Patent ID: 7383102
Filing Date: 2008-06-03
Classification: G05D

Abstract:
1. A method of mitigating slug flow in a multiphase system comprising a riser, a manifold and a separator, the method comprising: monitoring flow parameters at the separator and upstream of the separator; regulating flow into the separator based upon said flow parameters to mitigate said slug flow in a pre-emptive manner; disposing a choke valve upstream of the separator; and opening or closing said choke valve to regulate said flow; defining a permissible range for said flow parameters; and opening said choke valve to a maximum position or closing said choke valve to a minimum position when at least one of said flow parameters is outside of said permissible range; and determining a new choke position for said choke valve that is between said maximum position and said minimum position, wherein said new choke position is based at least in part on at least one of the factors selected from the group consisting of: time for said choke valve to reach said new choke position, a choke position from a previous opening or closing of said choke valve, and a current choke position.