Oil and gas slug catchers play a critical role in stabilizing and regulating erratic multiphase flows. However, when their operation gets thrown off by internal contamination, the impact on production can be significant.
Don’t ignore these key warning signs that your slug catcher requires professional remediation service in Texas.
What Are Slug Catchers?
Slug catchers are large separation vessels installed at the inception of pipeline systems. They facilitate the handling of unpredictable surge flows, allowing gas, oil, and water to calibrate into steady, marketable flow rates. Slug catchers provide a buffer and safety mechanism against slug events.5 Symptoms Your Slug Catcher Needs Cleaning
While slug catchers require routine maintenance, several red flags indicate an immediate, professional-grade cleaning is necessary:- Irregular Pressure Inlet Patterns
- Salt, Grease, or Sludge Buildup
- Abnormal Separation Behavior
- Safety Sensor Triggering
- Damage or Corrosion
Risks of Neglecting Cleaning
Putting off slug catcher cleaning when these warning signs appear can lead to the following:- Permanent mechanical damage or Safety Shutdowns
- Severe flow assurance issues
- Regulatory compliance violations due to improper waste discharge
- Revenue/production losses