A Review of Current Technologies for Severe Slugging Remediation

Abstract

One important problem expeienced in flexible risers is severe slugging phenomenon that typically occurs in the flowline-riser systems found on offshore floating production facilities. The flow and pressure oscillations due to severe slugging have several undesirable effects on the downstream topside facilities unless they are designed to accommodate them. However, designing the topside facilities to accept these transients may require large and expensive slug catchers with compression systems equipped with fast responding control systems. This may not be cost-effective and it may be more prudent to design the system to operate in a stable manner. While lowering production rates (slowing fluid velocity) can minimize severe slugging, operators are investigating alternatives that would allow for maximum production rates without the interruptions caused by slugs. This article references a combination of industrial experience and information from the literature to compile a list of methods of remediating the problems associated with severe slugging in pipeline-riser systems.