Application of evolutionary computational approach in design of horizontal three-phase gravity separators

• A model gas–liquid three-phase horizontal gravity separator is designed.
• Evolutionary computational algorithm is utilized for optimization.
• A near-optimal solution is achieved irrespective of initial generation and operational data.
• The volumes of separators converged into a minimal value when the computer program executed for several times.

We introduce in this work an evolutionary computational algorithm with sophisticated procedures for optimization of three-phase gravity separators. A model horizontal gas/oil/water separator, considered as target design, having well-defined length, diameter, effective length, baffle height, and water channel length, is hereby presented that features optimal design corresponding to minimum volume. The developed computer code is executed to monitor and update evolution in the volume of model separator towards target design. In this way, the implemented evolutionary algorithm manipulates volume genotype to create new alternatives by recombination and mutation of previous generations. This ended in near-to-optimal solutions irrespective of the properties of the first generation adapted to the model separator. The outputs from this theoretical investigation provide a broader image on the level of separation in gravity separators that can be utilized for actual design.