TWO-PHASE SEPARATOR
Gas-liquid separation at the wellhead and station -- clean, reliable, built to your process spec.
Where This Separator Is Deployed
Two-phase separators handle the first and most critical step in any production system -- removing liquid from gas or gas from liquid before either stream moves downstream.
Wellhead Gas-Liquid Separation
At the wellhead, production fluid arrives as a mixed stream of gas and liquid under high pressure. A two-phase separator at this stage protects downstream equipment by producing a stable gas stream and a clean liquid outlet. Horizontal configurations handle high liquid volume; vertical units suit space-constrained wellpads and multi-well skid installations.
Compressor Suction Scrubbing
Liquid carryover into compressor suction is one of the most common causes of valve damage and unplanned shutdowns. Our two-phase separator -- configured as an inlet scrubber -- removes entrained liquids to compressor-safe levels before gas enters the first-stage cylinder. Wire mesh demister and vortex-breaker liquid drain are standard.
Gathering Station Inlet Separation
Before commingled wellstream fluid enters a three-phase separation train, a two-phase separator at the station inlet handles the bulk gas knockout -- reducing the hydraulic load on downstream vessels and stabilizing inlet conditions for more accurate metering and dehydration.
Test Separator for Well Monitoring
Two-phase separators configured as test separators allow per-well production measurement by routing individual well streams for timed measurement of gas and liquid output. Integrated metering connections and instrument ports accommodate gas flow meters and liquid measurement equipment.
Field Reference: Wellhead Separation Equipment
Multiple gathering stations across Sinopec and CNPC operating areas. LINSON OIL is a Sinopec & CNPC HSE Certified Supplier with a multi-year track record of pressure vessel supply to both NOC systems.
Separation Principle & Internal Design
Two-phase separation divides a mixed gas-liquid stream into a gas phase and a bulk liquid phase. The process takes place in three distinct zones within the vessel.
Inlet Zone -- Primary Separation
Fluid enters through an inlet distributor -- either a half-pipe baffle, a diverter plate, or a cyclone inlet device depending on flow regime and GOR. The distributor redirects momentum, breaks slug flow, and initiates gas-liquid disengagement. A well-designed inlet is the single most important internal for separator performance under slug or pulsating flow conditions.
Gravity Separation Zone -- Settling
Once the bulk of the gas-liquid mixture is separated by the inlet device, the vessel provides a residence time zone where remaining entrained liquid droplets in the gas phase fall by gravity, and entrained gas bubbles in the liquid phase rise and disengage. Vessel dimensions are sized to provide adequate droplet settling velocity.
Mist Extraction Zone -- Final Gas Polishing
Before gas exits, it passes through a wire mesh demister pad rated at 5 μm. The mesh captures fine liquid mist that passed through the gravity zone. For high-velocity or high-pressure applications, a vane pack demister is available.
Liquid Discharge
Accumulated liquid is discharged through a level-controlled outlet. A vortex breaker on the liquid outlet nozzle prevents gas entrainment into the liquid line. Level control is by float-ball or displacer transmitter, with 4-20 mA signal output for DCS integration.
Configuration Selection: Horizontal vs. Vertical
| Factor | Horizontal | Vertical |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid handling capacity | Higher -- larger liquid surge volume | Lower -- limited by vessel diameter |
| Gas capacity | Good -- full vessel cross-section available | Good -- separation zone above liquid level |
| Footprint | Longer horizontal run required | Compact -- small surface area |
| Slug handling | Better -- more liquid surge capacity | Limited |
| Sand / solids settling | More prone to accumulation | Less accumulation risk |
| Typical application | Gathering stations, skid packages with high liquid rates | Wellhead, compressor scrubbers, vertical space-constrained |
Engineering Specifications
| Parameter | Standard Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Horizontal / Vertical | Selected per GOR, liquid loading, and footprint |
| Design Pressure | 0.6 - 10.0 MPa (g) | Higher on request |
| Design Temperature | -20°C to +200°C | Material-dependent |
| Shell Material | Q345R / 20R / 16MnDR / 316L SS | Per fluid service and temperature |
| Corrosion Allowance | 2 mm standard / 3 mm sour service | Up to 6 mm for aggressive H₂S/CO₂ |
| Inlet Device | Half-pipe baffle / Diverter plate / Cyclone | Per flow regime and GOR -- application-selected |
| Demister | Wire mesh, 5 μm | Vane pack available for high-velocity gas |
