In oil and gas processing, a gathering line is a pipeline that collects crude oil or natural gas from multiple wellheads within a field and transports it to a central processing facility.

Here's a breakdown of its key roles:

• Collection: Gathering lines act as the initial stage in the transportation of hydrocarbons, gathering them from various wellheads scattered across an oil or gas field.
• Transportation: They transport the collected oil or gas to a central processing facility, where it will be further processed and prepared for distribution.
• Initial Separation: Some gathering lines may include initial separation stages, separating water, sand, and other impurities from the raw oil or gas before it reaches the processing facility.

Key characteristics of gathering lines:

• Smaller Diameter: Compared to larger transmission pipelines, gathering lines typically have smaller diameters.
• Shorter Length: They usually cover shorter distances, connecting wells within a specific field.
• Lower Pressure: The pressure within gathering lines is typically lower than in transmission lines.

Benefits of Gathering Lines:

• Efficient Transportation: Gathering lines ensure the efficient and cost-effective transportation of hydrocarbons from multiple wellheads to the processing facility.
• Reduced Processing Costs: Initial separation stages within some gathering lines can reduce processing costs at the central facility by removing contaminants.
• Centralized Control: Gathering lines enable centralized control and management of hydrocarbon production within a field.

Overall, gathering lines are crucial components of oil and gas processing, ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of hydrocarbons from wellheads to processing facilities.