Surface · Well Testing
Heat Exchanger
A heater downstream of the choke that warms the well stream, usually with steam.
What it does
Raises the temperature after the choke pressure drop to prevent hydrates in gas wells, break emulsions, lower viscosity, avoid foam and help the burner burn clean.
Basics
| Heat source | Steam, or an indirect fired bath |
| Prevents | Hydrates after the choke |
| Helps | Emulsion breaking and separation |
Common failures
- Hydrates or emulsion reach the separator because the outlet is too cold
Troubleshooting
- Symptom
- Pressure spikes or plugging after the choke
- Likely cause
- Outlet temperature too low
- What to check
- Raise the heat input or add hydrate inhibitor at the data header