SEPARATOR DESIGN

PART 2: TWO-PHASE
SEPARATORS
BY: JAYSON D. SANTOS MSC PETE

REFERENCE: SURFACE PRODUCTION OPERATIONS VOL.1, 3 RD EDITION –

DESIGN OF OIL HANDLING SYSTEMS AND FACILITIES PG195 -243
Design Theory
Settling
In the gravity settling section of a separator, liquid droplets
are removed using the force of gravity. Liquid droplets,
contained in the gas, settle at a terminal or “settling”
velocity.
This is observed when the force of gravity on a liquid droplet
is equal to the drag forces acting on it when moving along
the particles of gas in the tank.
Terminal/Settling Velocity
Calculations show that this velocity can be represented by the
following equations: Where:
𝑉𝑡 = terminal (settling velocity) of the
droplet, (ft/s) or (m/s)
𝜌𝑙 = density of liquid, (lb/ft3) or (kg/m3)
𝜌𝑔 = density of the gas at the temperature
and pressure in the separator, (lb/ft3) or
(kg/m3)
𝑑𝑚 = droplet diameter in microns
𝑐𝐷 = drag coefficient
Droplet Size
The gravity settling section of the separator should be
designed with a system that would have droplets move at
settling velocity.
Field observations suggest that it is best to have droplets of
at least 140 microns settle down at the bottom of the vessel
so that the mist extractor could function efficiently.
The gas capacity equations discussed on the next section
are then based on the settling of these 140-micron droplets.
Retention Time
To assure that the liquid and gas reach equilibrium at separator
pressure, a certain liquid storage is required. This is defined as
“retention time” or the average time a molecule of liquid is retained
in the vessel, assuming plug flow.
Retention Time
For most applications retention
times between 30 s and 3 min have
been found to be sufficient.
Where foaming crude is present,
retention times up to four times
this amount may be needed.
Liquid Re-entrainment
Liquid re-entrainment is a phenomenon caused by high gas velocity at the gas-liquid interface of a
separator.
Momentum transfer from the gas to the liquid creates waves and ripples in the liquid, and then
droplets are broken away from the liquid phase.
The general rule of thumb that calls for limiting the slenderness ratio to a maximum of 4 or 5 is
applicable for half-full horizontal separators (two-phase), or 1 to 3 (three phase).
Liquid re-entrainment should be particularly considered for high-pressure separators sized on gas-
capacity constraints.
It is more likely at higher operating pressures (>1,000 psig or >7,000 kPa) and higher oil viscosities
(<30° API).
Slenderness Ratio
➢ Given by length divided by diameter
➢ Gas and Liquid Capacity Constraints allow for different combinations of
length and diameter and choosing the right one can minimize the cost of
the separator.
➢ As a rule of thumb, smaller diameters can lower the weight and overall
cost of the separator, however, there is a point when liquid re-
entrainment could exceed allowable limits.
➢ Common ratios are between 3-4 (two-phase) or 1-3 (three-phase),
designs outside these ranges are possible with specialized design and
components.
Slenderness Ratio

Ratio 3:2 or 1.5

3 Ratio 5:1 or 5
5
2
1
Two-phase Separators
Separator Design:
Horizontal
Separators Sizing
– Half Full
When sizing a horizontal
separator, it is necessary to
choose a seam-to-seam vessel
length and a diameter.
This choice must satisfy the
conditions for gas capacity that
allow the liquid droplets to fall
from the gas to the liquid
volume as the gas traverses the The figure above shows a vessel 50% full
effective length of the vessel.
of liquid, which is the model used to
It must also provide sufficient
retention time to allow the develop sizing equations for a horizontal
liquid to reach equilibrium.
separator
 Gas Capacity Constraint
For a vessel 50% full of liquid, and separation of 100-micron (up to 140) liquid
droplets from the gas, the following equation may be derived:

For the complete, step-by-step derivation, please see pages 199-209 of the given reference.
Liquid Capacity Constraint
For a vessel 50% full of liquid, with a specified liquid flow rate and retention time, the following
may be used to determine vessel size.

