Slug catcher finger-type CFD simulator for two-phase flow separation” published in the chinese magazine “Petroleum”

Slug catcher is an important and costly equipment in the up-stream assets, but is the less supported by research or commercial simulation software in terms of design and sizing criteria.

The purpose of this paper is to present a simulation model based on the open-source software for computational fluid-dynamics OpenFOAM®, which can assist during the preliminary sizing, made by the usual simplified methods, proving the fluid-dynamic behaviour and drive the process engineers to an optimum final design by checking all the expected production profiles of the related oil/gas field, for a comprehensive and safe operation all along the reservoir life.

The slug catcher main function is to ensure the separation of the phases within the acceptance specifications dictated by the process units of downstream CPF (Central Production Facility).

The optimization of the slug catcher could allow the reduction of the equipment overall dimensions, that is essential to reduce the capital expenditure and make the installation more flexible.

The graphic output is a strong tool in the hand of engineers, following the fluid-dynamic response of the slug catcher in the gas-liquid separation section, in function of the flow pattern at the entrance and superficial velocities of the phases.