Saes A 010

Engineering Standard
SAES-A-010 24 May 2018

Gas Oil Separation Plants (GOSPs)
Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee
Contents
1 Scope................................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations..................................... 3
3 References......................................................... 3
4 Terms and Definitions........................................ 5
5 GOSP Product Specifications........................... 10
6 Overall Process Design.................................... 11
7 GOSP Equipment Design Requirement…….... 17
8 Auxiliary Systems............................................. 38
9 GOSP De-Bottlenecking................................... 43
Appendix I – Production forecast and reservoir
composition template.................................. 44
Appendix II – Simplified Schematic of
Satellite On-Shore GOSP........................... 47
Appendix III – Simplified Schematic of
Satellite Off-Shore GOSP............................ 48
Appendix IV – Simplified Schematic of
Simple GOSP with Gas Compression…..… 49
Appendix V – Simplified Schematic of Complex
GOSP with Gas Compression
and Crude Oil Stabilization……….……..… 50
Appendix VI – Simplified Schematic of
Hot Oil System............................................. 51
Appendix VII – Salt Mass Balance Template........... 52
Previous Issue: 1 January 2018 Next Planned Update: 24 May 2021

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Primary contact: Mulas, Simone (mulassx) on +966-13-880-9485
Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2018. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-010
Issue Date: 24 May 2018
Next Planned Update: 24 May 2021 Gas Oil Separation Plants (GOSPs)
1 Scope
1.1 This Standard provides the minimum mandatory requirement for process design
of a grass root Gas Oil Separation Plant (GOSP).
1.2 The standard also provides the minimum requirement for debottlenecking
process design of an existing GOSP.
1.3 Standard’s Exclusions
1.3.1 This standard does not apply to crude oil stabilization units that are
regulated by SAES-A-011.
1.3.1 This standard does not apply to produced water treatment and disposal
units that are regulated by SAES-A-012.
1.3.3 Other support systems that are part of the GOSPs (e.g. Fire water
system, Fire & Gas detection, Plant alerting & Alarm system, Safety
equipment, Flare system, etc.) are also excluded from this standard.
2 Conflicts and Deviations
2.1 Any conflicts between this standard and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Engineering Standards (SAESs), Materials System Specifications (SAMSSs),
Standard Drawing (SASDs), or industry standards, codes, and forms shall be
resolved in writing by the Company or Buyer's Representative through the
Manager, P&CSD of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this standard in writing to the Company or
Buyer's Representative, who shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302
and forward such requests to the Manager, P&CSD of Saudi Aramco.
3 References
All referenced Specifications, standards, Codes, Forms, Drawings and similar material
shall be considered part of this standard and shall be the latest issue (including all
revisions, addenda and supplements unless stated otherwise).
3.1 Saudi Aramco References
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAEP-83 Mass Balance Guidelines
SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory
Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement
Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Page 2 of 52
Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-010
SAEP-327 Disposal of Waste Water from Cleaning, Flushing,

Dewatering Pipelines and Vessels
SAEP-364 Process Simulation Model Development and Support
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-A-011 Crude Oil Stabilization
SAES-A-012 Process Design Criteria for Produced
Water Treatment and Disposal
SAES-A-014 Design of Hydrate Inhibition and Dehydration
Systems
SAES-A-020 Equipment Specific P&ID Templates (ESPT)
SAES-A-103 Discharges to the Marine Environment
SAES-A-112 Meteorological and Seismic Design Data
SAES-S-205 Chemical Treatment Requirements
SAES-A-400 Industrial Drainage Systems
SAES-A-401 Closed Drain Systems (CDS)
SAES-A-403 Off-Shore Platform Drainage Systems
SAES-B-069 Emergency Eyewashes and Showers
SAES-D-001 Design Criteria for Pressure Vessel
SAES-E-004 Design Criteria of Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger
SAES-E-007 Design Criteria of Air-cooled Heat Exchangers
SAES-G-005 Centrifugal Pumps
SAES-H-001 Coating Selection and Application Requirements for
Industrial Plants and Equipment
SAES-H-002 Internal and External Coatings for Steel Pipeline
and Piping
SAES-J-003 Instrumentation and Control Buildings - Basic
Design Criteria
SAES-J-100 Process Measurement
SAES-J-510 Process Analyzer Systems
SAES-J-601 Emergency Shutdown and Isolation Systems
SAES-J-901 Instrument Air Supply Systems
SAES-K-402 Centrifugal Compressors
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SAES-L-100 Applicable Codes and Standards for Pressure

Piping Systems
SAES-L-132 Materials Selection for Pipelines, Piping and
Process Equipment
SAES-L-133 Corrosion Protection Requirements for Pipelines,
Piping, and Process Equipment
SAES-L-310 Design of Plant Piping
SAES-S-020 Oily Water Drainage Systems
Saudi Aramco Manuals

FEL Manual Front-End Loading (FEL) Manual
Saudi Aramco Material Specifications

01-SAMSS-023 Intrusive Online Corrosion Monitoring
32-SAMSS-006 Manufacture of Low Pressure Tanks
Saudi Aramco Best Practices

SABP-A-015 Chemical Injection Systems
SABP-A-018 GOSP Corrosion Control
SABP-A-036 Corrosion Monitoring Best Practice
3.2 Industry Codes and Standards
American Petroleum Institute

API SPEC 620 Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low-
Pressure Storage Tanks
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)

IEEE 519 Guide for Harmonic Control and Reactive
Compensation of Static Power Converters
4 Terms and Definitions
AC: Alternating Current

AC/DC: (Alternating Current/Direct Current) Technology installed in electrostatic
coalescers that use direct current (DC) energized electrode systems made up of positive
and negative plates. The AC/DC treaters have also a weaker AC field between the
interface level and the electrode plates, where bulk water removal takes place.

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AFD: Adjustable Frequency Drive

API: American Petroleum Institute
APSD: Advanced Process Solutions Division
Aquifer: An underground source of water from porous, water bearing, geological
formation.
BPD: Barrels Per Day
BS&W: Basic Sediments and Water
CDS: Closed Drain System
CFD: Computational Fluid Dynamics

CML: Corporate Model Library
Conventional AC: Technology installed in electrostatic coalescers that use alternate

current (AC) energized electrode systems made up of an array of rods (grid system).
Conventional AC can also be equipped with external AC regulator to control
transformers voltage.
CPF: (Central Processing Facilities) GOSP with crude oil stabilization unit
Crude Types: (Degree API: Typical range for various Saudi Aramco crudes)
ASL : Arab Super Light (49º - 52º API)
AXL : Arab Extra Light (36º - 41º API)
AL : Arab Light (32º - 34º API)
AM : Arab Medium (29º - 32º API)
AH : Arab Heavy (26º - 29º API)
CSD: Consulting Services Department
CSD/RED/C&GTG: Consulting Services Department / Rotating Equipment Division /

Compressor and Gas Turbine Group
DBSP: Design Basis Scoping Paper
DCS: Distributed Control System
Dehydrator & Desalter: Electrostatic Coalescers for removal of majority of water and
salt from crude oil
Disposal Water: Treated produced water for downhole/surface disposal/injection

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Dissolved Oil: It is the portion of total oil that is not removed by filtration. Dissolved
oil can be removed by biological treatment, chemical oxidation or activated carbon
adsorption.
ECC: Electronic Capacity Control
E&P: Exploration and Production
EIV: Emergency Isolation Valve
Emulsion Characterization Study: Study conducted on water-in-oil emulsion

samples to determine the following:
- Settling time curve versus temperature without demulsifer
- Settling time curve versus temperature with different demulsifiers
- Emulsion Separation Index to measure Emulsion Stability (ESI)
- Emulsion characteristics (bulk emulsion density, water to oil volumetric ratio,
emulsion equivalent viscosity)
- Total Dissolved Salts (TDS) in the water phase)
EPD: Environmental Protection Department
ESD: Emergency Shutdown
ESI: Emulsion Separation Index to measure Emulsion Stability
FEA: Finite Element Analysis
FEL: Front End Loading
Flowline: Pipeline connected to a single oil, gas or water well for production or
Injection
Formation (Produced) Water: Water produced from Reservoir with Oil and Gas
production
FPD: Facilities Planning Department
GC: Liquid hydrocarbon condensate that is produced from Non Associated Gas Wells
(e.g. Khuff Condensate)
GOR: Gas Oil Ratio in Standard Cubic Feet of Gas per Barrel of Stock Tank Oil
GOSP: Gas Oil Separation Plant

