Horizontal Separator Length for Liquid Retention Formula
Horizontal Separator Length for Liquid Retention calculates required liquid settling section length for well performance workflows in production engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (V_req, F_L, D) are known and the assumptions behind the cited well performance relationship match the engineering case being checked.
Assumptions
- Input values are representative for the well, reservoir, fluid, or equipment case being evaluated.
- The declared units match the field-unit constants used in the formula.
- The cited formula applies to the selected petroleum engineering workflow.
Limitations
- The calculation does not replace a full engineering model or operating procedure.
- Accuracy depends on the source correlation, assumptions, input quality, and unit consistency.
Common mistakes
- Mixing unit systems without converting the inputs.
- Using default example values as field recommendations.
- Applying the formula outside the source assumptions.
Default example
Using the default inputs, L_req equals 17.8731 ft.
20
0.5
4
Inputs
V_req
bblRequired Liquid Settling Volume
F_L
fractionFraction of Vessel Cross-Section Occupied by Liquid
D
ftSeparator Inside Diameter
Outputs
L_req
Required Liquid Settling Section Length
V_req
Required Liquid Settling Volume
F_L
Fraction of Vessel Cross-Section Occupied by Liquid
D
Separator Inside Diameter
Source and review
reviewedJohn M. Campbell / PetroSkills horizontal separator sizing variables; Oil and Gas Separation Design Manual liquid retention-volume equation.
Source