| Level Control | Float-ball / Displacer transmitter | 4-20 mA DCS output standard |
| Liquid Outlet | Vortex breaker fitted standard | Prevents gas blow-by into liquid line |
| Design Life | ≥ 10 years | Per GB 150 design basis |
| Design Code | GB 150 / ASME VIII Div.1 | Dual certification for export projects |
| NDT | RT / UT / MT / PT | Per weld class and design code |
| Pressure Test | Hydrostatic at 1.25× DP | Witnessed testing on request |
| Documentation | As-built drawings, weld maps, MTRs, test certs | 3.1 material certificates available |
| Nozzles | Fully custom layout | Per client P&ID |
Standard Factory Configuration
- › Inlet distributor (type selected per application: half-pipe / diverter / cyclone)
- › 5 μm wire mesh demister with support grid
- › Float-ball liquid level controller with 4-20 mA output
- › Vortex breaker on liquid outlet nozzle
- › Pressure relief valve (spring-loaded, sized per code)
- › Pressure gauge and transmitter connection nozzles
- › Thermometer connection
- › Inspection manhole (≥ DN450 for horizontal; ≥ DN400 for vertical)
- › Drain and vent connections
- › Lifting lugs and support legs or saddles
- › Surface treatment: internal Sa2.5 blast + lining/coating; external primer + finish
- › Factory hydrostatic pressure test & Nameplate per GB 150 requirements
OEM / ODM Customization
- Cyclone inlet device High-GOR wells, severe slug flow, high-velocity inlet streams
- Vane pack demister Gas velocity exceeds wire mesh capacity; mist carry-over constraints
- High-efficiency mist extractor Instrument gas, fuel gas, or very tight carryover spec
- H₂S / sour service material Wet H₂S service, NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 compliance
- ATEX / IECEx instrumentation Zone 1 / Zone 2 installation
- Full skid integration Vessel, piping, valves, instruments, control panel -- factory pre-fabricated
- ASME U-stamp Export projects requiring U-stamp certification
Every Vessel Certified, Tested, and Documented
Before it leaves our factory, every piece of equipment undergoes rigorous in-house quality control.
Core Credentials
- Special Equipment Manufacturing License -- Pressure Vessels (A2 + High-Pressure Vessel)
- GB 150 design and fabrication compliance
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
- CNAS Accredited Laboratory (In-house NDT & Testing)
- Sinopec & CNPC HSE Certified Supplier
Patent Highlight
LINSON OIL's 87-patent portfolio includes patented inlet device designs and internal geometry innovations that directly improve separation efficiency in both horizontal and vertical configurations.
Fabrication QA Process
Material Traceability
All plates, pipes, and fittings arrive with mill certificates. Material ID maintained from receipt through fabrication. 3.1 certs available.
Welding Qualification
WPS and PQR records maintained. All production welders carry valid qualifications per GB/T 19869 or ASME IX.
NDT Inspection
In-house CNAS-accredited lab executes RT/UT/MT/PT. Reports reference individual weld joint numbers mapped on as-built drawings.
Hydrostatic Pressure Test
100% of pressure vessels hydrotested at ≥ 1.25× design pressure. Client and third-party witness accommodation available.
Final Inspection & Documentation
Dimensional check, instruments verified. Quality dossier issued: material certs, weld maps, NDT reports, pressure test record.
Export Packing
Nozzles blinded, internals preserved, export-standard crating. Full shipping documentation provided.
Trusted by China's Largest Oil Companies
Proven in the field across 5,000+ projects over 21 years.
No. 5 Joint Station
Heating and separation equipment package including two-phase separation stages.
HSE Certified Supplier Status
Qualified supplier in both Sinopec and CNPC systems. Reflects sustained delivery record across multiple projects, verified by rigorous audits.
Wellhead & Station Separators
Horizontal and vertical configurations delivered for wellhead, gathering station, and gas processing applications across Shandong, Xinjiang, and internationally.
Industry-Leading Warranty
Standard: 2 years from commissioning or 26 months from shipment (industry benchmark is 1 year). Long-term partners: up to 2.5 years with dedicated technical support and priority spare parts.
- Remote commissioning consultation
- Documented spare parts list
- Site visit support available
Tell Us Your Separation Challenge. We'll Size It.
Whether you need a standard wellhead scrubber or a custom skid-mounted test separator, our engineers respond to process parameters -- not catalog numbers.
Submit your process parameters and receive:
- Preliminary vessel sizing recommendation (diameter, L/D, weight class)
- Configuration recommendation with technical rationale
- Relevant project case matched to your application
* Handled by LINSON OIL process engineers. Response within 24 business hours.
LINSON OIL -- 21+ Years
5,000+ Projects | 87 Patents
Sinopec & CNPC HSE Certified Supplier