Oil and Gas Separators

Overview

Separators are the first major process equipment that well fluids meet on production facilities, and their performance affects every downstream system. A separator that carries liquid into the gas line can damage compressors and overload flares, while gas or oil carried into the water outlet causes environmental and treatment problems. Foaming, emulsions, sand, slugging and wax all make separation more difficult, and poor level and pressure control can lead to trips and lost production. Understanding how separators work is therefore essential for anyone who designs, operates or troubleshoots oil and gas production systems.

This course provides a practical understanding of the design, operation and troubleshooting of oil and gas separators. Participants learn the principles of gravity separation, droplet settling and retention time, and how they determine the sizing of two-phase and three-phase vessels. The course covers horizontal and vertical separators, inlet devices, mist extractors, weirs, coalescers and internals, together with slug catchers, test separators, scrubbers and free water knockouts. It also explains level, pressure and interface control, instrumentation and safety systems, and the handling of foam, emulsions, sand and wax, with practical guidance on troubleshooting, performance testing and maintenance.

Objectives

• Explain gravity separation, droplet settling and retention time principles
• Size two-phase and three-phase separators using standard methods
• Describe separator types, internals and their effect on performance
• Operate level, pressure and interface control systems correctly
• Understand separator instrumentation, relief and safety shutdown systems
• Handle foam, emulsions, sand, wax and slugging in separation systems
• Troubleshoot separator problems and plan inspection and maintenance

Who should attend

Training methodology

The course combines clear explanation of separation principles with sizing calculations, drawings of real separators and operating data from production facilities. Participants size two-phase and three-phase vessels, compare internals for different duties, and analyse level and pressure trends to identify carry-over, carry-under and control problems. Photographs and videos of separator internals, foaming and sand accumulation support learning. Troubleshooting cases from onshore and offshore facilities are solved in small groups. Each day ends with a short quiz and an open discussion of separation challenges at participants' own sites.

Programme outline

Dates and fees

Certificate

Frequently asked questions