emulsion stability or carryovers.
3. Optimization Recommendations: Based on diagnostics, ScanWell provides actionable recommendations to fine-tune operations.
4. Performance Verification: Post-optimization monitoring ensures that changes yield the desired improvements.

Applications Across the Oil and Gas Industry

• Onshore Facilities: Enhance performance of separators in production facilities, reducing maintenance costs and improving production.
• Offshore Platforms: Address space and weight constraints by optimizing existing separation systems.
• Refineries and Processing Plants: Ensure consistent product quality and efficient operation of downstream units.