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GOSP (Satellite): Onshore and Offshore Gas Oil Separation Plant that is used for oil
field production.
GOSP Production Manifold: Piping manifold where all incoming trunklines /

flowlines combine within the GOSP battery limit to feed the Production Trap
High Efficiency Mixing System: inline skid composed of pipe & fittings, injection
cone and injection pipe spool, injection quill, housing and internal mixing cylinder with
option of manual, pneumatic, or electric actuator for mixing water or chemicals with
crude oil.
H2S: Hydrogen Sulfide

HP: High Pressure
HPPT: High Pressure Production Trap
Injection (Power) Water: Treated Sea Water or aquifer water injected into a reservoir
for pressure support
IPPT: Intermediate Pressure Production Trap
KO Drum: Knockout drum
Liquid Retention Time (two-phase): Time defined as volume between vessel bottom
and Normal Liquid Level divided by dry oil actual volumetric flow
LPD: Loss Prevention Department
LPDT: Low Pressure Degassing Tank
LPPT: Low Pressure Production Trap
MBCD: Thousand Barrels per Calendar Day
MBOD: Thousand Barrels per Operating Day
MBOD= MBCD/Overall Operating Factor

MCC: Mechanical Completion Certificate
MOC: Management of Change
Modulated AC/DC: Technology installed in electrostatic coalescers that use direct

current (DC) energized electrode systems made up of positive and negative plates and
can modulate the voltage through power units. The modulated AC/DC treater has also a
weaker AC field between the interface level and the electrode plates, where bulk water
removal takes place.
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NA PED: Northern Area Petroleum Engineering Department
Oil Hold-up Time: Time defined as the duration that the vessel can supply oil to
downstream equipment if incoming flow is cut-off. It is calculated as volume between
Low Liquid Level and Normal Liquid Level divided by incoming dry oil actual
volumetric flow
Oil Retention Time (three-phase): Time defined as volume between Normal Liquid
Level and Normal Interface Level divided by dry oil actual volumetric flow
Oil Surge Time: The duration that the vessel can accommodate inlet flowrate if
outgoing oil flow cuts off. It is calculated as volume between Normal Liquid Level and
High Liquid Level divided by incoming dry oil actual volumetric flow
Operator Intervention Time: The duration between level where alarms are initiated
and levels where trips are triggered. It is calculated as volume between alarms level
(Low Liquid Level or Low Interface Level) and shutdown level (e.g. Low Low Liquid
Level or Low Low Liquid Level) divided by oil or water actual volumetric flow.
OSPAS: Oil Supply Planning and Scheduling Department
Overall Operating Factor: Factor accounting for shrinkage and downtime (Fraction)
Overfilling Time: The duration required to fill up the vessel if all outgoing flow cuts
off and High High Liquid Level shutdown fails. It is calculated as volume between
HHLL and vessel top divided by total incoming volumetric flow (oil + water).
ppm: Parts Per Million
P&CSD: Process and Control Systems Department
P&FDD: Production & Facilities Development Department
PFD: Process Flow Diagram
OIW: Oil in Water
pH: It is a measurement of the acidic or basic character of a solution at a given

temperature. It is defined as the negative logarithm (to the base 10) of the hydrogen ion
concentration
P&ID: Piping and Instrumentation Diagram
PM&OU: Process Modeling & Optimization Unit
PTB: Pounds of salt per thousand Barrels of Crude oil

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PZV: Pressure Relief Valve
Remote Header: Piping Manifold where trunklines / flowlines combine into one
trunkline outside the GOSP fence to feed the GOSP Production Manifold
RMD: Reservoir Management Department
RVP: Reid Vapor Pressure
SA PED: Southern Area Petroleum Engineering Department
Shrinkage: Decrease in oil volume caused by the evaporation of solution gas or by

lowering of fluid temperature during storage
Stock Tank Oil: Stabilized dry oil as it exists at atmospheric conditions in a stock tank.
TDS: (Total Dissolved Solids) It is a measure of all dissolved material in water. It is

reported in ppm or mg/l. TDS is used to determine the salt levels in produced water.
Conductivity is sometimes used as a measurement of TDS.
TEG: Tri-Ethylene Glycol
TIF: Telephone Influence Factor
Trunkline: Pipeline to which two or more flowlines are connected
TSS: (Total Suspended Solids) It is the amount of suspended matter removed by filter. It
is reported in mg/l. Inorganic particles such as clay or grit as well as organic particles
contribute to TSS.
Turndown: The ratio of the maximum flow expected during normal operation to
minimum controllable flow of the GOSP, expressed in a percentage
TVP: True Vapor Pressure at a given temperature
Wash Water: Low salinity water used to wash the crude oil and dilute the formation
water in the crude desalting process.
Water cut (Percent): Produced water rate*100/(Crude rate+ Produced water Rate)
Water Hold-up Time: Time defined as the duration that the vessel can supply water to
downstream equipment if incoming flow is cut-off. It is calculated as volume between
Low Interface Level and Normal Interface Level divided by incoming water actual
volumetric flow
Water Retention Time (three-phase): Time defined as volume between vessel bottom
and NIL divided by water actual volumetric flow

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Water Surge Time: The duration that the vessel can accommodate inlet flowrate if
outgoing water flow cuts off. It is calculated as volume between Normal Interface Level
and High Interface Level divided by incoming water actual volumetric flow
WOSEP: Water Oil Separator. Oily water separator to collect and treat separated
water mainly from the three-phase separators and dehydrator in order to remove the
entrained oil before disposal.
5 GOSP Product Specifications
5.1 Desalted Dry Crude

- Salt-in-Crude to Pipeline: 10 PTB (max)
- BS&W to Pipeline: 0.2 Vol% (max)
5.2 Stabilized Crude (for GOSPs with Stabilizers)

- H2S in Crude: 70 ppm by weight (max)
30 ppm by weight (design condition)
- True Vapor pressure 13 psia (max) at export or storage temperature,
(whichever is higher).
5.3 Produced Water Quality for Disposal Wells

- Target Oil-in-water as specified by RMD, P&FDD and Petroleum
Engineering Departments.
Note: The required disposal water quality shall be specified by RMD / P&FDD
and Petroleum Engineering Departments based on disposal reservoir
permeability. The disposal water quality specification shall be provided
during Process Study (FEL-2 Study) phase. 50 ppm oil-in-water of disposal
water quality can be used in case no specification is provided by RMD /
P&FDD and Petroleum Engineering Departments.
5.4 Produced Water Quality for Marine Disposal

- The quality of treated produced water for the marine disposal shall conform
to environmental standard SAES-A-103.
5.5 Produced Water Quality for Desalting Purpose Reuse.

- The quality of treated produced water for Desalting Purpose Reuse shall be
specified in accordance with SAES-A-012.

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6 Overall Process Design
6.1 In accordance with FEL Manual, the GOSP design shall progress through
Process Study (FEL-2 Study), DBSP Development (FEL-2 DBSP), Project
Proposal (FEL-3 Project Proposal) followed by Detailed Design and
Construction (Project Execution).
6.2 Design Basis
The required data to develop GOSP design during the various project phases
shall be provided as follows:
6.2.1 Process Study (FEL-2 Study)

Design Input and Battery Limit Conditions Unit Provided by
Production forecast (see Appendix I) MBCD RMD / P&FDD
Reservoir compositions
mol. frac. RMD / P&FDD
(C7+ characterization, see Appendix I)
Produced water salinity mg/l RMD / P&FDD
Wash water salinity mg/l RMD / FPD
Crude arrival pressure psig RMD / P&FDD
Crude arrival temperature ºF RMD / P&FDD
RMD / P&FDD /
NA PED / SA PED
Disposal water oil-in-water content ppm (vol.)
/ EPD /
SAES-A-012
Operating Factor % FPD
6.2.2 DBSP (FEL-2 DBSP)

Production forecast of each reservoir (see Appendix I) MBCD RMD / P&FDD
Composition of each reservoir
RMD / Water
Wash water salinity mg/l Treatment Design
Contractor
RMD / P&FDD /
Crude arrival pressure psig Upstream Facilities
Design Contractor
Upstream Facilities
Crude arrival temperature ºF
Design Contractor
Emulsion characterization study - R&DC
RMD / P&FDD /
Crude delivery pressure psig
Downstream
Page 11 of 52
Pipeline Design
Contractor
Water Disposal
Water disposal pressure psig
Design Contractor
RMD / P&FDD /
NA PED / SA PED
/ EPD
SAES-A-012
Downstream
Associated gas delivery pressure psig Pipeline Design
Contractor
Downstream
Gas condensate delivery pressure (if applicable) psig Pipeline Design
Contractor
Water content of associated gas (if applicable) lb/MMSCF SAES-A-014
Downstream
Hydrocarbon dew-point of associated gas
ºF Pipeline Design
(if applicable)
Contractor
Operating Factor % PMT
6.2.3 Project Proposal (FEL-3) and Detailed Design

