consultancy Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

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Motion Control on an FPSO

Motion studies allow performance issues on FPSOs to be resolved and help to ensure that production
can continue in adverse weather conditions. To this end, CFD is used to inform the choice of the baffle
systems inside the vessel, subject to the operational conditions, the arrangement of the separator vessel
and its internals. This ensures that the effects of sloshing on the production processes can be minimized.

The Goal
To design a baffle arrangement that
controls sloshing, allowing separation
to continue by:-
• Minimizing disturbances to the
phase interfaces.
• Reducing liquid carry-over into the
gas stream.
• Reducing gas carry-under through
the liquid outlets.
• Preventing the movement of water
over the weir plate into the oil stream.

Above: The graphic shows the gas / liquid interface in a primary horizontal 3-phase separator. Parts
shown in pale blue are solid plates, parts coloured dark blue are porous baffles and the gas / liquid
interface is shown in red.

Right: The graphic shows sloshing in a gas

scrubber contained by the vertical porous baffle
and a containment ring. The motion control in
the gas scrubber has to prevent gas carry under
and liquid re-entrainment back into the gas
stream.

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Copyright © Zeta-pdm Ltd. 2010. All rights reserved. Motion Control on an FPSO Rev 2 Page 1/1