What is a Two-Phase Separator?
A two-phase separator is a production vessel that energy producers use to to separate produced fluid (typically an oil emulsion) from produced gas. It may be vertical or horizontal.
WATCH: WHAT IS A 3-PHASE SEPARATOR?
Kimray offers three solutions ideal for controlling the separation in these vessels:
- Pneumatic Level Switch with Float Cage
- Weight Operated Dump Valves
- Electric Pilot and Control Valve
1. Pneumatic Level Switch with External Float Cage
A Pneumatic Level Switch is an ideal, cost-effective option for two-phase separation.
Unlike three-phase separators, the two-phase process does not require the functionality of a liquid level controller because it’s not trying to hold interface. In other words, since the oil and water do not need to be separated at this point, a switch can tell the one liquid dump valve to open or close.
In this set up, the pneumatic level switch is installed with an external float cage. You route two things to this cage:
- liquid from the controller connection
- a 1" equalizer line from the top of the separation vessel
The cage has a chamber where liquid collects, and gas from the top equalizes the pressure in the cage to match the vessel pressure.
Once the liquid in the cage gets high enough, the switch will trigger and send a pneumatic signal to the dump valve, telling it to open and dump fluid from the separator.
WATCH: HOW DOES A PNEUMATIC LEVEL SWITCH WORK?
2. Weight-Operated Dump Valve
A second solution for two-phase separation is a Weight-Operated Dump Valve.
The weight-operated dump valve uses hydrostatic pressure to control the level of fluid within a two-phase separator.
To ensure proper operation, producers must install it with an equalizing line run from the top of the separator itself. This line maintains equalizing pressure on the valve.
To make an adjustment to the dump level on this valve, you can move the weight on the lever bar of the valve. (Watch a Demonstration.)
3. Electric Pilot and Control Valve
If you’re looking for an electric solution for two-phase separation, our Electric Pilot and Electric Actuator are the best options.
The pilot uses a sensor to reads the level inside the vessel. It then sends an electric signal to the actuator, which opens or closes the valve.
WATCH: MEET THE ALL NEW KIMRAY ELECTRIC ACTUATOR
To learn more about any of these solutions, contact your local Kimray store or authorized distributor.