For the complete, step-by-step derivation, please see pages 209-210 of the given reference.
Seam-to-Seam Length
The effective length may be calculated from the following equations:
The length of the vessel between the inlet diverter and the mist extractor with
evenly distributed flow is the calculated from 𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 calculated from the gas and
liquid capacity constraints.
Seam-to-Seam Length
To calculate actual seam-to-seam length, the following equations are used:

Gas capacity constraint Liquid capacity constraint

For diameters 24 in (600mm) or less,

the seam-to-seam length should not
exceed the following:

For separators greater than 24 in

(600mm) in diameter, add 2.5 ft
(700mm) to the calculated Lss and
will be rounded off between ranges
of 5 to 10 ft (1500-3000mm).
Example 1: Sizing a Two-Phase Horizontal
Separator (Field units)
Given:

Parameter Value
Gas Flow Rate 10MMscfd at 0.6 specific gravity
Oil flow rate 2000 BOPD at 40°API
Operating pressure 1000 psia
Operating temperature 60°F
Droplet size removal 140 microns
Retention time 3 minutes
Compressibility factor 0.84
Viscosity 0.013
Solution:
Step 1: The value of the drag coefficient 𝑐𝐷 should first be calculated using an
iterative method:
Convert API to density:
141.5 141.5 𝑙𝑏
𝜌𝑙 = 62.4 𝜌𝑙 = 62.4 = 51.48 𝑓𝑡 3
131.5+𝐴𝑃𝐼 131.5+40
𝑆𝑃
𝜌𝑔 = 2.70 let Z = 0.84 as an acceptable standard
𝑇𝑍
Substitute:
0.6 1000 𝑙𝑏
𝜌𝑔 = 2.70 = 3.71 𝑓𝑡 3
60+459.67 (0.84)
Solution:
1Τ2
𝜌𝑙 −𝜌𝑔 𝑑𝑚
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0119 𝜌𝑔 𝐶𝐷

Substitute and first let 𝐶𝐷 = 0.34

51.5−3.71 140 1Τ2
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0119 = 0.8664 𝑓𝑡/𝑠
3.71 0.34

Then solve for Re letting µ = 0.013:

𝜌𝑔 𝑑𝑚 𝑉
𝑅𝑒 = 0.0049 𝜋
3.71 140 (0.8664)
𝑅𝑒 = 0.0049 = 169.67
0.013
Solution:
24 3
𝐶𝐷 = 𝑅𝑒 + 𝑅𝑒 1Τ2 + 0.34 51.5−3.71 140 1Τ2 𝑓𝑡
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0119 = 0. 5988
3.71 0.7118 𝑠
Substitute: 3.71 140 (0.5988)
𝑅𝑒 = 0.0049 = 117.2654
24 3 0.013
𝐶𝐷 = 169,67
+ (169.67)1Τ2
+ 0.34 24 3
𝐶𝐷 = + + 0.34 = 0.8217
117.2654 (117.2654)1Τ2
𝐶𝐷 = 0.7118
Repeat 𝑉𝑡 using new 𝐶𝐷
51.5−3.71 140 1Τ2 𝑓𝑡
Repeat 𝑉𝑡 using new 𝐶𝐷 𝑉𝑡 = 0.0119 = 0. 5573
3.71 0.8217 𝑠
1Τ2 3.71 140 (0.5573)
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0119
𝜌𝑙 −𝜌𝑔 𝑑𝑚 𝑅𝑒 = 0.0049 = 109.1396
0.013
𝜌𝑔 𝐶𝐷
24 3
𝐶𝐷 = 109.1396 + (109.1396)1Τ2 + 0.34 = 0.8471
Solution:
Previous 𝐶𝐷 = 0.8471
51.5−3.71 140 1Τ2 𝑓𝑡
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0119 = 0. 5489
3.71 0.8471 𝑠
3.71 140 (0.5489)
𝑅𝑒 = 0.0049 = 107.4930
0.013
24 3
𝐶𝐷 = + + 0.34 = 0.8526
107.4930 (107.4930)1Τ2

Repeat 𝑉𝑡 using new 𝐶𝐷

51.5−3.71 140 1Τ2 𝑓𝑡
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0119 = 0. 5471
3.71 0.8526 𝑠
3.71 140 (0.5471)
𝑅𝑒 = 0.0049 = 107.1420
0.013
24 3
𝐶𝐷 = + + 0.34 = 𝟎. 𝟖538
107.1420 (107.1420)1Τ2
Solution:
Step 2: Gas capacity constraint to solve for minimum required volume
1Τ2
𝑇𝑍𝑄𝑔 𝜌𝑔 𝐶𝐷
𝑑𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 420 𝑃 𝜌𝑙 −𝜌𝑔 𝑑𝑚

