separator means and their types

What is Separator mean?

The separator is a vessel used to separate a mixed phase stream into gas and liquid components from the fluids extracted from an oil well. Oil, gas or water can be removed from the fluids. It can also be definite as a device which separates a fluid into its constituent components. It is a capital manufacturing tool used on onshore or offshore wellhead platforms and in the refineries. It is also known as a stage separator, oil and gas separator or simply separator.

Explains Separator :

Main components of gas – oil separator and its function contains the following parts:

An extraction vessel.
Initial separation “inlet diverter”
A separation device located at the Primary separation section.
Mist extraction.
Gravity settling section.
Gas, oil & water outlet ports.
Valves for controlling pressure and temperature.
Level indicators.
Lithe quid sump or liquid collection section

Separators can be classified as:

Vertical, horizontal and spherical separators.
Two or three phase separators (Two-phase means oil and gas separator and three phase mean oil-gas-water separator).
Depending on the Separator functions they can be classified as – Test Separators, High-pressure separators, and Low-pressure separators.

	Horizontal separator	Vertical separator	Spherical separator
Usage	For high gas-oil ratio	For gas – oil ratio	For small amounts
Efficiency	Rated no.1	Rated no.2	Rated no.3
Maintenance inspection	Easy	Very difficult	Average
Cost	Least expensive	Average	Most expensive
Advantages	1. Handling a large amount of gas. 2. Large liquid surface area for foam dispersion. 3. Cheaper than a vertical separator.	1. Takes up less than the horizontal separator. 2. Liquid level control isn`t so critical. 3. Can handle more sand, mud, and wax without plugging.	1. Suited for high-pressure service. 2. Is preferred when a compact size is desired .
Disadvantages	1. Liquid level control is more critical. 2. More difficult to clean produced sand, mud, and wax.	1. Some of the instruments may be difficult to access without ladders. 2. More expensive than a horizontal separator.	1. Isn`t widely used. 2. Is difficult to fabricate.