Separation Technology Research (STAR) Program

T he STAR Program is a Joint Industry Project (JIP) initiated by ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, and Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) for research, systematic testing, and enabling the qualification of separation equipment.

The program is led and administered by SwRI, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of science and technology.The program combines the knowledge, effort, and resources of members in the energy sector to collect relevant data on separation performance that would be too expensive for a single company to generate.

Program GoalsThe goals of the STAR Program are to systematically test separation equipment and increase fundamental knowledge in phase separation. The program is also intended to improve existing technologies or identify gaps that can lead to development of new technologies.

International ParticipationThe STAR Program provides a forum for experts in phase separation and equipment manufacturers to meet on a regular basis and discuss common needs, available technologies, and new development.

Members guide the direction of the program by identifying and selecting the technologies to be tested, providing input on standard testing approaches, participating in planning experiments, witnessing testing, and commenting on results.

Operating companies, contractors, and equipment manufacturers from all non-sanctioned countries are welcome.

Separation Project Research Technologies• Gas/liquid

• Liquid/liquid

• Three-phase

General Approach• Test as close to field conditions as possible, including high pressures with hydrocarbon fluids

• Develop standard testing approaches that can be used to evaluate and compare similar technologies

• Conduct low-pressure basic testing as needed in early stages of technology evaluation

• Develop guidelines or recommended practices based on program data collected

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Mission StatementWe benefit STAR Program Participants by providing accurate, applicable performance data for design, characterization, and qualification of separation equipment using a multi-company, collaborative model.

Vision StatementAdvance separation research that will result in accurate performance data to validate equipment and standardized test protocols.

S o u t h w e s t R e s e a r c h I n s t i t u t e t e c h n o l o g y d a t a s h e e t

A Consortium of

SEPARATIONTECHNOLOGY

RESEARCH PROGRAM

ST R

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© 2016 Southwest Research Institute. All rights reserved.

SwRI Business Development San Antonio, Texas (210) 522-2122 bd@swri.org

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Member Benefits• Leveraged research resulting in reduced time and cost from initial

concept to field application

• Standardized testing to provide consistent evaluation of similar technologies, minimize repeated testing, and provide a level playing field

• Reduced risk associated with implementing technologies in the field with consistent qualification testing at independent test facilities

• Equipment performance data available for contractors to offer packaged solutions to customers, and for equipment manufacturers to market their products among members or improve their technologies

• Proprietary and non-proprietary equipment testing data sharing among members, protecting manufacturer know-how

• Development of independent performance data and physics-based models for various types of separation equipment

• Minimization of capital costs through use of existing flow loops for research

Program Duration• Three-year study initiated in

June 2014

• Intended to continue for many years

Program Budget• Approximately $1 million per

year

• Funded by fees from member companies

We welcome your inquiries. For additional information, please contact:

Chris Buckingham(+1) 210-522-3307cbuckingham@swri.org

Southwest Research Institute6220 Culebra Road • PO Drawer 28510San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510

Southwest Research Institute is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization using multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The Institute occupies 1,200 acres in San Antonio, Texas, and provides more than 2 million square feet of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for nearly 3,000 employees who perform contract work for industry and government clients.

starprogram.swri.orgswri.org

starprogram.swri.org

Participating Companies

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disabled/Veteran Committed to Diversity in the Workplace

Operators

Contractors

Equipment Manufacturers

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