In the race to design higher-capacity facilities, separation vessels are becoming increasingly larger in size and weight. As we attempt to extend field life and defer abandonment costs operating envelopes are becoming increasingly larger in scope. During early field life, vessels are expected to meet peak rates that may, at best, only be in place for several months; the same vessels are also expected to handle large volumes of solids and water during late life. As a result, design engineers and equipment manufacturers are producing increasingly expensive vessels and associated instrumentation without reviewing the consequences on full life-cycle operating conditions. This presentation aims to highlight unforeseen consequences as well as provide design solutions or operating adjustments based on historical troubleshooting that address the entire field life.
