Offshore Cleaning Systems launches alternative for conventional separator
As oil and gas wells begin to age, they begin to produce higher volumes of sand. These higher volumes of sand, in many cases can hinder optimal performance of the well. The Sandsweeper system from Offshore Cleaning Systems is an alternative to conventional separator cleaning which can greatly reduce downtime and loss of production.
The Sandsweeper is a combination of internally mounted sand jetting apparatus and externally mounted sand/solids separation equipment that is operated on a batch cleaning basis. The primary benefit of the system is that it is sold as a service rather than equipment only. Through the incorporation of thermographic imaging technology, sand removal can now be performed as scheduled maintenance rather than corrective action to process upset. It can be mounted without welding in existing and new separators.
Presently, along the US Gulf Coast, all produced sand and solids must be collected and disposed of in permitted waste facilities. A large majority of the de-sanding/cleaning operations are performed on a conventional basis. Separators are taken off-line, de-pressurized, drained, vented, and either entered via existing man-way, or cleaned from the man-way, utilizing wash and pump techniques.
The downside of this conventional approach goes without mention. However, it is the best available technology for this region, primarily due to the lack of alternative technology that can efficiently perform the removal operations “on-line” without major capital outlay, continued personnel training, and an indicator of when to operate the system without waiting for process upset.
As wellhead de-sanding technologies are used in removal, clean and dump applications, they are out of place in the Gulf of Mexico and other areas where sand must be collected and transported off-site for disposal. Their ability to remove sand upstream of separation equipment is proven effective. However, what to do with the sand once collected is somewhat of a problem.
“The impetus behind our R&D began when we were instructed to remove many sand jetting manifolds from separators due to their non-use. So, it’s not that our approach is new, it’s just that due to the changing of personnel and sale of properties, many operators don’t realize the existence of a sand jetting system, within a vessel. And even if they do, they don’t know the proper flow and pressure combinations to operate the manifold under original design parameters. By installing and managing these systems, a third-party contractor can more effectively apply the process,” says the company.
