VFH-RM® Vertical Flow Horizontal Treater

NATCO’s VFH-RM® Treaters are designed specifically for

cold weather applications
VFH-RM® units employ a process
originated by NATCO that combines the
advantages of vertical flow with the
benefits of horizontal vessels. They are
designed specifically for cold weather
applications, where fuel savings, simple
installation, and oil gravity conservation
are desired.

They are best suited for moderate to large

volumes of 28º to 42º API gravity crudes
and moderate amounts of free water. The
units are available with skids and a special
housing for the vessel and controls.

More economical separation

The vessel has two main compartments:
a heating section and coalescing section.
(figure 1)

The produced fluid enters the heating

section at the top of the vessel and flows
downward across a hood where initial
degassing and velocity reduction occur.
Liberated gas passes into the secondary
compartment.
The emulsion is distributed to the heating
compartment where it flows upward
around the firetube and settles to the
bottom of the vessel, where it is
discharged.
VFH-RM® Treater
Greater capacity Greater separation
The VFH-RM® processor provides faster The large surface areas available in a
separation with less agitation. horizontal vessel improve separation
Preheating liberates most gas during efficiency.
initial processing. Faster separation
permits higher volumes.

The emulsion is heated to coalescing

temperature and then skims over a weir
baffle to a surge section. Gas is withdrawn
through a back pressure valve. Oil rises
through the settling area where water
particles coalesce and fall to the bottom
of the vessel for removal.

Fuel conservation
VFH-RM® Treaters improve heat transfer,
which boosts unit efficiency and saves
fuel. Free water is removed before the
fluid contacts the firetube, so it is not
heated unnecessarily. Figure 1 VFH-RM® Vertical Flow Horizontal Treater

Issue 7 09.02 Page 1251-A1

 VFH-RM® Vertical Flow Horizontal Treater
Simplifies design Fewer external components
The components, heat exchangers, The units can be shipped pre-assembled
siphons, condensing heads, down- because nearly all components are
comers, etc. normally required in vertical internal. Skid-mounted assemblies can be
treaters are eliminated in the VFH-RM® put on line with minimum field
design. The result is lower capital connections.
investment for the same throughputs, as
well as lower operating costs.
For more information on the NATCO VFH-RM® Vertical Flow Horizontal Treater or other NATCO Group products contact:
NATCO Group Head Office NATCO Canada
Houston, USA Calgary, Canada
Tel: +(1) 713 683 9292 Tel: +(1) 403 236 1850
Email: sales@natco-us.com Email: sales@natco.ab.ca
NATCO Japan
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +(81) 33288 1901
Email: natco1@natcojapan.com
www.natcogroup.com
Issue 7 09.02
Automatic controls
Optimum performance is maintained with
a minimum of operator attention.
Temperature, pressure and low fluid level
safety controls are standard on all models.
Gauges enable operators to monitor all
steps of the process easily.
Axsia Group
Gloucester, England
Tel: +(44) 1452 833800
Email: asbl@axsia.com
Axsia Howmar
Camberley, England
Tel: +(44) 1276 681101
Email: ahl@axsia.com
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