Flow Rates & Conditions
Fluid Properties
Design Parameters
Calculated Sizing Outputs
Diameter (ID), Seam-to-Seam Length (L_ss), Effective Length (L_eff), L/D Ratio.
Gas Velocity (Vg), Terminal Velocity (Vt), K-Factor, Souders-Brown Limit.
Retention Time, Liquid Level Height, Surge Volume, Slenderness Ratio.
📚 Learn the Theory
Learn settling velocity, retention time, L/D ratios, and design per API 12J standards
Design Formulas
Souders-Brown Equation (API 12J):
Maximum allowable gas velocity for droplet separation
Stokes Law (Droplet Settling):
Liquid Retention Volume:
Shell Thickness (ASME VIII UG-27):
K-factor Selection:
K-factors vary by vessel orientation, mist eliminator type, and operating pressure. Values are automatically selected per GPSA and API 12J.
Typical Retention Times:
• Oil phase: 1-3 min (2-phase), 3-5 min (3-phase)
• Water phase: 3-5 min minimum
Design Guidelines
Separator Selection:
• Horizontal: High liquid rates, foam control, L/D = 3-5
• Vertical: High GOR (>10,000 scf/bbl), small footprint, L/D = 2-4
Mist Eliminator Selection:
• Wire Mesh: 10-100 μm removal, ΔP = 0.5-1 psi
• Vane Pack: 5-50 μm removal, ΔP = 1-2 psi, compact
• None: Design for 500+ μm droplet, conservative
Standard Diameters (API 12J):
12", 16", 20", 24", 30", 36", 42", 48", 60", 72", 84", 96"...