Oil-Gas-Water Three-Phase Separation Fundamentals
26 – 30 May 2025 | Abu Dhabi | 24 – 28 Nov. 2025 | Dubai | 22 – 26 Dec. 2025 | Abu Dhabi |
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Introduction to Three-Phase Separation
- Understand the role of three-phase separators in oil & gas processing.
- Identify the physical properties of oil, gas, and water that impact separation.
- Differentiate between two-phase and three-phase separators.
2. Principles of Three-Phase Separation
- Explain separation mechanisms: gravity settling, coalescence, and momentum separation.
- Analyze how droplet size, density difference, and fluid viscosity affect separation efficiency.
- Understand gas-liquid and liquid-liquid interface dynamics.
3. Types of Three-Phase Separators and Their Applications
- Identify horizontal, vertical, and spherical separators and their advantages.
- Understand free-water knockouts (FWKO) and their role in separation.
- Learn about high-pressure and low-pressure separators for different field conditions.
4. Key Components of a Three-Phase Separator
- Explain the function of:
- Inlet diverters (cyclonic, vane-type, baffle plates).
- Mist extractors (mesh pads, vane packs, demisters).
- Weir plates and interface level controllers.
- Pressure and level control systems.
5. Separation Efficiency and Optimization Techniques
- Optimize residence time and separator dimensions for improved efficiency.
- Implement chemical treatment (demulsifiers, defoamers) for water-in-oil and oil-in-water separation.
- Control foaming, emulsions, and sand production issues.
6. Instrumentation and Control Systems in Separators
- Understand level controllers, pressure regulators, and flow measurement devices.
- Implement automated control strategies for enhanced separation performance.
- Integrate SCADA and DCS systems for real-time monitoring.
7. Troubleshooting Common Separation Problems
- Identify causes and solutions for:
- Foaming and emulsions affecting separation performance.
- Poor oil-water separation leading to off-spec crude.
- Gas carryover and liquid carry-under issues.
- Sand and solids accumulation in separators.
8. Safety, Environmental Considerations, and Regulatory Compliance
- Implement pressure relief systems, flame arrestors, and gas venting protocols.
- Ensure compliance with API, ASME, OSHA, and environmental regulations (MARPOL, EPA).
- Develop hazard mitigation strategies for separator overpressure, leaks, and fire risks.
9. Case Studies and Practical Applications
- Analyze real-world three-phase separation challenges and operational improvements.
- Participate in hands-on separator operation and troubleshooting exercises.
- Develop a customized separation optimization plan for a given field condition.
Target Audience
- Production and process engineers
- Oil & gas facility and operations personnel
- Mechanical and chemical engineers in upstream processing
- Field technicians and maintenance personnel
- HSE and compliance officers