An Air Oil Separator, also known as a three-phase separator or an oil-gas-water separator, is a device used in the oil and gas industry to separate a mixture of gas, oil, and water into individual components. It is an essential part of oil and gas production and processing facilities.
The main purpose of the gas oil separator is to separate the three phases of gas, oil and water according to different densities. The working principle of the separator is gravity separation, which uses the difference in density and buoyancy of the components to achieve separation.
The separation process in a gas oil separator usually includes the following steps:
1. Inlet part: The mixture of gas, oil and water enters the separator through the inlet pipe. It usually enters the container tangentially, creating a swirling motion that aids the separation process.
2. Gravity Settling: When the mixture enters the separator, it enters a larger section called gravity settling section or primary separation section. Here, the vortex motion created by the tangential entry causes gas, oil and water to separate due to their density differences.
● Gas Separation: Gas is the lightest component and rises to the top of the separator due to its lower density. It forms a gas cap or gas phase at the top of the container.
● Oil-water separation: The density of oil-water mixture is higher than that of gas, and it settles to the bottom of the separator. Due to the difference in density, the heavier water settles further below the oil layer. This forms a water phase at the bottom of the container, with the oil phase floating above it.
3. Baffles and weirs: To enhance the separation process, gas oil separators may contain baffles or weirs. These are structures inside the container that help control flow and direct separated components to their respective outlets. Baffles and weirs also prevent any re-entrainment of the separated phase, ensuring efficient separation.
4. Outlet section: the separated gas, oil and water are collected separately and introduced into their respective outlet pipelines.
● Gas outlet: The gas phase is collected from the gas cap and drawn out through the gas outlet at the top of the separator. It is then transported to a gas processing facility for further processing or for commercial use.
● Oil outlet: collect the oil phase above the water phase and discharge through the outlet near the middle of the separator. It goes through further treatments such as dehydration and desalination before being transported or stored.
● Water outlet: The water phase settled at the bottom is discharged through the water outlet at the bottom of the separator. It is usually sent to a water treatment facility for further purification or discharged in accordance with environmental regulations.
The design and size of oil and gas separators can vary according to the specific needs of oil and gas production facilities. They are essential for efficient separations and play an important role in optimizing production processes, ensuring safe operations and meeting regulatory requirements.
Our oil separators are easy to install, operate and maintain, remove and collect lubricant-contaminated compressor condensate and ensure clean discharge water, all in compliance with environmental laws. For more information about our products, please contact us.
