A numerical study on gas standpipe separator

• Published in: AIP Conference Proceedings
• Main Author: Tarmizi M.N.M.; Sainan K.I.; Ghani M.A.A.; Jenal N.; Mohamad F.
• Format: Conference paper
• Language: English
• Published: American Institute of Physics Inc. 2023
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85166751400&doi=10.1063%2f5.0145084&partnerID=40&md5=9f8f76631e0468f57f9aabd2f5de2ddc

A standpipe separator is a device to separate mixed gas stream into gas and liquid phase. The natural gas condensate hits the deflector plate and separates the oil droplets from the gas as it flows through the standpipe separator. Although the device is essential in O&G industry, there have been limited numerical study established especially on the deflector plate. The main aim of this research was to investigate the limit of the plate. The secondary aim was to analyze the stream behavior in the standpipe. An industrial based standpipe separator was used as the test sample. The test sample was subjected to a numerical analysis. The plate thickness was 6 mm. Methane, Ethane and Butane were the working fluids. The phase was liquid. The fluids were set as turbulent flow and varied into three speeds. The fluid behavior, momentum and the limit of the plate were analyzed. The results of deformation were also reported. Based on the results, the highest pressure was found at the upstream. The pressure was reduced throughout the pipe length. The pressures acted were consistent with the fluid regime observed. This was true for all fluids. The momentum stress (max P = 75kPa) was at the highest resulting in the largest plate deformation (δ= 10.8 x 10-3 mm). However, the value was far from the tensile strength threshold. In general, the deflector plate was not failed under these circumstances. © 2023 Author(s).