Apex

Sand Filter

Apex , Well Testing has developed its own set of fabrication specifications to ensure that equipment used by Apex Petroleum Services, Well Testing meets or exceeds all local requirements. Apex Petroleum Services, Well Testing specifications are primarily based on the following worldwide recognised specifications:

Equipment Design and Fabrication Specifications

  • API Spec 6A – Specification for Valves and Wellhead Equipment
  • ASME VIII For construction of pressure vessels , Div 1&2
  • API RP 14C – Recommended Practice for Analysis, Design, Installation, and Testing of Basic Surface Safety Systems on Offshore Production Platforms
  • NACE MR-01-75
  • Product Specification Level (PSL) 3
  • Material Class DD
  • Temperature Class P&X (-20° F to +350° F)
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Sand Filter

The Apex Petroleum Services vessel Sand Filter is designed to remove formation sand, frac proppant, and other solid particles from the well effluent. It is normally positioned upstream of the choke manifold to prevent damage to downstream equipment caused by erosion.

The Apex sand filter incorporates an ISO-sized container skid frame housing the following:

  • Two filter vessels
  • Double valve isolation on each vessel
  • Inlet, outlet, drain, and flush line on each vessel
  • Common bypass line
  • Telescopic lifting arm and pneumatic hoist to aid removal and installation of the filter screens
  • Differential pressure sensing port on each vessel
  • Work platform at the top of each vessel to allow access for removal and installation of filter screens
  • Various sizes of filter screens available for use with the sand filter

Features and Benefits

  • Meets applicable industry standards for added safety
  • Can be third-party certified in accordance with ISO requirements
  • Sized skid for ease of transportation
  • Dual vessels and dual valve isolation allow for continued use while cleaning a standby vessel
  • Clamp and hub assembly on vessel hatch reduces time to open and close vessels
  • Pneumatic lift hoist to assist with removal and installation of filter screens
  • Range of screen sizes available
  • Allows increased flow rates from wells that are choked back to reduce sand production
  • Avoids wellhead choke erosion and change-out frequency
  • Avoids erosion and blockages in downstream process equipment (e.g., pump seals, control valves)

Operation

The two filter vessels are connected in parallel and can either be used independently or together.

  • Independently, the filter vessels are split into ‘duty’ and ‘standby’. The flow is passed through the duty vessel until the screen requires it to be emptied. The standby vessel is brought online, and the duty vessel is taken offline for flushing, cleaning, etc.

The rigid filter screen allows a maximum differential of 1,000 psi without collapsing.

10k psi Sand Filter
Sand Filter Specifications
Working ressure (psi) Valves Vessel Piping Connections Vessel Volume Theoretical low RatesMaximum Differential ressure (psi)Screen Size (micron)
    Inlet & Outlet 3 1/16” API 6A, x 15410,000 psi    
   10,000  FC Type2 1/16” & 3 1/16”10,000 psi, API 6A  ASME VIIIDiv 2  ASME B31.3Category MDrain2 1/16” API 6A, x 15210,000 psilush 2” Fig 1502Hammer Union 10,000 psi   46 Litres  Gas: 35 MMscfdLiquid: 5,000 BOPD   1,500  100, 200,300, 400
    Vessel Hatch Techlok H10/82    

Operating temperature is -20°F ambient temperature to 350°F maximum fluid temperature. Meets requirements of NACE MR0175.

Transportation skid included.

Other sizes, configurations and pressure ratings are available to meet most applications. These ratings are guidelines only. For more information contact your local Apex representative.