(230b) Modeling Dynamic Gas Evolution Behavior in Hydrocarbons for Subsea Separator Applications

Offshore oil and gas production requires a minimal facilities footprint, especially regarding the equipment that is used for gas/liquid separation. As a result, compact subsea separators are becoming a more prevalent option in these production environments. Produced hydrocarbons will experience less residence time in these compact separators, thereby introducing the potential for gas carry under events that can damage downstream equipment. The gas evolution rate from the produced liquids is a key parameter that will dictate the ultimate performance of these separators. Surprisingly, the fundamental nature of gas evolution from liquid streams in these production scenarios is poorly understood, especially at high pressures in the presence of shear. This work seeks to address this gap by focusing on the numerical simulation of dynamic gas/liquid interaction and gas disengagement behavior from a liquid under flowing conditions at high pressures. The impact of various parameters on gas evolution will be explored in the context of numerical simulations supported by experimental data. Remarks on the potential applications of this model to aid in the design and development of subsea separators with a focus on high pressure applications will be made.