A Choke Manifold for a Well Test Separator is a critical surface equipment system used during well testing and production operations.
Purpose
To control wellhead pressure by adjusting the flow from the well before it enters the Well Test Separator.
To provide safe handling of high-pressure hydrocarbons, preventing equipment damage or unsafe conditions.
To allow well flow regulation, diversion, and killing operations if required.
Main Components
Chokes
Adjustable Choke: Can be manually or hydraulically adjusted to regulate flow precisely.
Positive Choke: Uses fixed orifice bean sizes for stable pressure drop.
Valves & Spools
High-pressure gate valves or ball valves (typically 5,000–15,000 psi, sour service if H₂S present).
Spacer spools and crossovers for connection.
Manifold Arrangement
Usually dual choke configuration (one working, one standby)
Flow can be switched between chokes for maintenance or operational changes.
Instrumentation
Pressure gauges, transmitters, and sometimes temperature sensors.
Helps monitor and control conditions upstream of the separator.
Applications in Well Testing
Maintain a constant separator inlet pressure for accurate fluid measurement.
Prevent sudden slugging or surging that could damage the separator.
Provide safe shutoff and pressure control during well test operations.
Enable gradual well clean-up by controlling sand, debris, and high-pressure fluids.
