Vessel Sizing & Separator Design Course
Master separator design criteria, internal selection & sizing calculations for vertical & horizontal vessels with examples.
43 lessons · 5 h 16 min of video · 1 download · 5 quizzes
Certificate of completion
What you will learn
- Dive deep into Major Separation Parameters
- Select proper Vessel Configuration and Internals
- Detailed Vessel Sizing Criteria and Common Practices
- Organized Procedure for Vessel Sizing
- Detailed Examples for Sizing Different Vessel Configurations
- How Vessel Sizing is Integrated in a Project
- Lessons
- 43
- Video time
- 5 h 16 min
- Downloads
- 1
- Text lessons
- 1
This course includes
- Videos
- Certificates
- Quizzes
Course content
9 sections · 43 lessons · 5 h 16 min
Introduction
- IntroductionFree preview2:07
- Separator type selection, internals and design criteriaFree preview14:08
Separation Fundamental Concepts and Criteria
- Effect of Required Droplet Size and K Factor12:31
- Specifying K factor for vertical vessels4:23
- Calculating Droplet Size for Horizontal Vessels using Ballistic model9:49
- Understanding Vessels function as a surge drum5:16
- Vessel Level Operation in a P&ID3:04
- Residence Time Criteria13:07
- Minimum span Criteria5:38
- Effect of normal liquid level on separation efficiency3:54
- Effect of foaming and inlet slugs6:56
- Effect of Fouling on Vessel Internals2:08
- Degassing Criterion2:13
- Vessels Quiz 1
Vessel Configurations and Internals
- Main Vessel Sections6:26
- Choosing Vertical vs Horizontal vessels6:15
- Types of Inlet Devices15:35
- Plate Packs and Coalescers4:36
- Vessel Outlet Devices7:10
- Vessels Quiz 2
Vessel Sizing Procedure and Calculations
- Factors affecting maximum particle size6:28
- Sizing Procedure for vertical separators6:31
- Horizontal Separator Sizing Procedure9:36
- Vessels Quiz 3
Example 1: Low Temperature Separator
- Vertical Vessel with only deflector – No outlet Device20:10
- Effect of Adding IVD (Schoepentoeter), Mesh Pad, or Vane Pack15:48
- Sizing the separator as a horizontal vessel18:03
- Adding devices to the horizontal separator10:38
- Adding overdesign factor for vertical and horizontal vessels Sizing4:42
Other Sizing Examples
- Compressor Suction Scrubber17:01
- Debutanizer Overhead Accumulator and effect of residence time16:04
- Example Accomodating slug and foaming4:57
- Vessels Quiz 4
Examples Sizing 3 phase separators
- Example Liquid Collecting vessel with boot configuration11:21
- Sizing 3 phase separator with weir configuration25:18
- Explaining main concepts introducing plate packs4:38
- Vessels Quiz 5
Process Engineering Considerations in a Vessel
- Role of Vessel sizing in project Workflow3:39
- Piping, instrument and other nozzle considerations10:52
- Determining the design conditions10:15
- Example of Vessel Datasheet8:52
- Access files for all course examples
So what's next?
- Let's go to the next level
About this course
This course offers a practical and theory-backed approach to separator design and sizing, guiding learners through key concepts such as droplet size, K factor, residence time, and operating conditions like foaming and slugging. Through lectures, case studies, and Excel-based exercises, you’ll learn to select appropriate separator types and internals, apply separation criteria, and design both two-phase and three-phase vessels tailored to real-world process requirements.
This course in a nutshell
Separators are one of the major components in any oil and gas plant, as they ensure that downstream equipment receives proper fluid, in addition to acting as surge drums providing time for the plant operator to act against operational instabilities.
As process engineers, we’re tasked with vessel/separator design activity in nearly all projects. However, without a deep understanding of the underlying principles, design criteria, and best practices, separator sizing can be a challenging and even overwhelming task. Poor separator sizing can lead to major issues that can either impact project cost and schedule or cause operability or even safety issues in the plant.
This course is designed to empower chemical engineers with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently tackle separator design and sizing when designing a vessel.
Course overview
This course provides a comprehensive guide to separator design and sizing, covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications. Through a series of lectures, case studies, and hands-on exercises, you’ll learn how to:
- Select the appropriate separator type and internals based on process requirements
- Apply fundamental separation concepts and criteria to your designs
- Understand the impact of key factors such as droplet size, K factor, and residence time
- Consider the effects of operating conditions like foaming, slugging, and fouling
- Integrate process engineering considerations into your vessel designs
- Size and design two-phase and three-phase separators for various applications. This shall be through different real-world examples using an Excel sheet.
By the end of this course, you’ll have the expertise and confidence to tackle separator sizing projects efficiently and effectively, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in your oil and gas processing facilities.
Table of contents
This course covers the following topics:
- Separation Fundamental Concepts and Criteria
- Vessel Configurations and Internals
- Vessel Sizing Procedures and Calculations
- Separator Sizing Examples and Case Studies
- Other Process Engineering Considerations in Vessel Design
By the end of this course
Upon completing this course, you will:
- Understand the critical role of separators in oil and gas processes
- Be able to select the appropriate separator type and internals for your specific applications
- Have a solid grasp of the fundamental concepts and theories behind separator design and sizing
- Gain practical experience in sizing two-phase and three-phase separators
- Know how to account for the effects of operating conditions on separator performance
- Be able to integrate process engineering considerations into your vessel designs
Have a look at the free lessons in the curriculum below (free preview videos have no lock icon), and I hope you shall enjoy the course!
Who this course is for
This course is designed for chemical engineering fresh graduates as well as experienced engineers looking to expand their knowledge in process engineering.
A basic understanding of chemical engineering principles and what a chemical, oil and gas plant components is needed. For example, it’s important to have some basic knowledge of what a distillation tower or heat exchanger or flash drum separators are.
Your instructor
Mohamad
Process Engineer
Mohamad is a chemical engineer with over 16 years of experience in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, particularly in the field of process design engineering. He has worked on projects for various engineering companies. Seeing firsthand the need for practical engineering learning tools, Mohamad began creating online courses and educational content focused on real-world process engineering workflows. He aims to make complex technical concepts approachable through the use of demonstrations, simulations, and practice exercises. Mohamad is passionate about equipping the next generation of engineers with the skills and knowledge to excel in their careers.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I take this course?
As a process engineer seeking to join a career related to a process design career, understanding vessel and separator sizing is an essential skill for any process engineer.
Does this course talk from a theoritical point of view?
We need to understand the important parameters that shall affect the efficiency of separation. However, we need to understand how this shall be applied in our project. That’s why the course focuses on design criteria that are used along with real-world examples showing how separators and surge drums are sized.
Can I use the supplied Excel sheet for my private calculations?
Yes, you can. However, please note that the Excel sheets were made just for educational purposes. If you use it to validate a process or purchase vessels, then you should validate it yourself, and using it shall be upon your sole responsibility.
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What prerequisites do I need to take this course?
This course is designed for chemical engineering fresh graduates as well as experienced engineers looking to expand their knowledge in process engineering. A basic understanding of chemical engineering principles and what a chemical, oil and gas plant components is needed. For example, it’s important to have some basic knowledge of what a distillation tower or heat exchanger or flash drum separators are.
Guarantee
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee. Secure checkout, full lifetime access.
