Completion of Compact Separator Laboratory

Abstract

As the petroleum business explore deeper waters and more remote locations in the quest for new hydrocarbon reservoirs, challenges that were not that relevant in earlier years now become more common. To face these challenges, the Subsea Production and Processing (SUBPRO) center for research-based innovation, a cooperation between several oil and gas companies and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), have launched several subprojects. One of these sub-projects is on control of subsea processes. Control algorithms will be developed and then validated in a small scale laboratory that will include hydrocyclones, a Compact Flotation Unit (CFU) , a bulk separator, a coalescing pump and low shear control valves in addition to standard processing equipment. This Master thesis is a part of this sub-project, focusing on the construction of Phase 1 of the Compact Separator Laboratory (CSL). The primary objective of this Master thesis is installing the instrumentation and electrical system of the CSL, designing and configuring a control system and Human Machine Interface (HMI), in addition to leak testing the CSL. Much of the engineering of the CSL have already been done during the specialization project [11]. Work done in this Master thesis is the basis for further development of the CSL. The CSL is to be built in four Phases, and this Master thesis focuses on Phase 1. Facilitation for Phases 2-4 during the construction of Phase 1 is a necessity in order to avoid unnecessary extra work later on. For this reason, getting familiar with all Phases both technically and design-wise is an essential part of the thesis. Since Phase 1 is completed throughout this Master thesis, the uncertainty lies in acquiring or constructing a pump and reservoir system. Options like buying or leasing a pump temporarily prior to the construction of the pump and reservoir system in Phase 3 have been considered, but the best option seems to be to wait for a permanent system. This will make the CSL able to separate oil and water, not just testing the CSL with water.