Production forecast of each reservoir
MBCD RMD / P&FDD
(see Appendix I)
Composition of each reservoir
RMD / Water
Wash water salinity mg/l Treatment Design
Contractor
Upstream Facilities
Crude arrival pressure psig
Design Contractor
Upstream Facilities
Crude arrival temperature ºF
Design Contractor
Upstream Facilities
Upstream trunklines slug study -
Design Contractor
Downstream
Crude delivery pressure psig Pipeline Design
Contractor
Water Disposal
Water disposal pressure psig
Design Contractor
RMD / P&FDD /
NA PED / SA PED
/ EPD
SAES-A-012
Page 12 of 52
Downstream
Associated gas delivery pressure psig Pipeline Design
Contractor
Downstream
Gas condensate delivery pressure (if applicable) psig Pipeline Design
Contractor
Water content of associated gas (if applicable) lb/MMSCF SAES-A-014
Downstream
Hydrocarbon dew-point of associated gas
ºF Pipeline Design
(if applicable)
Contractor
Operating Factor % PMT
6.3 Process Simulation, Calculation and CFD Analysis
6.3.1 Steady State Simulation shall be developed during DBSP (FEL-2) and
updated during Project Proposal (FEL-3) and Detail Design phase by
Design Contractor and shall be based on the latest version of approved
simulation software package based on SAEP-364. The process
simulation software package that will be used in the project shall be
concurred by P&CSD/APSD/PM&OU.
6.3.2 The GOSP simulations shall be carried out for summer and winter case
at Initial Water Cut, Intermediate Water Cut (Optional), Design Water
Cut and Design GOR conditions.
6.3.3 The Process simulation developed by Design Contractor during DBSP

(FEL-2), Project Proposal (FEL-3) and Detailed Design Phase shall be
reviewed and approved by P&CSD.
6.3.4 The process simulation models shall be included as project deliverables

during DBSP (FEL-2), Project Proposal (FEL-3) and Detailed Design
phase. The final process simulation models, with their documentation,
shall be delivered to P&CSD's CML coordinator as part of MCC.
6.3.5 Transient dynamic process simulation for gas compression systems

shall be performed prior to 50% detailed design completion and shall
be conducted in accordance with SAES-K-402 requirements.
6.3.7 The Transient Dynamic simulations of the gas compression system shall
be reviewed and approved by P&CSD/APSD/PM&OU and
CSD/RED/C&GTG. The final dynamic Simulation Models shall be
delivered to P&CSD’s CML coordinator as part of the MCC.
6.3.8 All final process equipment sizing and hydraulic calculations shall be
included as project deliverables during Detailed Design phase.
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6.3.9 CFD models and software that will be used in the project shall be
concurred by R&DC and P&CSD.
6.4 PFDs
6.4.1 PFDs showing Heat & Material Balance for Summer and Winter
conditions of the whole processing facilities within GOSP battery limits
including GOSP, Crude Oil Stabilization (if applicable), Gas
Compression and Conditioning system (if applicable) shall be developed
for the following cases:
6.4.1.1 Initial Water Cut
6.4.1.2 Intermediate Water Cut (optional)
6.4.1.3 Design Water Cut
6.4.1.4 Design GOR
6.4.2 Stream data table for Summer, Winter conditions for Initial Water Cut,
Intermediate Water Cut (optional), Design Water Cut and Design GOR
case shall be provided in the PFDs.
6.5 P&IDs
6.5.1 SAES-A-020 shall be used as a building block to develop the project

P&IDs.
6.5.2 SAES-J-005 provides the Instrument data to be included in the P&IDs.

The following additional instrument data shall be included in the P&IDs:
a) Orifices- Orifice Bore and Flow Transmitter Range
b) Control Valves- Tight Shut-Off requirement
c) Level Transmitter- Type of level transmitter, Calibration Range

(in both percentage and actual level. e.g. 0-100% and 300-800
mm). Refer to Figure 6.1.
d) Additionally, the vessel template shall show the various level
alarm settings as height from vessel bottom for horizontal vessels
and tangent line for vertical vessels. Level alarms settings shall
be shown as both actual levels and percentage in the DCS block
on the P&IDs. Refer to Figure 6.1.
Page 14 of 52
Figure 6.1
e) Level Gauge- Type of Level Gauge, backlighting requirement
f) Temperature Transmitter- Type of Temperature Transmitters and
Range. Alarm setting on the DCS block or display
g) Temperature Gauge- Range of Temperature Gauge
h) Pressure Transmitter/Gauge- Range of the Pressure
Transmitter/gauge. Alarm settings on the DCS block.
i) All shutdown and alarm settings
j) All transmitters used for shutdown actions shall be shown
connected to the relevant ESD block logic in accordance with
Cause and Effect Matrix.
6.6 The turndown of GOSPs shall be considered in accordance with the turndown of
each individual equipment. For GOSPs with crude oil stabilization, the stabilizer
column turndown will be the controlling factor for the GOSP turndown.
6.7 All GOSPs shall be designed for sour service for potential souring of the
production field during the life cycle unless data provided by RMD can confirm
otherwise.
6.8 If tight emulsion formation is confirmed by a characterization study or no study

is available, design for full water cut shall be considered for piping till the inlet
of dehydrator and plot space / provisions shall be reserved for future equipment
expansion.
6.9 Each main process line within the GOSP battery limit shall be provided with
flowmeter in order to carry-out the overall plant mass balance in accordance
with SAEP-83 (see example in Figure 6.2).

Page 15 of 52
Note: Crude feed stream flowrate can be estimated by performing mass balance
around the inlet separators provided that each outlet stream is equipped
with flow measurement (see example in Figure 6.2)
Figure 6.2
7 GOSP Equipment Design Requirement
7.1 GOSP Production Manifold and Inlet Header
7.1.1 The GOSP Production Manifold and the inlet Header to the last block
valve at the inlet of the first Production Trap shall be designed for the
maximum well shut-in pressure of the field.
Note: For new Flowlines / Trunklines connected to existing GOSP’ s
manifold and inlet header, the installation of a safety instrumented
system for overpressure protection shall be considered if replacing
the GOSP production manifold / inlet header is not practical.
7.1.2 Flowlines and trunklines shall be connected to the GOSP Production

Manifold from the top with 45 degree angle in direction of flow to
reduce turbulence.
7.1.3 If required, spare connections with blinds shall be provided on the

GOSP Production Manifold for connecting future trunklines. To avoid
dead legs, the active trunklines shall be connected at the ends of the
GOSP Production Manifold with the spare connections in the middle.
Page 16 of 52
7.1.4 No more than two parallel Production Traps shall be connected to one
GOSP Production Manifold. The piping arrangement downstream of
the "T" dividing the flow to the two Production Traps shall be
symmetrical to minimize uneven liquid flow distribution to the two
parallel Production Traps. Also, Production Traps connected to the
same GOSP Production Manifold shall be installed at the same
elevation in order to avoid uneven liquid flow distribution.
7.2 Production Trap’s General Requirements
7.2.1 The number of Production Traps in a GOSP shall be developed during

Process Study (FEL-2 Study) by P&CSD and FPD based on life cycle
economics and finalized during DBSP and Project Proposal by Design
Contractor.
7.2.2 Production Traps are horizontal cylindrical vessels used for crude
degassing through pressure reduction in a GOSP. Production Traps can
be either two-phase (if they are used only for gas/liquid separation) or
three-phase separators (if they provide also oil-water separation) and
shall be designed in accordance with SAES-D-001.
7.2.3 Crude oil heat exchanger shall not be located between the production
manifold and the first Production Trap at the inlet of a GOSP.
7.2.4 A slug control mechanism shall be installed upstream of the first

Production Trap. The slug control mechanism shall be designed to
reduce the slug volume in order to accommodate it between the
Normal Liquid Level and High Liquid level and minimize downstream
disturbances.
7.2.5 The first Production Trap receiving the well production fluids from the
GOSP Production Manifold shall be equipped with suitable inlet
device suitable for the incoming fluid momentum under design, startup
and upset conditions. Impingement plates shall not be used to avoid
shearing of droplets that have negative impact on separation
performance.
7.2.6 The inlet device of first Production Trap shall be designed to withstand
the forces over the full range of operating conditions based on transient
simulation of the flowlines / trunklines network. Finite Elements
Analysis (FEA) based on applied hydraulic forces estimated with
100% produced water in the slug feed stream shall be conducted to
assess the mechanical and structural integrity of the separator inlet
device and its supporting frame.

