Separator and Method of Separation

Abstract

A method of separating a multiphase fluid, the fluid including a relatively high density component and a relatively low density component, that includes introducing the fluid into a separation region; imparting a rotational movement into the multiphase fluid; forming an outer annular region of rotating fluid of predetermined thickness within the separation region; and forming and maintaining a core of fluid in an inner region. Fluid entering the separation vessel is directed into the outer annular region and the thickness of the outer annular region is such that the high density component is concentrated and substantially contained within this region, the low density component being concentrated in the rotating core. A separation system employing the method is also provided. The method and system are particularly suitable for the separation of solid debris from the fluids produced by a subterranean oil or gas well at wellhead flow pressure.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A subsea processing assembly comprising:
 a wellhead assembly through which fluids are produced from a subterranean well;   a separator assembly comprising a fluid inlet connected to the wellhead assembly for receiving fluids produced from the well, the separator assembly being operable at well pressure to remove well debris entrained in the fluids to produce a solids rich phase and a fluid phase, the separator assembly comprising a fluid outlet for the fluid phase; and   a choke assembly comprising an inlet connected to the fluid outlet of the separator assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The processing assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the separator assembly is located subsea. 
     
     
         3 . The processing assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the separator assembly is located on a platform, the processing assembly further comprising:
 a fluid receiving assembly for receiving fluids produced from a subterranean well, the separator assembly comprising a fluid inlet connected to the fluid receiving assembly for receiving the fluids produced from the well.   
     
     
         4 . A processing assembly comprising:
 a fluid receiving assembly for receiving fluids produced from a subterranean well;   a separator assembly comprising a fluid inlet connected to the fluid receiving assembly for receiving fluids produced from the well, the separator assembly being operable at well pressure to remove well debris entrained in the fluids to produce a solids rich phase and a fluid phase, the separator assembly comprising a fluid outlet for the fluid phase; and   a choke assembly comprising an inlet connected to the fluid outlet of the separator assembly.   
     
     
         5 . The processing assembly of  claim 4 , further comprising a wellhead assembly through which fluids are produced from the subterranean well. 
     
     
         6 . The processing assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the wellhead assembly is located subsea. 
     
     
         7 . The processing assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the separator assembly is located on a platform.