Dimensionamento de vaso knockout para sistema de alívio

Abstract

Due to the economic interest in hydrocarbon production (oil and natural gas), it is necessary to subject fluids to a treatment process. Oil extraction plants often include pressure relief systems, which involve knockout drums that ensure the separation and retention of any liquids present in the released gases, preventing them from reaching the flare and interfering with combustion. The sizing of knockout drums involves sedimentation theory, assuming that droplets act as spherical particles and settle due to gravity. In this study, the L/D ratio considered was 2.8, and the minimum liquid particle size established was 300 micrometers. A minimum liquid height of 0.190 meters was calculated, exceeding the recommended minimum. The hold up height was 0.382 meters, taking into account the liquid retention time between 20 and 30 minutes. The vapor height was determined by the difference between the total drum diameter and the accumulated liquid volume, resulting in 0.424 meters. This study aimed to contribute to operational safety and the efficiency of the relief system, providing valuable information for future projects and industrial applications.