NATCO Horizontal Longitudinal Flow (HLF) Separator

Horizontal separators are configured to meet your production needs

W EL L S I T E

W E LL SI T E

M I D S TRE A M

Camerons NATCO HLF separator is one of the most

popular and versatile separators in the industry. Designed
with a wide range of internals specific to each application,
it is suitable for a full range of gas/oil ratios, pressures and
flow rates. The horizontal design offers the advantage of
large gas/liquid and oil/water interfacial areas to speed the
separation process.

How It Works
Like all separators, the HLF must perform four distinct
functions inlet momentum control, vapor demisting,
liquid retention and liquid outlet control.

NATCO standard HLF separator

Typically, the inlet is on one end of the horizontal separator

and the gas and liquid outlets are on the opposite end. As
fluid enters, bulk separation occurs at the inlet device. The
phases separate within the liquid retention section and
flow to their respective outlets. Demisting and coalescing
devices assist in the phase separation, and vortex breakers
prevent the re-entrainment of phases.

Inlet Momentum Control

In the horizontal separator, several alternatives are
available for controlling inlet momentum. NATCO splash
plates, dished heads and the PORTA-TEST REVOLUTION
are available. The inlet device controls the inlet momentum
by redirecting the inlet stream and dissipating the
energy of the inlet fluid. Additionally, the PORTA-TEST
REVOLUTION utilizes the energy of the incoming fluid to
eliminate foam.

Typical production separator

Vapor Demisting
There are several options available for vapor demisting.
Wire mesh, serpentine vanes and NATCO PERFORMAX all
are viable alternatives for removing liquid droplets from
the flowing gas stream. PERFORMAX and serpentine vanes
normally are installed vertically (perpendicular to flow)
in the gas phase across the vessel diameter. The tortuous
flow path of the devices creates an inertial separation
mechanism. Wire mesh utilized in a separator can be
installed in a horizontal position at the gas outlet for final
cleanup. Wire mesh relies on droplet impingement and
coalescence as the separation mechanism.

MIDSTREAM

Cup (dished head) and shelf inlet diverter

PORTA-TEST REVOLUTION
Data Sheet | AD01135P

Liquid Retention

Performance

In three-phase designs, oil and water

separate in the liquid retention
section. PERFORMAX elements are
typically utilized to speed the liquid/
liquid coalescing process. Sizing of
the liquid section normally is based
on retention time. The retention
time required is heavily influenced by
the crude oil gravity, the operating
temperature and the required outlet
bottom solids and water (BS&W).
Sand jet systems also can be added
in this section to allow sand removal
from the vessel during operation.

Horizontal separator performance is

determined by the characteristics of
the fluid being separated, the size of
the vessel and the type of internals
installed. In general, liquid carryover
in the effluent gas stream will not
exceed 0.1 gal of particles larger
than 10 /MMcf of gas if serpentine
vanes are utilized for gas demisting.
Performance is enhanced if wire
mesh is used. To enhance oil/water
separation in three-phase separators,
PORTA-TEST REVOLUTION internals,
perforated baffles and PERFORMAX
coalescing sections can all be added.
BS&W content in the outlet oil stream
can be reduced significantly with the
inclusion of one or a combination of
these items.

Liquid Outlet Control

The purpose of the outlet control
section is to prevent re-entrainment
of the separated phases. Several
alternative configurations are available
for three-phase outlets bucket
and weir, bucket and riser, fixed
weir, spillover weir and standpipe.
Cameron can recommend the proper
configuration for your application.
Liquid and gas outlet vortex breakers
also are typically included in this
section. Camerons vortex breaker
designs and placement focus on
preventing vortexes from occurring.

Three-phase separator (fixed weir)

PERFORMAX and serpentine vane

Three-phase separator (spillover weir)

Bucket and riser

Three-phase bucket and weir

Applications
Because of their versatility, horizontal
separators are used as production
separators, test separators, gas
scrubbers, wellhead separators,
slug catchers, freewater knockouts,
degassing drums, flare scrubbers, inlet
separators and floating production
separators.

L O C AT I O N S
United States of America
11210 Equity Dr., Suite 100
Houston, TX 77041
USA
Tel 713.849.7500

Marcellus/Utica
Laceyville 570.869.3104
Nitro 304.755.9400
Midcontinent
Oklahoma City 405.677.8827

Rockies
Casper 307.234.7183
Bloomfield 505.634.1400
Grand Junction 970.243.3600
Vernal 435.789.1796
Williston 701.774.5500

www.c-a-m.com
2013 Cameron | NATCO, PERFORMAX, PORTA-TEST and REVOLUTION are registered trademarks of Cameron | 10/13 AD01135P

Texas
Caldwell 979.272.7101
Corpus Christi 361.289.0488
Godley 817.389.2676
Longview 903.759.2738
Odessa 432.530.3600

Canada
Leduc 780.986.9803