MAXIMISING PRODUCTIVE CAPABILITY OF PRECIPITATION GRAVITY CLASSIFIERS WITH LOW COST IMPROVEMENTS

QAL continues to utilise gravity classifiers to segregate hydrate in precipitation. Over recent years, significant development work has been completed to improve the performance of these vessels.

Previous learnings have been reported on trials to improve the performance of secondary thickeners through the use of RTA’s proprietary HyDens technology (Boivin et al, 2015). Following the conclusion of these trials, other opportunities have been identified to improve the management of gravity classifiers to optimise their performance.

Tertiary thickeners have also been a source of improvement over recent years. Through the novel adapaption of the control system, minor capital upgrades and several changes to operating practices, QAL has seen a significant improvement in underflow density management, whilst also achieving a reduction in labour requirements and improved vessel reliability. The improvement in underflow density management has translated to production opportunities through better capability of a plant bottleneck and reduced maintenance and turn around costs.

This paper looks to share the development work QAL has undertaken over the past five years.