Page 17 of 52
7.2.7 Bolting for inlet device and supporting frame shall use locknuts or
double nuts with tack weld to avoid loosening due to the dynamic
loads from the slugs. The bolting arrangement shall be reviewed and
concurred by CSD / Pressure Vessels and Tanks Group.
7.2.8 The first Production Trap receiving the well production fluids from the
GOSP Production Manifold shall be equipped with jetting water
system to fluidize and remove mud and sludge accumulation.
Note: If the first Production Trap is designed as 2-phase separator,
provisions and nozzle for future installation of jetting water system
can be provided.
7.2.9 The bottom of the feed inlet nozzle of each Production Trap shall be at
least 6” above the High High Liquid Level shutdown (HHLL)
7.2.10 Anti-Wave / Distributor baffles shall be provided in each Production

Trap.
7.2.11 Vortex breakers shall be provided in all liquid outlet nozzles of

Production Traps.
7.2.12 Non-Slam type check valve shall be provided on common gas outlet of
each GOSP Production Trap.
7.2.13 All Production Trap’s internals shall be removable and pass through
manways.
7.2.14 CFD shall be performed on each Production Trap during Detailed

Design by vessel’s internals supplier in order to confirm design of
vessel’s internals (e.g. inlet device, anti-wave / distributor baffles, mist
eliminator, etc.).
7.3 GOSP Three-phase Production Traps
7.3.1 The Three-phase Production Traps shall be designed for a minimum

30% water cut at full design crude rate.
7.3.2 Three-phase Production Traps shall be equipped with a submerged

weir. The weir shall be located at least one vessel diameter from the
vessel tangent line on the side of outlet nozzles. The weir shall be
supplied with provisions for future extension in height.
7.3.3 Three-phase Traps shall be designed to separate water droplets of 200

microns and larger at Normal Liquid Level (NLL) from the oil
continuous phase and comply with the following minimum oil
retention time (as defined in Figure 7.1):
Page 18 of 52
Oil Gravity Retention Time

(Degrees API @ Stock Conditions) (min)
Above 35º 5
Below 35º
Oper. Temp. > 100 ºF 10
80 ºF > Oper. Temp. > 100 ºF 15
60 ºF > Oper. Temp. > 80 ºF 20

Table 7.1
7.3.4 Three-phase Production Traps shall be designed to separate oil droplets
of 200 microns and larger at Normal Interface Level (NIL) from the
water continuous phase and have minimum 5 minutes water retention
time (as defined in Figure 7.1).
Figure 7.1
7.3.5 One vessel diameter shall be subtracted from separation length while
performing separated droplet size calculation to take into account
turbulence at the inlet of separator.
7.3.6 The maximum cross sectional gas velocity in Three-phase Production

Traps calculated at high liquid level (HLL) shall not exceed the critical
velocity defined as follows:
𝜌𝐿 −𝜌𝐺 𝐿 0.56
𝑉 𝐶 = 𝐾√ 𝜌𝐺
(10)
Vc = critical velocity, ft/s.
ρL = Liquid density at conditions, lb/ft3.

Page 19 of 52
ρG = Vapor density at conditions, lb/ft3.
L = Vessel length (tan to tan), ft
K = Constant (varies from 0.4 to 0.5), ft/s.
7.3.7 Three-phase Production Traps shall be equipped with mist eliminators

to minimize liquid carry over in the gas. Liquid carry over in gas shall
be less than 0.1 gal/MMSCF.
Note: In case of high fouling rate service, the need of a different mist
eliminator device shall be evaluated and concurred by P&CSD on
case by case basis.
7.3.8 The normal oil level in the Three-phase Production Traps shall be at
least 6” above the weir top. The High Interface level alarm setting
shall be at least 6” below the weir top.
7.3.9 Following are the minimum cumulative hold-up and surge time
requirements for Three-phase Production Traps (see Figure 7.2):
 Between High Liquid Level alarm and Low Liquid Level alarm: 6
minutes
 Between High interface and Low interface alarms: 5 minutes or
1’ height, whichever provides the greater time for operator
response
7.3.10 Following are the minimum operator intervention times between

different level settings for Three-phase Production Traps (see Figure
7.2):
 Between High High Liquid Level shutdown and High Liquid Level
alarm: 2 minutes
 Between Low Liquid Level alarm and Low Low Liquid shutdown:
2 minutes
 Between Low Interface Level alarm and Low Low Interface level
shutdown: 3 minutes or 1’ height, whichever provides the greater
time for operator response
7.3.11 The overfilling time of Three-phase Traps shall be minimum 10 minutes

(see Figure 7.2).

Page 20 of 52
Figure 7.2
7.3.12 The Low Low Liquid Level and the Low Low Interface Level
shutdowns shall be minimum 12” above the bottom of the vessels.
7.3.13 The nozzles for the interface level instruments shall be located close to
the water weir. Whenever possible, the nozzles for the interface level
instruments shall not be taken from the bottom of the vessel. However,
when used, bottom vessel connections shall include an internal nozzle
extension to reduce bottom solids from entering the standpipe.
7.3.14 The nozzles for the oil level instruments shall be located into the oil
collection compartment. Whenever possible, the nozzles for the oil
level instruments shall not be taken from the bottom of the vessel.
However, when used, bottom vessel connections shall include an
internal nozzle extension to reduce bottom solids from entering the
standpipe.
7.3.15 Spare interface level connection shall be installed for future expansion
of interface level range.
7.3.16 A flowmeter shall be installed on each Three-phase Production Trap’s

outlet line (gas, oil and water).
7.3.17 The selected Three-phase Production Trap’s size and design shall be
approved by P&CSD.
7.4 Two-phase Production Traps
7.4.1 The Two-phase Production Traps shall be designed for a minimum

30% water cut at full design crude rate.
7.4.2 The liquid retention time for Two-phase Production Traps shall be
minimum 5 minutes (as defined in Figure 7.3).

Page 21 of 52
Figure 7.3
7.4.3 The maximum cross sectional gas velocity in Two-phase Production

Traps calculated at High Liquid Level (HLL) shall not exceed the
critical velocity defined as follows:
𝜌𝐿 − 𝜌𝐺 𝐿 0.56
𝑉 𝐶 = 𝐾√ ( )
𝜌𝐺 10
Vc = critical velocity, ft/s.
ρL = Liquid density at conditions, lb/ft3.
ρG = Vapor density at conditions, lb/ft3.
L = Vessel length (tan to tan), ft
K = Constant (varies from 0.4 to 0.5), ft/s.
7.4.4 Two-phase Production trapss shall be equipped with mist eliminators

to minimize liquid carry over in the gas. Liquid carry over in gas shall
be less than 0.1 gal/MMSCF.
case by case basis.
7.4.5 Following is the minimum cumulative hold-up and surge time

requirement for the Two-phase Production Traps (see Figure 7.4):
minutes

different level settings for Two-phase Production Traps (see Figure 7.4):

Page 22 of 52
alarm: 2 minutes
2 minutes
7.4.7 The overfilling time of Two-phase Traps shall be minimum 10 minutes

(see Figure 7.4).
Figure 7.4
7.4.8 The Low Low Liquid Level shutdowns shall be minimum 12” above the
bottom of the vessels.
Note: When Two-phase Production Traps are provided with provisions and
connections (e.g. water outlet nozzle, weir support, interface level tap
connections, etc.) to allow future conversion of the vessel into a
three-phase separator, the basis for vessel sizing shall be evaluated
and concurred by P&CSD.
7.4.9 Whenever possible, the nozzles for the oil level instruments shall not
be taken from the bottom of the vessel. However, when used, bottom
vessel connections shall include an internal nozzle extension to reduce
bottom solids from entering the standpipe.
7.4.10 A flowmeter shall be installed on each Two-phase Production Trap’s

outlet line (gas and liquid).
7.4.11 The selected Two-phase Production Trap’s size and design shall be
approved by P&CSD.
7.5 Low Pressure Degassing Tank
7.5.1 Low Pressure Degassing Tanks are low pressure fixed roof tank used
for crude degassing and to provide significant surge and hold-up time
to crude processing facilities.

