Below are some general guidelines for selection and use of instruments and valves in Facilities Sand Management systems. These come from lessons-learned in design and operation of FSM systems in various environments. This article is not as in-depth as the previous calculation heavy discussions (more of an appetizer than a full-course meal).

I’ve kept these guidelines generic so as to not promote one company over another – but equipment and service from vendor companies can vary widely.

Instrumentation

Concentration in Liquid/Fluid Stream

• Many types of intrusive and non-intrusive probes and devices on market
• Work with a company experienced and knowledgeable in applying these devices in the upstream oil & gas industry
• Anecdotal feedback suggests that calibration in multiphase and changing flow environments is very challenging

Particle Size

• Several companies provide visual particle analyzers – can provide on-line PSD
• Work with a company experienced and knowledgeable in applying these devices in the upstream oil & gas industry
• Decide whether you want full process stream or slip-stream
• Equipment must be able to accurately identify sand particles from bubbles, drops, aggregates, flocs, chemicals, etc.
• On-line feedback of changing PSD is very valuable

Level (Solids in Liquid)

• For <900# ANSI use vibrating rod/fork (internal) probe – switch
• For >1500# ANSI vessel use gamma-radiation (external) device – level
• Thermal dispersion, thermal imaging, weight based, acoustic, ultrasonic, and GWR not proven accurate/precise

Valves

Valve for handling slurry must be of suitable design and material

• Recommended: Gate (slab /slurry), rotating-disc, or full ceramic ball types
• Not Recommended: Needle, globe, and general (metallic) ball

Gate Valves

• Slab gate: available at all ANSI and to API 15K design, can be rebuilt in-situ, slab and seat should be 410SS with hard face (WC, nitride, or Stellite®)
• Slurry knife gate valve: from mining industry, best type but limited rating, typically 300# max design, do not use any polymer internals

Rotating Disc

• Available to 2500#(?), self-lapping (maintains tight seal), excellent in severe slurry use, full port flow

Ceramic Ball Valve

• Must be full ceramic (ball and seat and cavity liner), limited to 300#(?)

The next article will cover “critical sizes of produced solids” – an advanced approach to FSM.