(60+459.67)(0.84)(10) 3.71 𝟎.𝟖𝟓𝟑𝟖 1Τ2

𝑑𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 420
1000 51.48−3.71 140

𝑑𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 39.91

Effective Length for gas capacity constraint (Gas Leff) can then be calculated for each
standard diameter (16, 20, 24, 30, 36, 42).
Solution:
STEP 3: Gas capacity (Gas Leff) constraints for every given standard diameter:
𝑑𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 39.91
39.91
𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 𝑑

Standard diameter d (in) Gas Leff (ft)

16 2.49
20 2.00
24 1.66
30 1.33
36 1.11
42 0.95
Solution:
STEP 4: Liquid capacity (Liquid Leff) constraints for every given standard diameter:
𝑡𝑟 𝑄𝑙 3𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑠 ∗(2,000𝐵𝑂𝑃𝐷)
𝑑2 𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 = = = 8,571.428 minimum liquid capacity
0.7 0.7
8,571.428
𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 𝑑2
Standard diameter d (in) Liquid Leff (ft)
16 33.48
20 21.43
24 14.88
30 9.52
36 6.61
42 4.86
Solution:
STEP 5: Calculate seam-to-seam length Lss:
We can use either of the following whichever yields the greater seam-to-seam length estimate:

𝑑
𝐿𝑠𝑠 = 𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 + for gas capacity
12

4
𝐿𝑠𝑠 = ( )𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 for liquid capacity
3
Solution:
Solve for Lss for every standard diameter using both equations and tabulate:

Standard diameter (in) Gas capacity Lss (ft) Liquid Capacity Lss (ft)
16 3.83 44.64
20 3.66 28.57
24 3.66 19.84
30 3.83 12.70
36 4.11 8.82
42 4.45 6.48
Solution:
STEP 6: Compute the slenderness ratio SR for each standard diameter:
12∗𝐿𝑠𝑠
𝑆𝑅 = 𝑑

Standard diameter (in) Slenderness ratio

16 33.48
20 17.14
24 9.92
30 5.08
36 2.94
42 1.85
Solution:
STEP 7: Consolidate all calculated values into one table and select the optimum diameter
(should be greater than minimum diameter) and length based on a slenderness ratio within the
range of 3-4.
Standard Gas Leff (ft) Liquid Leff (ft) Liquid Capacity Slenderness
diameter (in) Lss (ft) ratio
16 2.49 33.48 44.64 33.48
20 2.00 21.43 28.57 17.14
24 1.66 14.88 19.84 9.92
30 1.33 9.52 12.70* 5.08
36 1.11 6.61 8.82* 2.94
42 0.95 4.86 6.48* 1.85
A separator with a standard diameter of 36 inches and minimum length of 10 ft (8.82+2.5)* is
therefore chosen to be the optimum design
Seam-to-Seam Length
To calculate actual seam-to-seam length, the following equations are used:

Gas capacity constraint Liquid capacity constraint

For diameters 24 in (600mm) or less,

the seam-to-seam length should not
exceed the following:

For separators greater than 24 in

(600mm) in diameter, add 2.5 ft
(700mm) to the calculated Lss and
will be rounded off between ranges
of 5 to 10 ft (1500-3000mm).
Example 2: Sizing a Two-Phase Horizontal
Separator (SI units)
Given:

Parameter Value
Gas Flow Rate 11,803 scm/hr at 0.6 specific gravity
Oil flow rate 13.25 m3/hr at 40°API
Operating pressure 6900 kPa
Operating temperature 15.6°C
Droplet size removal 140 microns
Retention time 3 minutes
Compressibility factor 0.84
Viscosity 0.013
Solution:
Step 1: The value of the drag coefficient 𝑐𝐷 should first be calculated using an
iterative method:
Convert API to density:
141.5 141.5 𝑘𝑔
𝜌𝑙 = 1000 131.5+𝐴𝑃𝐼 𝜌𝑙 = 1000 = 825.0729 𝑚3
131.5+40
𝑆𝑃
𝜌𝑔 = 3.492 let Z = 0.84 as an acceptable standard
𝑇𝑍
Substitute:
0.6 6900 𝑘𝑔
𝜌𝑔 = 3.492 = 59.637 𝑚3
15.6+273 (0.84)
Solution:
1Τ2
𝜌𝑙 −𝜌𝑔 𝑑𝑚
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0036 𝜌𝑔 𝐶𝐷

