A method for starting up a helical separation system for operation in separating a multiphase fluid stream comprising heavier and lighter fluid components

摘要

The method comprises feeding to the system a first fluid stream consisting essentially of the heavier fluid component and, when the fluid velocity within the separation system has reached a minimum operating velocity for the multiphase fluid stream, replacing over a period of time the first fluid stream with the multiphase fluid stream to be separated. The multiphase fluid flows along a helical flowpath 108 surrounding a central conduit 102 at such a velocity to cause the lighter component to move to an inner region of the flowpath to be collected in the central conduit. The method and system are particular suitable for the separation of oil droplets from water, especially from water for reinjection into a subterranean formation as part of an oil and gas production operation. The method and system are conveniently applied on a modular basis.