Page 23 of 52
7.5.2 Low Pressure Degassing Tanks shall be designed as three-phase

separators for a minimum 30% water cut at full design crude rate.
7.5.3 Low Pressure Degassing Tanks shall be designed and fabricated in

accordance with API 620 and 32-SAMSS-006.
7.5.4 The inlet and outlet nozzles of Low Pressure Degassing Tanks shall be
located on opposite sides in order to use the whole length (diameter) of
the tank and avoid internal channeling (see example in Figure 7.5).
Figure 7.5
7.5.5 Following are the minimum cumulative hold-up and surge time
requirements for Low Pressure Degassing Tanks (see Figure 7.6):
hour
 Between High Interface and Low Interface alarms: 30 minutes
Page 24 of 52

different level settings for Low Pressure Degassing Tanks (see Figure
7.6):
alarm: 5 minutes
5 minutes
 Between Low Interface Level alarm and Low Low Interface level
shutdown: 5 minutes
Figure 7.6
7.5.7 The overfilling time of Low Pressure Degassing Tanks shall be

minimum 10 minutes.
7.5.8 Low Low Liquid Level shall be minimum 3.3 feet (1 meter) above High
Interface Liquid Level.
7.5.9 The bottom of the feed inlet distributor of each Low Pressure Degassing
Tank shall be at least 3.3 feet (1 meter) above the High High Liquid
Level shutdown (HHLL).
7.5.10 A flowmeter shall be installed on each Low Pressure Degassing Tank’s

outlet line (gas, liquid and water).
Page 25 of 52
7.5.11 CFD shall be performed on each Low Pressure Degassing Tank during
Detailed Design by Tank’s internals supplier in order to confirm design
of Tank’s internals (e.g. inlet device, baffles, etc.) and avoid internal
channeling.
7.5.12 Bolting for inlet device and supporting frame shall use locknuts or
double nuts with tack weld to avoid loosening due to the dynamic
loads from the slugs. The bolting arrangement shall be reviewed and
concurred by CSD / Pressure Vessels and Tanks Group.
7.5.13 The selected Low Pressure Degassing Tank’s size and design shall be
approved by P&CSD.
7.5.14 All Low Pressure Degassing Tank internals shall be removable and
pass through manways.
7.6 Charge Pumps
7.6.1 Crude charge pumps shall be designed in a staged manner with

provisions and plot space to install additional pumps for future water
load increase.
7.6.2 Crude charge pumps shall be vertical can type and shall be designed in
accordance with SAES-G-005.
7.6.3 Permanent gas supply connection and drain connection shall be

provided to purge / pressurize the pump casing and displace liquids.
7.6.4 Crude charge pump discharge pressure at pump shut-off shall not
exceed the design pressure of the dehydrator and desalter vessels.
7.6.5 Crude charge pump seals shall be flushed by dry crude oil or other
suitable buffer fluid.
7.7 Production Trap’s and LPDT’s Water Draw-off Pumps
7.7.1 Water draw-off pumps shall be designed in a staged manner with

provisions and plot space to install additional pumps for future water
load increase.
7.7.2 Water draw-off pumps shall be designed in accordance with SAES-G-

005.
7.8 Crude Oil Dehydration and Desalting
7.8.1 For GOSPs processing AXL and AL crude grades, minimum two stage
dehydration/desalting shall be provided to minimize instances of off-
Page 26 of 52
spec crude to the crude oil stabilizer/pipeline during electrostatic grid

upsets or crude production interruptions during maintenance of one
stage.
7.8.2 For GOSPs processing AM and AH crude grades minimum three stage
dehydration/desalting shall be provided.
Note: For ASL crude grade and Gas Condensate (e.g. Khuff Condensate)
processing, the need of crude desalting shall be evaluated and
concurred by P&CSD on case by case.
7.8.3 The dehydrator and desalter piping configuration shall be designed to

operate also with any one vessel bypassed at a time. The bypass
capability and wash water injection connections shall be provided for
all vessels.
7.8.4 Dehydrators and 1st Stage Desalters shall be designed for 30% water
cut at full design crude rate. Two different interface level control
valves shall be installed in parallel to cover low and high water cut
ranges.
7.8.5 The dry crude viscosity in all desalting vessels shall be below 10 cP
and preferably below 5cP. The feed to the dehydrator/desalter shall be
heated to achieve the desired viscosity.
7.8.6 For AM and AH crude a minimum temperature of 150 ºF shall be

maintained at the inlet of Dehydrator.
7.8.7 The operating pressure of the last stage desalting vessel shall be at least
25 psig above the vapor pressure of the crude at the operating
temperature. Power to the electrical grids shall be switched off after a
time delay of 20 sec if the last stage desalter pressure drops to 10 psig
above the crude vapor pressure. The system shall be designed to allow
for a 20 sec delay for 10 psi below vapor pressure.
7.8.8 Approved Crude Dehydration/Desalting technologies:

- Conventional AC Technologies (water cut range 0-30%)
- AC/DC Technologies (water cut range 0-10%)
- Modulated AC/DC Technologies (water cut range 0-30%)
Note: For water cut higher than 30% the installation of an additional crude
dehydration stage (internal or external electrostatic coalescer) for
bulk water removal shall be evaluated.

Page 27 of 52
7.8.9 Minimum three layers of charged grids shall be provided for

conventional AC. Single or double volted electric grid configurations
shall not be used for crude dehydration/desalting in GOSPs.
7.8.10 The electrostatic grids of Conventional AC shall be charged by 3 single

phase step-up transformers. The transformers shall be equipped with
external tap charger to adjust the secondary voltage for the required
voltage level.
7.8.11 The electrostatic grids of AC/DC Technologies shall be charged by

minimum 2 single phase step-up transformers. The transformers shall
be equipped with external tap charger to adjust the secondary voltage
for the required voltage level.
7.8.12 The electrostatic grids of the Modulated AC/DC Technologies shall be

charged by minimum 2 power units. The power unit harmonics level
shall be below the TIF values identified within IEEE 519. If necessary
a filtering system shall be used to meet the criteria.
7.8.13 For Conventional AC Dehydrators/Desalter the following grid

configuration shall be used:
- 3 transformers / 3 charged grid arrays: each transformer shall be
connected to one grid array only (see example in Figure 7.7).
Figure 7.7
7.8.14 For AC/DC and Modulated AC/DC Dehydrators/Desalters the

following configurations shall be used:
- If 2 independent grid sections are provided, each section shall cover
one half of the vessel length and shall be connected to only one
transformer (see example in Figure 7.8).

Page 28 of 52
Figure 7.8
- If 3 independent grid sections are provided, each section shall cover
one third of the vessel length and shall be connected to only one
transformer (see example in Figure 7.9).
Figure 7.9
7.8.15 The Conventional AC Dehydrator / Desalters shall be equipped with

Carbon Steel rod type electrostatic grids. The rods shall run parallel to
the length of the desalters and not across the cross-section. At least 6”
clearance shall be provided between the rod ends and the vessel dished
end to prevent arcing to the vessel wall.
7.8.16 Carbon Steel Plate electrostatic grids shall be provided for AC/DC and
Modulated AC/DC. The electrode plates shall be oriented transverse
the length of the Dehydrator/Desalter and installed vertically. The use
of AC/DC Technologies shall be limited to 0-10% water cut due to
lack of arc control which could potentially damage the carbon steel
plates. The Modulated AC/DC Technologies are equipped with arc
control and additionally will drop out majority of the water before it

Page 29 of 52
reaches the grids. Composite plates shall not be used due to the short
service life.
7.8.17 Oil immersed High pressure entrance bushings rated above the
maximum secondary voltage of the transformer shall be provided to
connect the transformer secondary to the vessel internal grids.
7.8.18 Vessel nozzle size for the entrance bushing shall be minimum 6”, 300#
rating. The vessel nozzle connected to the entrance bushing standpipe
shall be equipped with a vent to eliminate vapor. The vent can be either
welded directly on the nozzle flange or on a spacer installed between
the vessel nozzle and entrance bushing standpipe (see examples in
Figure 7.10). The vent shall be connected to the oil outlet pipe.
Vent on bushing entrance spacer Vent on bushing entrance nozzle flange
Figure 7.10
7.8.19 Each transformer compartment of conventional AC and AC/DC

Technologies shall be equipped with minimum one pressure switch,
one temperature switch, one level switch, one pressure gauge, one
temperature gauge and one level glass. Each entrance bushing
standpipe shall be equipped with one level glass.
7.8.20 Each segregated power unit compartment of Modulated AC/DC

Technologies shall be equipped with minimum one pressure switch,
one temperature switch, one level switch, one pressure gauge, one
temperature gauge and one level glass. Each entrance bushing
standpipe shall be equipped with one level glass.
Page 30 of 52
7.8.21 CFD analysis for Emulsion Feed Distributor shall be provided by

Dehydrator/Desalter Technology Supplier to prove uniform
distribution of the feed over the electrical the electrical grid area and
prevent channeling / recirculation. The Emulsion Feed Distributor shall
be located below the grid area and the distance between the top of the
feed distributor and bottom of the charged grids shall be minimum 3.3
feet (1 meter).
Note: The requirement of the minimum distance between the top of the
feed distributor and bottom of the charged grids can be waived for
existing Dehydrator/Desalter equipped with Conventional AC
technology and retrofitted with AC/DC and Modulated AC/DC
technologies if there is not enough space to comply with the
requirement. Space limitation shall be supported by the required
documentation.
7.8.22 The Emulsion Feed Distributor shall be located above Normal

Interface Level (NIL) to have it immersed in the oil continuous phase
of Dehydrator / Desalter.
7.8.23 Maximum electrical grid loading for Conventional AC Technologies

for crude dehydration/desalting shall be the following:
 ASL and GC crude service: 150 BPD/Square Feet of grid area
 AXL crude service: 150 BPD/Square Feet of grid area
 AL crude service: 150 BPD/Square Feet of grid area
 AM crude service: 110 BPD/Square Feet of grid area
 AH crude service: 80 BPD/square Feet of Grid area
7.8.24 Internal interface skimming header and water (sand) jetting header
shall be provided.
7.8.25 All dehydrator / desalter internal piping except the oil outlet manifold
shall be internally and externally coated in accordance with SAES-H-
002.
7.8.26 Dehydrator / desalter interface level instruments shall be provided in

accordance with SAES-J-100 requirements.
7.8.27 Two Transparent type interface monitoring sight glasses with

backlighting shall be provided. One sight glass shall be located at each
end of the vessel and directly connected to vessel nozzles taken from
the side.

