Filtration systems

The technology

Cartridge filters

Cartridge filters are normally used in natural gas pressure reduction systems to protect heat exchangers, reduction valves, and metering systems when the gas flow drags solid particles (dry gas). The filter body can be made of either carbon steel or austenitic steel. The filter element, which is made from polyester felt, can reach a filtration level of up to 5 microns.
Reference standard: ASME VIII dir. 1, EN 13445, PED 97/23/EC, ASME U-STAMP
Pressure class: from PN16 to ANSI 2500.

Coalescing filters

Coalescing filters are used in process plants to separate liquids like water and hydrocarbons from the natural gas stream. The separation systems can vary: cartridges, vane packs, or wire mesh with a separation efficiency of 8 to 0.3 microns.
Reference standard: ASME VIII dir. 1, EN 13445, PED 97/23/EC, ASME U-STAMP
Pressure class: from ANSI 150 to ANSI 2500

Separator filters

Separator filters are process devices designed for the treatment of natural gas, and consist of two or more filtration/separation stages. The first stage typically consists of glass fibre filter cartridges designed to filter out solid particles and make the liquids coalesce. The second stage typically consists of a reed valve unit designed to separate the previously agglomerated liquids; an accumulation volume of the liquids is normally placed in communication with the two treatment chambers in order to accumulate the separated liquid.
Reference standard: ASME VIII dir. 1, EN 13445, PED 97/23/EC, ASME U-STAMP
Pressure class: from ANSI 150 to ANSI 2500.

Cyclone filters

Cyclone filters are designed to eliminate large solid and liquid particles. They are normally installed in the first natural gas treatment phase. Mini cyclone filters, which are made of carbon steel, can reach high separation efficiency levels.

Three-phase separators

Three-phase separators are designed to treat multiphase fluids comprised of natural gas, water and hydrocarbons. They are normally installed in the first treatment stage, at the extraction well’s outlet. They are divided into Test Separators, which are used to determine the well’s characteristics, and Production Separators, which are used during continuous production to separate the phases that are subsequently subjected to specific treatments.

Internal process elements

Internal process elements are used in the field of “Separation Technologies” with the filters described in the previous sections, and can be used either individually or in succession in order to obtain the necessary degree of filtration. These typically include:

• Particle Cartridges
• Coalescing Cartridges
• Wire Mesh
• Vane Packs
• Mini cyclones