Patent ID: 6716268
Filing Date: 2004-04-06
Classification: E21B,F17D,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of controlling occurrence of slugging in a riser of a pipeline conveying a multiphase fluid system, comprising:providing separator vessel means connected to an upper part of the riser to receive from the riser the multiphase fluid system for separation of a gas phase of the fluid system from a liquid phase; providing the separator vessel means with a gas outlet comprising valve means to regulate a flow gas from the separator vessel means and thereby regulate velocity of gas flow along the pipeline towards the riser in at least a vicinity of a lower end of the riser; observing pressure in the pipeline at a position adjacent to the riser; and varying an extent to which the valve means is open to vary gas velocity in the pipeline to a value opposing or preventing occurrence of slugging in the riser.