Well Testing & Production
Separator Retention Time
Calculate liquid residence time from the effective liquid holdup volume and the liquid flow rate through the separator.
Separator operation
Relate holdup volume to throughput.
Retention time is the amount of time the liquid remains in the vessel. In operation, excessive throughput can reduce available separation time.
Calculation basis
Retention time = effective liquid volume / liquid flow rate
The calculation follows the conventional separator retention/residence-time definition. The effective volume must correspond to the liquid phase or liquid region being assessed.
This tool does not size a separator, establish allowable throughput, calculate gas capacity, droplet settling, emulsion separation, weir hydraulics or phase-specific design residence time. Use the approved process/design basis for equipment rating decisions.