Page 31 of 52
7.8.28 Try Cocks connections (interface sampling valves) shall be provided in

order to allow monitoring of the oil/ water interface all over the full
range of the vessel.
7.8.29 Level switch or level transmitter connected to ESD shall be provided to

shutdown power to transformers / power units if the dehydrator /
desalter vessels are not completely filled with liquid.
7.8.30 For Conventional AC and AC/DC technologies a local panel shall be

provided with power switch, transformer’s secondary voltage
indication, current indication, green/red pilot lights for each secondary
phase and a local panel light. The transformer secondary voltage shall
also be indicated in the DCS.
7.8.31 For Modulated AC/DC Technologies the control system cabinet and
station shall be installed indoor and all feed-back signals and control
signals that are displayed in the control system panel shall be
interfaced to the DCS system.
7.8.32 All GOSPs shall be provided with an off-spec recycle line at the outlet
of the Desalters to recycle off-spec crude during plant start-up. The
off-spec recycle line shall be internally coated in accordance with
SAES-H-001 and SAES-H-002 requirements.
7.8.33 A flowmeter shall be installed on all dehydrator / desalter water outlet

line.
7.8.34 Online BS&W analyzer shall be provided at the outlet of the desalter.
Insertion type sample take off installed on vertical main pipe shall be
provided for representative stream. BS&W analyzers shall be designed
in accordance with SAES-J-510 requirements.
7.8.35 Manual sample points shall be installed on the same sampling line as
the BS&W Analyzer.
7.8.36 The Dehydrator/Desalters shall be designed to withstand the shut-off

pressure of the charge pump with the design margin per SAES-D-001.
7.8.37 Salt Mass Balance across dehydrators / desalters shall be developed by

Design Contractor considering 50% mixing efficiency and shall be
included as project deliverable during Detailed Design phase (see
template in Appendix VII).
7.7.38 Desalter Effluent Treatment Unit for ground water conservation shall be
provided when required by SAES-A-012.

Page 32 of 52
7.9 Wet Dry Crude and Trim Heat Exchangers
7.9.1 If crude oil stabilization is not done within the battery limits of the
GOSP, Trim Heat Exchangers shall be used to heat the wet crude to the
dehydrator/desalter to achieve the desired temperature and viscosity.
7.9.2 Hot oil or steam can be either used as heating medium for Trim Heat
Exchangers.
7.9.3 If crude oil stabilization is done within the battery limits of the GOSP,
then hot stabilized crude shall be used to heat the wet crude to the
dehydrator/desalter to achieve the desired temperature and viscosity. If
the hot stabilized crude is not sufficient to heat the wet crude and
achieve the desired temperature and viscosity, Trim Heat Exchangers
shall also be used in addition to Wet Dry Crude Heat Exchangers.
Note: If Trim Heat Exchangers are not installed, provisions and plot space
shall be provided for future installation.
7.9.4 If Wet Dry Crude and Trim Heat Exchanger are both provided. Wet/Dry
Crude Heat Exchanger shall be installed upstream of Low Pressure Degassing
Tank (if any) and Trim Heat Exchanger shall be installed upstream of
Dehydrator.
7.9.5 Wet Dry Crude and Trim Heat Exchangers shall be designed in a
staged manner with provisions and plot space to install additional units
for future water load increase.
7.9.6 Wet Dry Crude and Trim Heat Exchanger shall be designed in
accordance with SAES-E-004.
7.10 Booster and Shipping Pumps
7.10.1 The type of booster (if applicable) and shipping pumps shall be
selected and designed in accordance with SAES-G-005.
7.11 Gas Compression
7.11.1 Each GOSP gas compression stage shall be provided with its own
Suction KO Drum and After-cooler / Inter-cooler.
7.11.2 For compression stages in series within the same plant, the need for
dedicated Compressor Discharge KO Drum for each compression
section shall be reviewed with P&CSD based on amount of liquids
formed after compression and cooling.

Page 33 of 52
7.11.3 Compressor Suction KO Drum shall be equipped with wire mist

eliminator to remove 99.9% liquid droplets of 6 microns and larger.
The wire mist eliminator shall be designed in accordance with the
following parameters:
- Minimum Density = 9 lb/ft3
- Maximum Void Fraction = 98.2 %
- Minimum Surface = 85 ft2/ft3
- Wire Diameter = 0.011”
- Minimum pad thickness = 6"
- Operating range = 25%-125% of design gas rate
Fiber Glass or other synthetic coalescing packing shall not be used in

the compressor suction drums.
case by case basis.
7.11.4 Clearance distance between the top of the mist eliminator and the gas
outlet nozzle shall be selected to have a minimum angle of 45º as per
Figure 7.11.
Figure 7.11
7.11.5 Compressor Suction KO Drums shall be equipped with a differential

pressure transmitter installed across the mist eliminator device.
7.11.6 PZV inlet connections on Compressor Suction KO Drums shall be

installed upstream mist eliminator.

Page 34 of 52
7.11.7 Compressor Suction KO Drum inlet nozzle shall be equipped with

internal distributor. The distance between the top of the inlet distributor
and bottom of mist eliminator shall be minimum 0.5 vessel diameter or
3 feet whichever greater.
7.11.8 Compressor Suction KO Drums shall be designed to accommodate

liquid drop-out in the inlet line during winter conditions.
7.11.9 CFD shall be performed on the Compressor Suction KO Drum with the
vessel’s internal supplier to confirm the internals selection and the
liquid removal efficiency over the full operating range.
7.11.10 Process parameters of Summer and Winter conditions of the following

cases shall be reported on each compressor data sheet:
- Minimum GOR (Minimum Flow)
- Design GOR
7.11.11 Compressors shall be designed in accordance with SAES-K-402.
7.11.12 Compressor’s performance curves for each operating case as reported

on data sheet shall be included as project deliverables Detailed Design
phase. The following performance curve charts shall be provided as
minimum:
- Actual Volumetric Flowrate versus Polytropic Head
- Actual Volumetric Flowrate versus Polytropic Efficiency
- Actual Volumetric Flowrate versus Power
- Actual Volumetric Flowrate versus Discharge Pressure
7.11.13 A flowmeter shall be installed on Compressor discharge line

downstream of antisurge line take-off connection in addition to the
flowmeter used by recycle / antisurge control loop.
7.11.14 The type of compressor’s after-coolers / inter-coolers shall be

evaluated for each project on case by case basis.
7.11.15 When fin-fan air-cooled heat exchangers are used as compressor’s

after-coolers / intercoolers, they shall be designed in accordance with
SAES-E-007 and the difference between process gas outlet and air
temperature shall not be higher than 15º F based on summer design dry
bulb temperature @ 1% in accordance with SAES-A-112.

