CONFIGURATIONS AND METHODS FOR GAS-LIQUID SEPARATORS

摘要

Contemplated gas-liquid separators and especially subsea gas-liquid separators have a main pipe with a plurality of descending branch pipes that are fluidly coupled to the main pipe and each other such as to allow disengagement of the gas into the main pipe while liquid and sand descend into the lower ends of the branch pipes. Sand accumulation in the lower ends of the branch pipes is preferably prevented by lateral serial flow of liquid and sand from one branch pipe to the next and use of a flush liquid that is drawn from one or more branch pipes.

主权项

1. A gas-liquid separator, comprising:
a main pipe configured to receive a fluid containing a gas, a liquid, and sand, wherein the main pipe is fluidly coupled to a plurality of descending branch pipes; wherein the branch pipes are fluidly coupled to each other such as to allow the liquid to segregate from the main pipe into a first of the branch pipes and to migrate from the first into at least a second of the branch pipes while the gas remains in the main pipe; and wherein at least some of the branch pipes are fluidly coupled to a flush conduit and a liquid withdrawal conduit.