5 Project Metrics to Assess if you Need a Finger or Vessel Slug Catcher

You know you need a slug catcher but you aren’t sure if you need a vessel or a finger type. Using the 5 metrics below, you’ll be able to quickly identify the direction you should consider.

1. Storage Capacity or Size of your Slug

80m3(500 bbls) or less: Vertical L-Type, B31.8, single or multi-tube.  500 micron separation performance.
190-240cbm(1200-1500 bbls) or less: Vessel Type, ASME Section VIII, Div 1 or 2.  150 micron separation performance.
190-240cbm(1200-1500 bbls) or more: Finger type (Harp Type, Pipe Type), B31.8 or B31.1.  150 micron separation performance. This is the most economical way to receive and store large slugs.

2. Plot Space

In general, finger slug catchers are going to be longer than vessel slug catchers.

Finger type slug catchers are most economical when they are long and skinny (minimize the number of fingers to process only the required gas flow rate). If your allotted plot space is very short (< 30meter or 100ft), it is likely that a vessel or vessels will be more economical.
At >1500bbls(240cbm), the vessel design will be wider and require more inlet piping than the finger type design.
At >1500bbls(240cbm) , and unlimited plot space, finger type slug catchers will be more economical. Extrusions help limit the plot space and # of weld joints as compared to tees.

3. Lead Time

A standard vessel slug catcher (say 80m3 or 500 bbls), is 18-21 weeks. A custom project that requires multiple vessels could take as long as 21-24 weeks.
A standard finger or harp slug catcher can be delivered in 18-24 weeks with custom jobs needing 17-24 weeks.

4. Delivery

Depending on your location, freight for you slug catcher can be very costly (especially for vessels).

A finger slug catcher is typically shipped in 2-4 modules plus all the storage line pipe to the field. Freight is relatively inexpensive and easy to find no matter the location.
Large vessels can cost just as much to ship as they are to build. Be sure to get a budget once you know the size of your vessel.
In some Latin or South American countries, a finger type may be the only design that can be safely shipped on the highway system.

5. Field Install – Skilled Labor Availability

Finger type slug catchers require a significant amount of site welding and labor. While no pieces will require the crane capacity of a vessel, you will need to set numerous sticks of pipe and also provide numerous field welds. In some parts of the China and foreign countries, skilled welders can be hard to find. In these locations, you may want to avoid finger slug catchers.
Installation of a vessel slug catcher will be fairly simple and straightforward. There is minimal welding and the time to install is shorter (of course offset by longer fabrication times). The rigging and large foundation costs can mount when you have >2 vessels.
Be aware, once the need for more than 2 vessel slug catchers is required, it’s probably worth comparing a finger type and to a vessel.

Pressure Vessel

Delivery: 9 – 19 weeks

Why ZHM Huawu Metal Finger Slug Catcher or Vessel Slug Catcher,Finger ?

Reliable and Customized Designs	Cutting Edge Designing Process	Free Online Price System	Easy Bolt-by-number Assembly
Over Two Decades of Experience	Value For Money	Unmatched in Quality and Craftmanship	Excellent Customer Service

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ZHM’s world-class team — together with our raw material suppliers and subcontractors — works to solve your most challenging design, engineering, farbrication or construction issues.

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