In this study, a computational fluid dynamics model based on the volume of fluid (VOF) method is developed to simulate the dynamic sloshing response to external excitations. The modal analysis model based on the linear potential theory is established to predict natural sloshing frequencies and the corresponding mode shapes in three-phase separators. In addition, the effects of separator location, length-to-diameter ratio, oil/water level, porosity, and spacing of perforated baffles on the sloshing response are evaluated quantitatively. Furthermore, comprehensive approaches are proposed to mitigate the sloshing, like enhancing viscous damping effect, reducing the intensity of external excitation sources, and keeping away from the resonant frequencies. Finally, a practical application is carried out to display the optimal design of a three-phase separator. The results show that three-phase separators should be located as close as possible to the center of rotation (COR) of the floating production units (FPU). The length-to-diameter ratio is recommended to be no greater than three. Once the fluids can be separated to reach their respective interfaces, the liquid level should be increased as high as possible, whereas the water level should be lowered as far as possible. There is an almost inversely linear relationship between the antisloshing performance of a perforated baffle and its porosity. The antisloshing performance is attenuated rapidly when the spacing distance of a pair of baffles exceeds a specific range. This research extends the existing scope of sloshing suppression approaches and provides useful guidance in the design of FPU-based three-phase separators.
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August 2018
Research-Article
Liquid Sloshing Suppression for Three-Phase Separators Installed on Floating Production Unit
Kang Cen,
Kang Cen
School of Civil Engineering and Architecture,
Southwest Petroleum University,
Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
e-mail: cenkangxt@126.com
Southwest Petroleum University,
Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
e-mail: cenkangxt@126.com
Search for other works by this author on:
Bin Song,
Bin Song
School of Civil Engineering and Architecture,
Southwest Petroleum University,
Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
e-mail: 201621000803@stu.swpu.edu.cn
Southwest Petroleum University,
Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
e-mail: 201621000803@stu.swpu.edu.cn
Search for other works by this author on:
Changjun Li,
Changjun Li
School of Petroleum Engineering,
Southwest Petroleum University,
Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
e-mail: lichangjunemail@sina.com
Southwest Petroleum University,
Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
e-mail: lichangjunemail@sina.com
Search for other works by this author on:
Min Jia
Min Jia
School of Civil Engineering and Architecture,
Southwest Petroleum University,
Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
e-mail: 201522000331@stu.swpu.edu.cn
Southwest Petroleum University,
Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
e-mail: 201522000331@stu.swpu.edu.cn
Search for other works by this author on:
Kang Cen
School of Civil Engineering and Architecture,
Southwest Petroleum University,
Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
e-mail: cenkangxt@126.com
Southwest Petroleum University,
Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
e-mail: cenkangxt@126.com
Bin Song
School of Civil Engineering and Architecture,
Southwest Petroleum University,
Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
e-mail: 201621000803@stu.swpu.edu.cn
Southwest Petroleum University,
Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
e-mail: 201621000803@stu.swpu.edu.cn
Changjun Li
School of Petroleum Engineering,
Southwest Petroleum University,
Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
e-mail: lichangjunemail@sina.com
Southwest Petroleum University,
Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
e-mail: lichangjunemail@sina.com
Min Jia
School of Civil Engineering and Architecture,
Southwest Petroleum University,
Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
e-mail: 201522000331@stu.swpu.edu.cn
Southwest Petroleum University,
Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
e-mail: 201522000331@stu.swpu.edu.cn
1Corresponding authors.
Contributed by the Ocean, Offshore, and Arctic Engineering Division of ASME for publication in the JOURNAL OF OFFSHORE MECHANICS AND ARCTIC ENGINEERING. Manuscript received January 16, 2017; final manuscript received March 14, 2018; published online April 19, 2018. Assoc. Editor: Ould el Moctar.
J. Offshore Mech. Arct. Eng. Aug 2018, 140(4): 041403 (15 pages)
Published Online: April 19, 2018
Article history
Received:
January 16, 2017
Revised:
March 14, 2018
Citation
Cen, K., Song, B., Li, C., and Jia, M. (April 19, 2018). "Liquid Sloshing Suppression for Three-Phase Separators Installed on Floating Production Unit." ASME. J. Offshore Mech. Arct. Eng. August 2018; 140(4): 041403. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4039719
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