Substitute and first let 𝐶𝐷 = 0.34

825−59.6 140 1Τ2
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0036 = 0.2617 𝑚/𝑠
59.6 0.34

Then solve for Re letting µ = 0.013:

𝜌𝑔 𝑑𝑚 𝑉
𝑅𝑒 = 0.001 𝜋
59.6 140 (0.2617)
𝑅𝑒 = 0.001 = 168.08
0.013
Solution:
24 3 825−59.6 140 1Τ2
𝐶𝐷 = 𝑅𝑒 + 𝑅𝑒 1Τ2 + 0.34 𝑉𝑡 = 0.0036 = 0.1806 𝑚/𝑠
59.6 0.7142
Substitute: 59.6 140 (0.1803)
𝑅𝑒 = 0.001 = 115.9709
0.013
24 3
𝐶𝐷 = 168.08 + (168.08)1Τ2 + 0.34 24 3
𝐶𝐷 = + + 0.34 = 0.8255
115.9709 (115.9709)1Τ2
𝐶𝐷 = 0.7142
Repeat 𝑉𝑡 using new 𝐶𝐷
825−59.6 140 1Τ2
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0036 = 0.1680 𝑚/𝑠
Repeat 𝑉𝑡 using new 𝐶𝐷 59.6 0.8255
59.6 140 (0.1680)
𝜌𝑙 −𝜌𝑔 𝑑𝑚
1Τ2 𝑅𝑒 = 0.001 = 107.8674
0.013
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0036 𝜌𝑔 𝐶𝐷 24 3
𝐶𝐷 = + + 0.34 = 0.8513
107.8674 (107.8674)1Τ2
Solution:
Previous 𝐶𝐷 = 0.8513
51.5−3.71 140 1Τ2 𝑚
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0119 = 0. 1654
3.71 0.8513 𝑠
3.71 140 (0.1654)
𝑅𝑒 = 0.0049 = 106.2190
0.013
24 3
𝐶𝐷 = + + 0.34 = 0.8570
106.2190 (106.2190)1Τ2

Repeat 𝑉𝑡 using new 𝐶𝐷

51.5−3.71 140 1Τ2 𝑚
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0119 = 0. 1648
3.71 0.8570 𝑠
3.71 140 (0.1648)
𝑅𝑒 = 0.0049 = 105.8661
0.013
24 3
𝐶𝐷 = + + 0.34 = 𝟎. 𝟖583
105.8661 (105.8661)1Τ2
Solution:
Step 2: Gas capacity constraint to solve for minimum required volume
1Τ2
𝑇𝑍𝑄𝑔 𝜌𝑔 𝐶𝐷
𝑑𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 34.5 𝑃 𝜌𝑙 −𝜌𝑔 𝑑𝑚

(15.6+273)(0.84)(11,803) 59.6347 𝟎.𝟖𝟓83 1Τ2

𝑑𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 34.5
6900 825.0729−59.6347 140

𝑑𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 312.67

Effective Length for gas capacity constraint (Gas Leff) can then be calculated for each
standard diameter.
Solution:
STEP 3: Gas capacity (Gas Leff) constraints for every given standard diameter:
𝑑𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 312.67
312.67
𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 𝑑

Standard diameter d (mm) Gas Leff (m)

406.4 0.77
508 0.62
762 0.41
914.4 0.34
1066.8 0.29
1219.2 0.26
Solution:
STEP 4: Liquid capacity (Liquid Leff) constraints for every given standard diameter:
𝑑2 𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 42,441 𝑡𝑟 𝑄𝑙 = 42,441 ∗ 3𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑠 ∗ (13.25𝑚3/ℎ𝑟) = 254,646,000.00 minimum
liquid capacity
254,646,000.00
𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 =
𝑑2
Standard diameter d (mm) Liquid Leff (m)
406.4 10.21
508 6.54
762 2.91
914.4 2.02
1066.8 1.48
1219.2 1.13
Solution:
STEP 5: Calculate seam-to-seam length Lss:
We can use either of the following whichever yields the greater seam-to-seam length estimate:

𝑑
𝐿𝑠𝑠 = 𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 + for gas capacity
1000