Page 35 of 52
7.11.16 Mitigation measurement shall be evaluated and implemented (where

needed) to prevent hydrates formation in compressor’s after coolers.
7.11.17 Compressor Discharge KO Drums (where applicable) can be designed

either as two-phase or three-phase separator. Compressor Discharge
KO Drums designed as Three-phase separator shall be equipped with
boot for water removal.
7.11.18 Compressor discharge KO Drums (where applicable) shall be equipped

with mist eliminator to separate 99.9% of liquid droplets 6 microns or
larger.
7.11.19 A flowmeter shall be installed on Compressor Discharge KO drum

liquid outlet lines (condensate and water).
7.12 Gas Dehydration and Hydrocarbon Dew Point Control
7.12.1 GOSP’ Gas dehydration systems shall be provided for the following
applications:
 In a GOSP equipped with Lift Gas Compression Systems for crude
producing wells.
 In a GOSP exporting the compressed associated gas through a sub-
sea gas pipeline.
 In a GOSP exporting the compressed associated gas through on-
shore gas pipelines:
7.12.2 GOSP’ Gas Dehydration Systems shall be designed in accordance with

SAES-A-014.
7.12.3 Hydrocarbon dew point control units shall be installed in a GOSP

whenever liquid dropout in the gas transfer lines is predicted by a Flow
Assurance Study.
7.12.4 Hydrocarbon dew point control units shall be designed to condition the
gas at a temperature 10 ºF lower than actual gas hydrocarbon dew-
point as predicted by Flow Assurance Study.
7.12.5 Hydrate formation study shall be conducted and inhibition measures

implemented in accordance with SAES-A-014.
7.12.6 Hydrocarbon condensate shall be treated to prevent hydrate formation

and water drop-out in the condensate export lines.
7.13 GOSP In-Plant Piping

Page 36 of 52
7.13.1 GOSP piping system shall be designed based on SAES-L-100 and

SAES-L-310
7.13.2 The spec breaks between two piping classes shall be shown on P&IDs.
7.13.3 Non-slam type Check valves shall be installed at the following

locations:
 Gas outlets of all Production Traps (HPPT, IPPT, LPPT, LPDT)
 Gas slug catchers, receiving gas from satellite GOSPs
 Crude Charge Pumps, Booster Pumps and Shipping Pumps
discharge
 Crude oil stabilizer gas outlet
 Crude oil, Gas export lines and Water disposal line exiting the
GOSP.
7.13.4 All bypass lines of control valves, ESD valves, Relief valves and other
similar applications shall be sloped for self-draining on both sides.
8 Auxiliary Systems
8.1 Wash Water Systems for Crude Oil Desalting
8.1.1 Wash water systems design for crude oil desalting shall be performed
based on the following input:
- Crude oil rate
- Formation water TDS
- Wash water TDS
- BS&W at the inlet of Desalters
- BS&W and salt-in-crude specification of the desalted crude
- Mixing efficiency
8.1.2 Wash water can be supplied from aquifer wells, from water treatment
systems (e.g. Reverse Osmosis Plant), Desalination Plants or Flash
Evaporation Units.
8.1.3 The pH of wash water shall be between 6 and 8.
8.1.4 Wash water injection points shall be provided upstream Dehydrators

and Desalters.
Page 37 of 52
8.1.5 50% mixing efficiency shall be considered for wash water systems
design.
8.1.6 High Efficiency Mixing Systems shall be installed for mixing wash
water and recycled water with the crude at the inlet of Dehydrators /
Desalters. Mixing pressure drop range shall be 7 - 11 psi.
8.1.7 Wash water systems shall be designed for a minimum flowrate

capacity equal to 5% of the design dry crude production rate to provide
flexibility in case of Dehydrator/Desalter upset.
Note: Wash water systems supplied by low TDS water sources (e.g.
Reverse Osmosis Plant, Desalination Plants and Flash Evaporation
Units etc.) can be designed for a flowrate capacity lower than 5%
based on a salt mass balance calculation provided that Dehydrator /
Desalter upset conditions are considered.
8.1.9 Wash water shall be de-aerated to remove oxygen before being

injected into the crude.
8.1.10 The need for online oxygen analyzer for produced water streams shall
be evaluated during Design Basis Scoping Paper (FEL-2) and Project
Proposal (FEL-3). Online oxygen analyzer shall be designed in
accordance with SAES-J-510.
8.1.11 Minimum flow recycle line with flow control valve shall be provided
for wash water pumps to allow low wash water rates at low crude rates.
8.1.12 A gas blanketed surge drum or tank shall be provided to receive the
wash water from its source. The wash water shall be pumped from the
Wash Water surge drum or tank by the Wash Water pumps to the
desalting facility.
8.1.13 Wash water shall be controlled by flow control to provide steady

required wash water rate to crude oil desalting. Wash water supply
shall not be based on level control of the surge drum.
8.1.14 Jetting water header take off shall be upstream of the wash water flow
meter if wash water systems is supplied by aquifer water wells. If wash
water is supplied by water treatment systems, the desalter recycle
pump discharge water can be used as jetting water.
8.1.15 Sand/sludge removal system shall be provided on the water jetting

effluents from the Production Traps, Dehydrators, Desalters and
WOSEPs.
8.2 Chemical Systems and Corrosion Control

Page 38 of 52
8.2.1 All GOSPs shall be provided with facilities for bulk storage (tanks) and
injection of Demulsifier, Corrosion Inhibitor and Scale inhibitor.
8.2.2 The need for Biocide, Oxygen Scavenger and Methanol injection
systems shall be evaluated on a case by case basis.
8.2.3 All chemical storage tanks and injection skids shall be located at one
location. Large chemical storage tanks shall be accessible for road
tankers.
8.2.4 The chemical dosing pumps shall be positive displacement, metering

type capable of adjusting the dosage rates both locally and remotely
from the control system. Pumps shall be equipped with pulsation
dampener and pump rate shall be confirmed by graduated cylinder
installed on the pump suction. Refer to SABP-A-015.
8.2.5 Each chemical dosage point shall have its own dedicated pump or
pumps discharge manifold for dedicating the pumps to one injection
point. Each chemical dosage point shall be provided with a flow meter
to monitor the chemical dosage rate and Low Flow Alarm.
8.2.6 Strainers shall be provided upstream of the chemical dosing points. A

differential pressure transmitter connected to DCS shall be installed
across each strainer.
8.2.7 With the exception of Demulsifier and Methanol, all other chemical
dosage rates and injection locations shall be finalized in consultation
with CSD and Producing Department Corrosion Engineers. Refer to
SABP-A-018 and Refer to SABP-A-036.
8.2.8 Demulsifier design dosage rate and injection locations shall be

developed by Design Contractor during DBSP and Project Proposal
phase and reviewed /approved by P&CSD/OPU. Methanol design
dosage rate and injection location (if applicable) shall be developed by
Design Contractor during DBSP and Project Proposal phase and
review/approved by P&CSD/GPU".
8.2.9 Coupon and on-line corrosion monitoring system, meeting the

requirements of 01-SAMSS-023 shall be provided in GOSPs to
monitor corrosion. The locations for corrosion monitoring access
fittings shall be reviewed by CSD and Producing Department
Corrosion Engineers. Refer to SABP-A-018 and SABP-A-036.
Note: Recommended locations for corrosion monitoring access fittings are:
Crude inlet Manifold, Wash water supply, HPPT water Out, LPPT
water out, Degassing tank water Out, Dehydrator water out, Disposal

Page 39 of 52
Water out to disposal Line, GOSP crude to pipeline and Gas to

pipeline.
8.2.10 Required space shall be provided for on-line coupon retrieval and
installation tools. Refer to SABP-A-018 and SABP-A-036.
8.2.11 Anode Monitoring System (AMS) shall be provided on all vessels

(HPPT, IPPT, LPPT, Dehydrator, Desalter and WOSEP) that handle
wet crude and are provided with sacrificial anodes for cathodic
protection.
8.2.12 Corrosion inhibitor injection systems inside GOSPs shall not be used
for injection points at the Remote Header.
8.2.13 Separate corrosion Inhibitor injection (Pump, flow meter and Injection
tubing) for the crude oil leaving the GOSP to the crude oil pipeline
shall be provided. Refer to SABP-A-015, SABP-A-018 and SABP-A-
036.
Note: To ensure good mixing the pipeline corrosion inhibitor injection point
can be upstream of the crude tie-line control Valve or suction of the
shipping pump.
8.2.14 Corrosion inhibitors shall be evaluated and selected as per SAES-S-

205 requirements.
8.2.15 Material selection and corrosion control shall be performed in

accordance with SAES-L-132 and SAES-L-133.
8.2.16 Demulsifier injection points shall be provided at the each GOSP

production manifold and at the inlet of the dehydrator. For multiple
desalting trains a demulsifier injection point shall be located at the inlet
of each Dehydrator. Mixing devices to mix the injected demulsifier
with the wet crude shall be provided.
Note: To ensure good mixing the pipeline corrosion inhibitor injection point
can be upstream of the crude tie-line control Valve or suction of the
shipping pump
8.2.17 Each demulsifier injection pumps shall be designed to inject at least 50

ppm of demulsifier based on the wet crude flowrate of “Design Water
Cut” case.
8.2.18 Each demulsifier injection pump shall be equipped with an Electronic

Capacity Control (ECC) and automatic flow control loop in order to
automate the demulsifier injection rate and optimize demulsifier
consumption.

