Smarter Sensing for Offshore Production
- Robert Robinson
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
Offshore oil and gas production is a complex balancing act. Among the most essential? Accurate, real-time level and interface measurement.
Whether you’re dealing with slug flow, emulsion layers, or high-pressure separators, understanding your vessels is key to avoiding costly upsets and downtime.
Why Interface Measurement Matters Offshore
In offshore processing, crude oil is mixed with water, gas, and sometimes solids. Separation of these phases is handled by a range of vessels—from 3-phase separators to desalters and slug catchers.
Instrumentation tracks both the total level and the interface, or separation layer, between typically oil and water.
Accurate tracking of interface prevents:
Water carry-over into the export oil;
Oil carry-under into the water treatment system;
Control loop instability and inefficient chemical dosing.
Accurate interface measurement is essential for compliance, efficiency, and safety.
Common Offshore Applications
1. 3-Phase Separators
The first line of defence in production processing, these vessels rely on instrumentation to manage all three phases of flow.
Guided wave radar like the VEGAFLEX provides clear readings of level and interface—even in difficult emulsions. It’s also built for high pressure, H₂S, and foaming environments.
2. Dehydrators & Desalters
Used to treat crude before export, these need tight interface control to prevent water and salt contamination, as well as meeting BS EN or API export specs.
Sensors help maintain the correct electrode height, manage chemical dosing, and avoid water breakthrough.
3. Vessel-Type Slug Catchers
Slugs, large volumes of liquid entering a gas pipeline, are a constant challenge. Vessel-type slug catchers buffer these and protect equipment.
VEGAPULS non-contact radar deliver fast, accurate measurement, even during sudden surges. Interface monitoring prevents flooding or short-cycling.
Choosing the Right Technology
Both guided wave and non-contact radar are reliable, but the choice depends on vessel size, process demands and what you are measuring.
Use Non-Contact Radar when:
Monitoring total level in larger/open vessels;
Handling condensate, ballast, or slug volumes;
Dealing with vapour-heavy or corrosive media;
Need hygienic, low-maintenance setups with no media contact.
Example: VEGAPULS 6X – 80 GHz radar, accurate even in fast-changing conditions
Use Guided Wave Radar when:
You need precise interface detection, especially in emulsion layers;
Working with 3-phase separators, dehydrators, or compact vessels;
Measuring in bridle chambers or turbulent internals;
Process involves foam, vapour saturation, or high pressure.
Example: VEGAFLEX 86 – SIL-certified GWR sensor for challenging applications.
Safer, Smoother Operations
By choosing the right radar technology, this cuts downtime and optimises production. Guided wave radar ensures confident interface monitoring in high-pressure vessels. Non-contact radar keeps level readings reliable, even in extreme conditions.
From separators to slug catchers, VEGA’s radar sensors bring clarity and confidence to complex offshore processes—so you can keep production stable, compliant, and efficient.
Meet the team at SPE Offshore Europe 2025
Curious to learn more? Visit us on Stand 3D40 to see live demos of our guided wave radar, non-contact radar, pressure solutions and more, tailored to solve your toughest challenges!
For more info, visit our website.
+44 1444 870055
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