4
𝐿𝑠𝑠 = ( )𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 for liquid capacity
3
Solution:
Solve for Lss for every standard diameter using both equations and tabulate:

Standard diameter d (mm) Gas capacity Lss (m) Liquid Capacity Lss (m)
406.4 10.62 13.62
508 7.05 8.72
762 3.67 3.87
914.4 2.93 2.69
1066.8 2.55 1.98
1219.2 2.35 1.51
Solution:
STEP 6: Compute the slenderness ratio SR for each standard diameter:
𝐿𝑠𝑠
𝑆𝑅 = 𝑑∗1000
Standard diameter d (mm) Slenderness ratio
406.4 33.51
508 17.16
762 5.08
914.4 2.94
1066.8 1.85
1219.2 1.24
Solution:
STEP 7: Consolidate all calculated values into one table and select the optimum diameter
(should be greater than minimum diameter) and length based on a slenderness ratio within the
range of 3-4.
Standard Gas Leff (m) Liquid Leff (ft) Liquid Capacity Slenderness
diameter d Lss (m) ratio
(mm)
406.4 0.77 10.21 13.62 33.51
508 0.62 6.54 8.72 17.16
762 0.41 2.91 3.87* 5.08
914.4 0.34 2.02 2.69* 2.94
1066.8 0.29 1.48 1.98* 1.85
1219.2 0.26 1.13 1.51* 1.24
A separator with a standard diameter of 914.4 mm and minimum length of 3m (2.69+0.7)* is
therefore chosen to be the optimum design
Seam-to-Seam Length
To calculate actual seam-to-seam length, the following equations are used:

Gas capacity constraint Liquid capacity constraint

For diameters 24 in (600mm) or less,

the seam-to-seam length should not
exceed the following:

For separators greater than 24 in

(600mm) in diameter, add 2.5 ft
(700mm) to the calculated Lss and
will be rounded off between ranges
of 5 to 10 ft (1500-3000mm).
Example 3: Sizing a Two-Phase Vertical
Separator (Field units)
Given:

Parameter Value
Gas Flow Rate 10MMscfd at 0.6 specific gravity
Oil flow rate 2000 BOPD at 40°API
Operating pressure 1000 psia
Operating temperature 60°F
Droplet size removal 140 microns
Retention time 3 minutes
Compressibility factor 0.84
Viscosity 0.013
Solution:
Step 1: The value of the drag coefficient 𝑐𝐷 should first be calculated using an
iterative method:
Convert API to density:
141.5 141.5 𝑙𝑏
𝜌𝑙 = 62.4 𝜌𝑙 = 62.4 = 51.48 𝑓𝑡 3
131.5+𝐴𝑃𝐼 131.5+40
𝑆𝑃
𝜌𝑔 = 2.70 let Z = 0.84 as an acceptable standard
𝑇𝑍
Substitute:
0.6 1000 𝑙𝑏
𝜌𝑔 = 2.70 = 3.71 𝑓𝑡 3
15.6+459.67 (0.84)
Solution:
1Τ2
𝜌𝑙 −𝜌𝑔 𝑑𝑚
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0119 𝜌𝑔 𝐶𝐷

Substitute and first let 𝐶𝐷 = 0.34

51.5−3.71 140 1Τ2
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0119 = 0.8664 𝑓𝑡/𝑠
3.71 0.34

Then solve for Re letting µ = 0.013:

𝜌𝑔 𝑑𝑚 𝑉
𝑅𝑒 = 0.0049 𝜋
3.71 140 (0.8664)
𝑅𝑒 = 0.0049 = 169.67
0.013
Solution:
24 3
𝐶𝐷 = 𝑅𝑒 + 𝑅𝑒 1Τ2 + 0.34 51.5−3.71 140 1Τ2 𝑓𝑡
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0119 = 0. 5988
3.71 0.7118 𝑠
Substitute: 3.71 140 (0.5988)
𝑅𝑒 = 0.0049 = 117.2654
24 3 0.013
𝐶𝐷 = 169.67
+ (169.67)1Τ2
+ 0.34 24 3
𝐶𝐷 = + + 0.34 = 0.8217
117.2654 (117.2654)1Τ2
𝐶𝐷 = 0.7118
Repeat 𝑉𝑡 using new 𝐶𝐷
51.5−3.71 140 1Τ2 𝑓𝑡
Repeat 𝑉𝑡 using new 𝐶𝐷 𝑉𝑡 = 0.0119 = 0. 5573
3.71 0.8217 𝑠
1Τ2 3.71 140 (0.5573)
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0119
𝜌𝑙 −𝜌𝑔 𝑑𝑚 𝑅𝑒 = 0.0049 = 109.1396
0.013
𝜌𝑔 𝐶𝐷
24 3
𝐶𝐷 = 109.1396 + (109.1396)1Τ2 + 0.34 = 0.8471
Solution:
Previous 𝐶𝐷 = 0.8471
51.5−3.71 140 1Τ2 𝑓𝑡
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0119 = 0. 5489
3.71 0.8471 𝑠
3.71 140 (0.5489)
𝑅𝑒 = 0.0049 = 107.4930
0.013
24 3
𝐶𝐷 = + + 0.34 = 0.8526
107.4930 (107.4930)1Τ2

