Analysis of remaining life assessment of three-phase gravity separator for oil rectification with the simultaneous usean RBI matrix

Abstract

The paper presents a detailed description of the oil rectification process used in upstream oil and gas plants, including the significant equipment involved. One such equipment highlighted in the study is a pressure vessel utilized as a separator to separate the liquid and gas phases. This pressure vessel has been in operation for over two decades. A thorough examination of the mentioned pressure equipment was conducted during the process evaluation. It was discovered that the internal side of the vessel, particularly its back elliptical head, had suffered extensive damage due to erosion and corrosion, emerging as the most significant cause of the deterioration. The application of RBI-estimation revealed that the vessel falls under the category of highly risk equipment, and there is a significant risk of both environmental and financial consequences associated with its potential failure (leakage). Such failure is anticipated to occur promptly in the area below the wear plate of the vessel's nozzle.