The MultiPipe separator is a compact subsea gas-liquid separation solution based on proven onshore solutions for pipe slug catcher design. It has significantly lower weight and smaller volume compared to other technologies.
The basic principle of the pipe based separation system is to distribute the gas/liquid two-phase flow into several parallel pipe sections. This makes it possible to increase the total cross sectional flow area in the separator to reduce the fluid velocity and at the same time keep a short settling distance for the liquid droplets. Short droplet settling distance has in general a favorable effect on the efficiency and quality of gas-liquid separation. The separation principle is much the same as what happens in a horizontal separator. The MultiPipe separator can be designed according to pipe code and compared to pressure vessels the required wall thickness will be considerably reduced. Furthermore, the piping could also be integrated as a part of the subsea structure. Each of these factors represents a potential weight and cost reduction.
Currently, FMC are performing extensive testing of the concept at realistic production conditions. The tests will also involve a number of secondary separation solutions in combination with the MultiPipe.