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Gas Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone Separator

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Gas liquid cylindrical cyclone separator, abbreviated as GLCC, is a type of separation device used in the oil and gas industry and other process industries to separate gas and liquid phases from a mixed fluid stream.  It is designed to efficiently separate gas and liquid components by exploiting the principles of centrifugal force and gravity.  The design is a very simple two phase metering unit designed to measure two phase flow.  It consists of a vertical cylinder with an inclined, tangential inlet.  The design and construction of the vessel's cyclonic action is proprietary to members of the Tulsa University Separation Technology Project.

Gas Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone Separator Index

 

Gas Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone Separator Advantages and Disadvantages

AdvantagesDisadvantages
  • GLCC separators are often more compact compared to traditional separators, making them suitable for installations with space constraints.
  • GLCC separators can achieve high separation efficiency due to the cyclonic motion, which enhances the gravitational separation of phases.
  • The pressure drop across GLCC separators is typically lower than in some other types of separators, resulting in energy savings.
  • GLCC separators can operate continuously without the need for frequent shutdowns or maintenance, contributing to overall process efficiency.
  • They can handle a wide range of flow rates and fluid compositions, making them versatile in various applications, including oil and gas production.
  • GLCC separators have relatively low maintenance requirements compared to some other types of separators, contributing to cost-effectiveness.
  • GLCC separators are effective in separating gas and liquid phases in multiphase flow situations.
  • The compact design and efficiency of GLCC separators often result in a smaller footprint compared to traditional separators.
  • GLCC separators can be sensitive to variations in operating conditions, and their performance may be affected by changes in flow rates or fluid properties.
  • GLCC separators are primarily designed for gas liquid separation and may not be as effective in handling solid particles present in the fluid.
  • Designing GLCC separators requires careful consideration of geometry and operating parameters, which may add complexity to the engineering process.
  • The high speed cyclonic motion within the separator may lead to wear and erosion of internal components over time, requiring periodic inspection and maintenance.
  • GLCC separators may face challenges when dealing with foamy liquids, as foam can affect the efficiency of the separation process.
  • Extreme temperatures may affect the performance of GLCC separators, and additional measures may be required to handle temperature variations.
  • While GLCC separators can be cost effective in terms of operation and maintenance, the initial capital cost may be higher than that of simpler separators.

 

How GLCC Typically Work

  • Inlet  -  The mixed gas-liquid stream enters the GLCC separator through an inlet.  This inlet is designed to induce a swirling motion in the fluid.
  • Cyclonic Action  -  As the fluid swirls inside the GLCC separator, centrifugal forces cause the heavier liquid phase to move towards the outer wall of the separator, while the lighter gas phase tends to move toward the center.
  • Gas Outlet  -  The separated gas phase, which is concentrated in the center due to its lower density, moves upward and exits the separator through a gas outlet at the top.
  • Liquid Outlet  -  The separated liquid phase, which is more concentrated near the outer wall, moves downward and exits the separator through a liquid outlet at the bottom.
  • Control and Maintenance  -  GLCC separators often have mechanisms to control the flow rates of the separated gas and liquid phases and may include features like level control and pressure control to maintain efficient separation.

Flow is conditioned at the inlet of the vessel to help spur the breakout of gas from the fluid.  When fluid enters the vessel, it swirls into a cyclone.  This combines the gravitational, centrifugal and buoyancy forces to separate the liquids from the gas.  The resulting vortex causes the liquids move outward and down in the cylinder, while the gas travels inward and upward.  Depending on the function of the GLCC, the gas or liquid can be metered.  The gas and liquids may or may not be recombined.

The GLCC separator is particularly useful in applications where traditional separators might not be as effective or efficient.  It is known for its compact design, low maintenance requirements, and ability to handle high gas-liquid ratios.  It is commonly used in oil and gas production facilities to separate gas and liquid phases, but it can also be applied in other industries where gas-liquid separation is necessary.

The specific design and size of a GLCC separator can vary depending on the flow rates, fluid properties, and separation requirements of a particular application.  It is a valuable tool for improving the efficiency of production processes and ensuring the quality of separated gas and liquid phases.

Reasons for GLCC

The GLCC has been used in both heavy and light oils as well as on coal bed methane wells.  The GLCCs success comes from its ability to continuously measure the flow going through the skid.  Continuous real time measurement of the well provides performance characteristics that are unavailable with other existing technologies.  

Due to its small footprint, the GLCC is used offshore where space may be limited.  The small footprint is also beneficial when permitting costs depend on the footprint of the skid proper.

Sizing GLCC

The GLCC is not a one-size-fits-all device.  It must be engineered to each application.  The sizing calculations and software is proprietary to members of the TUSTP.  Since the vessel uses gravitational, buoyancy and centrifugal forces for separation, it cannot be sized using residence time as Stokes' law does.

History of GLCC

The Gas Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone, GLCC, was invented by Chevron engineers in the early 1990s.  Chevron assigned the patent to the University of Tulsa with the agreement that U of T would form a Joint Industry Project (JIP) to research, develop, and enhance the GLCC technology.  TUSTP research is supported by 14 leading national and international companies in the petroleum industry.

Members GLCC

TUSTP research is supported by 14 leading national and international companies in the petroleum industry.  The goal of the members of the TUSTP  and the University of Tulsa work together to better understand, analyze and design separation systems. 

  • Calscan Energy Ltd.
  • Cameron/Petreco
  • Chevron
  • Emerson Process Management
  • eProduction Solutions
  • ExxonMobil
  • Multiphase Systems Integration (MSI)
  • NATCO
  • PEMEX (Mexico)
  • Petrobras
  • Saudi Aramco (Saudi Arabia)
  • Shell
  • Systems Measurement Services (SMS)
  • Total

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