I’ve listed some key questions that should be asked during design of any D-T-D system. These questions should be asked of your design team, operations group, and engineering contractor working on the Facilities Sand Management system. These questions will guide your decision-making process on the most appropriate process scheme to use.

• Is the facility onshore or offshore?
• Is the facility manned or un-manned?
• If offshore, can the solids be disposed overboard?
• Does the process system contain any hazardous components?
  • Gas: H₂S, BTEX
  • Liquid: Mercury
  • Solid: NORM
• Are solids, such as drill cuttings, already being handled at facility?
• What is the level of automation required?
  • Fully automated systems can be designed, but with substantially increased cost
• How will the solids be transported from the separation system to the disposal system?
• What are similar facilities in your company or the geographic area doing?

References:

1. Rawlins, C.H. and Wang, I. 2001. “Design and Installation of a Sand-Separation and -Handling System for a Gulf of Mexico Oil Production Facility”. SPE Production and Facilities, August, pp. 134-140. https://doi.org/10.2118/72999-PA
2. Rawlins, C.H. 2019. “Enhanced Production Through Surface Facilities Sand Management.” SPE Distinguished Lecturer presentation. Link here
3. Rawlins, C.H. “What to do with Produced Solids after Separation: Dewatering, Transport, and Disposal.”. White Paper Publication, eProcess Technologies. Link here

Next week I will start covering Step 4: Dewatering in detail.