METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE FLOW OF OFFSHORE OIL PRODUCTION WITH PRIMARY GAS SEPARATION

摘要

This invention relates to a method and equipment to assist the flow of offshore production of hydrocarbone mixtures containing a high concentration of gas. A primary separating vessel (52) is used and production is diverted to it. This vessel (52) is designed to allow primary separation of the gas, which flows to the gathering centre (63) via a special line (56). Within the primary separating vessel (52) there is a U-shaped length (53) of pipe whose arms are connected to two flow lines (57 and 58) which extend to the gathering centre. A mechanical interface (70) driven by high pressure gas periodically travels along these lines (56, 57 and 58), carrying with it to the gathering centre (63) the volume of liquid phase which has accumulated in the lines. If liquid phase passes into the gas flow line (56), a mechanical interface (70) can be passed along this line to remove the volume of liquid which has accumulated within it.