Collaborating for a better understanding of oil and gas separation technology
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is launching a multi-million dollar joint industry project to better understand oil and gas separation technology. Known as the Separation Technology Research (STAR) Program, the objective is to combine industry knowledge and resources to advance research that could lead to better equipment and test protocols.
 |
|
SwRI's Multiphase Flow Facility. Credit: SwRI |
The program joins resources and industry experts, allowing for a more cost-effective approach to solving problems, especially in an environment where companies develop oil and gas fields in partnerships -- and making decisions with common data is beneficial. Members of the three-year program will guide research initiatives by developing a project scope, identifying technologies to be tested, providing input on standard test approaches, witnessing testing and commenting on results.
"Separating fluid mixtures into streams of oil, natural gas and water efficiently and cost-effectively using lighter weight equipment that requires less space is very important to the industry. The STAR Program will involve this three-phase separation process as well as gas/liquid separation and liquid/liquid separation," said Chris Buckingham, a program director in SwRI's Fluids and Machinery Engineering Department and manager of the STAR Program. "This collaborative approach means both company-proprietary and non-proprietary equipment can be tested, with results shared among the members. Additionally, research will be conducted using existing gas/liquid flow loops in place at SwRI, minimizing capital costs."
The program will, ultimately, develop standardized testing methods, collect data to improve equipment performance, and develop analytical models for various types of separation equipment.
For more:
- see this
report
© 2014 FierceMarkets, a division of Questex Media Group LLC. All rights reserved.