The effect of geometry on the efficiency of downhole gas separators

The production of free gas is the most difficult and most common problem in artificial lift systems such as sucker rod pumps, progressing cavity pumps and electro submersible pumps. A downhole gas separator correctly designed is the most effective way to deal with this problem. The objective of this project is to study the effect of the geometry on the efficiency of downhole gas separators. In order to study the geometry effect, an apparatus was built that simulates a producing well. Major modifications were implemented to enhance the experimental facilities at the artificial lift laboratory of the Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering Department at the University of Texas at Austin. The apparatus built in this laboratory can manage different rates of water and air which can be controlled to evaluate the performance of various separator designs (eleven downhole gas separator models were tested). All the tests were recorded with a digital camcorder to generate video files that were later analyzed and an experimental methodology was developedPetroleum and Geosystems Engineerin