Page 40 of 52
8.2.19 All chemical injection skids shall be equipped with online remote
monitoring for flow rate, tank level and pump status.
8.2.20 Minimum one month storage capacity shall be provided for the
demulsifier based on demulsifier injection pump’s design rate.
8.3 Hot Oil Systems
8.3.1 Hot Oil fluids including Diesel can be used for heating the crude oil in
the GOSPs. Hot oil fluids shall be selected with low potential of
chemical degradation, low tendencies of scale and coke formation and
with an auto ignition temperature at least 90 ºF (50 ºC) above the max
operating temperature.
8.3.2 Hot Oil Expansion vessel shall be provided. The Hot oil Expansion
vessel shall be provided with inert gas blanket.
8.3.3 The Hot oil return shall flow into the Hot Oil Expansion vessel.
The Hot oil circulating pumps shall take suction from the Hot Oil
expansion vessel.
8.3.4 The hot oil pump suction temperature shall be connected to the DCS.
8.3.5 The wet crude shall be flowing through the tube side and the hot oil
through the shell side of the hot oil heat exchanger.
8.3.6 The Hot Oil fluid pressure shall be at least 50 psig higher than the cold
process fluid (wet Crude) pressure in the hot oil heat exchanger to
avoid chances of process fluids leaking into the hot oil system.
8.4 Drain Systems
8.4.1 All on-shore GOSPs shall be provided with Closed Drain System per
SAES-A-400/SAES-A-401 and Oily Water Drain Systems per
SAES-S-020.
8.4.2 All off-shore GOSPs, Well Platforms shall be provided with Closed
Drain Systems per SAES-A-400/SAES-A-403 and Oily Water Drain
System per SAES-S-020.
Note: For existing GOSPs the conversion of the existing Pressure Sewer
and Gravity Sewer Systems into Closed Drain System and Oily
Water Drain System shall be evaluated on case by case basis.
8.4.3 The closed drain header from GOSP production manifold shall be run
separately to the CDS drum and shall not be connected with other low
pressure closed drain headers.
Page 41 of 52
8.5 Instrument Air/ Plant Air systems
8.5.1 The Instrument Air system shall be designed in accordance with

SAES-J-901.
8.5.2 Plant air connection shall be provided at all utility stations besides
nitrogen, LP steam and water connections.
9 GOSP De-Bottlenecking
9.1 Process study (FEL-2 Study) shall be performed to identify process equipment
modifications to de-bottleneck processing facilities based on operating and
future crude production forecast.
9.2 Flare and Relief assessment shall be conducted to identify the required
modifications to the Flare and Blowdown System to support the modifications
of the main process systems.
9.3 Utility systems assessment shall be conducted to identify utility system

modifications required to support the modifications of the main process systems.
9.4 If required hydraulic study shall be performed to identify any impact on the
downstream pipeline systems.
9.5 If it is required to exceed the GOSP nominal plant capacity without conducting a
process study, a Flare and Relief Capacity Assessment shall be conducted to
establish the maximum crude capacity of the GOSP and a Plant Test shall be
conducted (based on Flare and Relief capacity assessment) to identify equipment
limitations.
9.6 A Management of Change (MOC) process shall be completed to track and

reflect any change to the processing facilities (including new design plant
capacity) on plant documentation.
Revision Summary
26 February 2013 New Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard.

1 January 2018 Editorial revision to delete paragraphs 6.3.4, 7.4.8, and 7.9.4 and renumbered 6.3.8 to 6.3.7.
24 May 2018 Major revision to provide design consistency, improve clarity and eliminate conflicts with other
SAESs.

Page 42 of 52
Appendix I – Production forecast and reservoir composition template
Production Forecast Table
RESERVOIR A RESERVOIR B RESERVOIR C

YEAR OIL GAS WATER OIL GAS WATER OIL GAS WATER
(MBCD) (MMSCFD) (MBCD) (MBCD) (MMSCFD) (MBCD) (MBCD) (MMSCFD) (MBCD)
20XX
20XX
20XX
20XX
20XX
20XX
20XX
20XX
20XX
20XX
20XX
20XX
20XX
20XX
20XX
20XX
20XX
20XX
20XX
20XX

Page 43 of 52
Reservoir Composition Table - C7+ Characterization

Component
(mol fraction) (mol fraction) (mol fraction)
N2
CO2
H2S
Methane
Ethane
Propane
i-Butane
n-Butane
i-Pentane
n-Pentane
Hexane
Heptane & Heavier
GOR (SCF/bbl) (1)

Residual Oil Density (º API)
Reservoir Hypothetical Component Properties – C7+ Characterization
Density @ Standard Cond. Molecular Weight

Reservoir
(º API) (lb/lbmol)
Reservoir A – Heptane & Heavier
Reservoir B – Heptane & Heavier
Reservoir C – Heptane & Heavier

Page 44 of 52
Reservoir Composition Table - C12+ Characterization

Component
(mol fraction) (mol fraction) (mol fraction)
N2
CO2
H2S
Methane
Ethane
Propane
i-Butane
n-Butane
i-Pentane
n-Pentane
Hexane
Heptane
Octane
Nonane
Decane
Undecane
Dodecane & Heavier
GOR (SCF/bbl) (1)

Residual Oil Density (º API)
Reservoir Hypothetical Component Properties – C12+ Characterization
Density @ Standard Cond. Molecular Weight

Reservoir
(º API) (lb/lbmol)
Reservoir A – Dodecane & Heavier
Reservoir B – Dodecane & Heavier
Reservoir C – Dodecane & Heavier

Page 45 of 52
Appendix II – Simplified Schematic of Satellite On-Shore GOSP

Page 46 of 52
Appendix III – Simplified Schematic of Satellite Off-Shore GOSP

Page 47 of 52
Appendix IV – Simplified Schematic of Simple GOSP with Gas Compression

Page 48 of 52
Appendix V – Simplified Schematic of Complex GOSP

with Gas Compression and Crude Oil Stabilization

Page 49 of 52
Appendix VI – Simplified Schematic of Hot Oil System

Page 50 of 52
Appendix VII – Salt Mass Balance Template
Salt Mass Balance Templates are available in the Corporate Model Library by using the
following link: Corporate Model Library
Two Stage Dehydration / Desalting Unit Template

Page 51 of 52
Three Stage Dehydration / Desalting Unit Template

Page 52 of 52

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Engineering Standard

SAES-A-010 24 May 2018

Previous Issue: 1 January 2018 Next Planned Update: 24 May 2021

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2018. All rights reserved.

1.3 Standard’s Exclusions

2 Conflicts and Deviations

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

SAEP-327 Disposal of Waste Water from Cleaning, Flushing,

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-L-100 Applicable Codes and Standards for Pressure

Saudi Aramco Manuals

Saudi Aramco Material Specifications

Saudi Aramco Best Practices

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Petroleum Institute

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)

4 Terms and Definitions

AC: Alternating Current

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

AFD: Adjustable Frequency Drive

CFD: Computational Fluid Dynamics

Conventional AC: Technology installed in electrostatic coalescers that use alternate

CSD: Consulting Services Department

CSD/RED/C&GTG: Consulting Services Department / Rotating Equipment Division /

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Emulsion Characterization Study: Study conducted on water-in-oil emulsion

FPD: Facilities Planning Department

GOSP: Gas Oil Separation Plant

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

GOSP Production Manifold: Piping manifold where all incoming trunklines /

H2S: Hydrogen Sulfide

HPPT: High Pressure Production Trap

IPPT: Intermediate Pressure Production Trap

KO Drum: Knockout drum

LPD: Loss Prevention Department

LPDT: Low Pressure Degassing Tank

LPPT: Low Pressure Production Trap

MBCD: Thousand Barrels per Calendar Day

MBOD: Thousand Barrels per Operating Day

MBOD= MBCD/Overall Operating Factor

Modulated AC/DC: Technology installed in electrostatic coalescers that use direct

NA PED: Northern Area Petroleum Engineering Department

OSPAS: Oil Supply Planning and Scheduling Department

ppm: Parts Per Million

P&CSD: Process and Control Systems Department

P&FDD: Production & Facilities Development Department

PFD: Process Flow Diagram

OIW: Oil in Water

pH: It is a measurement of the acidic or basic character of a solution at a given

P&ID: Piping and Instrumentation Diagram

PM&OU: Process Modeling & Optimization Unit

PTB: Pounds of salt per thousand Barrels of Crude oil

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

PZV: Pressure Relief Valve

RMD: Reservoir Management Department

RVP: Reid Vapor Pressure

SA PED: Southern Area Petroleum Engineering Department

Shrinkage: Decrease in oil volume caused by the evaporation of solution gas or by

TDS: (Total Dissolved Solids) It is a measure of all dissolved material in water. It is

Trunkline: Pipeline to which two or more flowlines are connected

TVP: True Vapor Pressure at a given temperature