Repeat 𝑉𝑡 using new 𝐶𝐷

51.5−3.71 140 1Τ2 𝑓𝑡
𝑉𝑡 = 0.0119 = 0. 5471
3.71 0.8526 𝑠
3.71 140 (0.5471)
𝑅𝑒 = 0.0049 = 107.1420
0.013
24 3
𝐶𝐷 = + + 0.34 = 𝟎. 𝟖538
107.1420 (107.1420)1Τ2
Solution:
Step 2: Gas capacity constraint to solve for required minimum diameter
1Τ2
2 𝑇𝑍𝑄𝑔 𝜌𝑔 𝐶𝐷
𝑑 = 5,040 𝑃 𝜌𝑙 −𝜌𝑔 𝑑𝑚

2 (60+459.67)(0.84)(10) 3.71 𝟎.𝟖𝟓𝟑𝟖 1Τ2

𝑑 = 5,040
1000 51.48−3.71 140

𝑑 = 21.88 inches minimum required diameter in terms of gas capacity constraints

Chosen separator size should at least be 22 inches in diameter.

Solution:
STEP 3: Liquid capacity (Liquid Leff) constraints for every given standard diameter:
𝑡 𝑄 3𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑠 ∗(2,000𝐵𝑂𝑃𝐷)
𝑑2 ℎ = 0.12
𝑟 𝑙
= = 50,000 minimum liquid capacity
0.12
50,000
ℎ= 𝑑2
Standard diameter, d (in) Liquid Height, h (in)
24 86.81
30 55.56
36 38.58
42 28.34
48 21.70
Solution:
STEP 4: Calculate seam-to-seam length Lss for each standard diameter

For diameters ≤ 36 inches:

ℎ+76
𝐿𝑠𝑠 = 12

For diameters > 36 inches:

ℎ+𝑑+𝟒𝟎
𝐿𝑠𝑠 = 12
Solution:
Tabulate results of diameter vs seam-to-seam length:

Diameter, d (in) Seam-to-seam length, Lss (ft)

24 13.57
30 10.96
36 9.55
42 9.20
48 9.14
Solution:
STEP 6: Compute the slenderness ratio SR for each standard diameter:
12∗𝐿𝑠𝑠
𝑆𝑅 = 𝑑

Diameter, d (in) Slenderness ratio

24 6.78
30 4.49
36 3.18
42 2.63
48 2.29
Solution:
STEP 7: Consolidate all calculated values into one table and select the optimum diameter
(should be greater than minimum diameter) and length based on a slenderness ratio within the
range of 3-4.
Diameter, d Height, h (in) Seam-to-seam Slenderness
(in) length, Lss (ft) ratio
24 86.81 15.03 6.78
30 55.56 13.57 4.49
36 38.58 9.55* 3.18
42 28.34 9.20* 2.63
48 21.70 9.14* 2.29

A separator with a standard diameter of 36 inches and length of 10 ft (9.55+2.5)* is therefore

chosen to be the optimum design
Example 4: Sizing a Two-Phase Vertical
Separator (SI Units)
This section will be skipped due to major errors found in the reference material
used.
It is recommended that problems under this case have the working
conditions/given parameters be converted first into field units and then
proceeding with the calculations using field unit procedures.
Please proceed with utmost caution when using the reference material
regarding this topic.
NEXT TOPIC:
DESIGN OF SEPARATORS
PART 3
THREE-PHASE HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL SEPARATORS