Surface Production Operations 1

®
DELIVERING KNOWLEDGE. DEVELOPING COMPETENCE.
Oil, Water and Gas

Treating Equipment
Section 3
Treating Process
WellHead Production Process End Product
Oil   Sales Oil
Gas   Pipeline Gas
Production
Unwanted Fluids  Facilities  Disposable
Quality Water
Unwanted Solids    Solids
© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

Description of Wellhead Fluids
Fluid Composition / Properties

P – V – T Characteristics
Emulsion / Foaming Tendencies
Produced Water / Minerals / Solids
Volume / Rate Profile: Average / Peak
Temperatures and Pressures
Contaminants
Range of Uncertainties

Typical Product Specifications
OIL BS&W < .5 to 3 volume %
Temperature > Pour Point
SALT < 10 to 25 lbs / 1000 Bbls (300 – 750 g / sm3)
Max Vapor Pressure  Max Viscosity  
GAS Water Content 2 to 7 # / MMCF (30 – 120 mg / sm3)

Dew Point ± 32 F at 1000 psi
H2S < 4 ppm (< 4 mg / l)
CO2 < 1 to 3 volume %
O2 < 0.4 volume %
Heating Value > 950 Btu / scf (> 8933 Kcal / sm3)
WATER Oil Content < 15 to 40 ppm

SOLIDS < 1 lb / 100 Bbls (< 30 g / m3)

Production Facility Processes
Gas – Liquid Separation
Liquid – Liquid Separation
Gas Conditioning
Oil Treatment
Water Clean Up

Production Facility Block Diagram
H.P.
DEHYDRATION SALES
L.P.
L.P.
COMPRESSION
OIL TREATING
SEPARATION SALES
WATER TREATING DISPOSAL

Complex Facility Block Diagram
Acid Gas Sulfur
Flare
Removal
Sulfur
Transport
Gas Condensate
Treating Dehydration Compression /
Removal Pipeline /
Condensate Reinjection /
Flare
Stabilization Storage / Pipeline
Phase Oil Dehydration H2S

Wellhead Gathering Stabilization Storage / Pipeline
Separation / Desalting Removal
Water Softening /
Skimming Filtration Disposal /
Deaeration
Reinjection
Sand
Cleanup Disposal
Bacteriocide Scale Inhibitor
Deaeration Holding
Pump Filtration Pump
Tank
Corrosion Inhibitor
Seawater Formation
Process Flow Scheme (PFS)

Pertinent Data Table
Major Equipment
– Size
– Volume
– Type
– Make
Fluid Phase and Composition

Flow Rates
Pressures
Temperatures

Pertinent Data Table
Equipment V-101 V- 102 Equipment P-101
Low Press. Crude Oil Stabilized
Production Stabilizer Crude Oil
Separator Vessel Pumps
ID/Len. cm. 250 x 750 180 x 720 Cap. cu.m/h 150
Vol. cu.m 39.5 19.8 Head m.liq 23
Type / Make B.S. & B Kunzel Type / Make BS-50F
Operation
Stream 1 2 3 4* 5 6 7
Phase Vap Liq Vap Liq Liq Vap Liq Liq Vap
tonne/day 67 2840 67 2840 1996 9 2830 2820 67
kg/sec 0.8 33 0.8 33 23 0.1 33 32.5 0.8
MW or SG 44 0.9 44 0.9 1.04 44 0.9 0.9 43
Density kg/m3 5.8 880 5.8 880 1035 4.1 880 875 5.6
Visc. Mm2/s - 16 - 16 - - 16 15 -
Press. barg 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.45 1.4 0.05 2.45
Temp. °C 41 41 41 43 41 45 34

Common Flowsheet Symbols
CONTACTOR

“Separator”
Pressured Vessel
– Used to Separate Well Fluids into Gas (Vapor)
and Liquid Phases
Normally the Initial Processing Vessel
Must be Capable of Handling
“Slugs” (of Liquid) or “Heads” (of Gas)
Sized to Handle Instantaneous Flow Rates

Separator Nomenclature
Remove Gas from Liquid
– “Two – Phase Separator"
– Oil and Gas Separator
– Liquid – Gas Separator
– Flash Vessel
– Expansion Vessel
Separate Gas – Oil – Water
– “Three – Phase Separator"
Very High Gas / Liquid Ratio
– Scrubber
– Trap
Very High Water Volume
– Free Water Knockout
– Knockout Drum
– Knockout Trap
– Slug Catcher

Two – Phase Separator
Gas “Flashed” from Liquid



Horizontal Separator

Vertical Separator

Separator Operation
Higher Pressure 
More Liquid Recovery from the Separator

– (Less Gas Volume leaving Separator as Vapor)

Separator Operation
Higher Pressure 
More Liquid Recovery
Too High: “Lights” Captured in Liquid then

Lost from Stock Tank
– (Less Production from Wells Due to Additional Back -
Pressure)
Too Low: “Intermediates” Lost to Gas
– Less Oil Recovered

Separator Pressure vs. Stock Tank Recovery

Number of Stages of Separation
LC
LC
LC

Stage Separation Semantics
Stock Tanks
are also
Separation Vessels

Affect of Separator Stages on Oil Recovery (Example)
SEPARATION STAGES OIL RECOVERED COMPRESS

Pressure – psig Stock Tank Barrels Horsepower
1400 – – 50 8800 900

1400 500 – 50 8950 525
1400 500 175 50 8990 420

Stage Separation Guidelines
INITIAL SEPARATOR NUMBER of

PRESSURE: psig STAGES*
25 – 125 1
125 – 300 1 or 2
300 – 500 2
500 – 700 2 or 3
*Excluding Stock Tank
If Flowrate Exceeds 50,000 BOPD:

– Consider Additional Stages

How Separators Work



Major Sections of Gas Separator
PRODUCTION
INLET
Gas
Accumulation
PRIMARY
SEPARATION
(Inlet Diverter)
LIQUID
Accumulation LIQUID
OUTLET

Removing Gas from Liquid
Enlarged Space : ΔP Δρ
– Lower Fluid Velocity
– Impingement of Liquid
– Change of Flow Direction
Bubble Extraction from Oil Section

– Retention Time
– Agitation / Baffling
– Heat
– Chemicals

Removing Liquid Mist from Gas
Retention Time: ΔP, Δρ

Mist Extractor:
– Impingement of Gas
– Change in Direction
– Change in Velocity
Centrifugal Force
Coalescing Surfaces
Filters

Pressure and Level Controls
Gravity Settling Section

GAS
LIQUID
Liquid Collection Section
Inlet Diverter
– Direction Change
– Momentum Change
Gravity Settling
Mist Extractor

Pressure Control
BACK
Pressure
Sensing PRESSURE
Port CONTROL
VALVE
HIGH Pressure
Valve Throttles
Open
Controller
LOW Pressure
Valve Throttles
Close
Back Pressure Control Valve
HIGH Pressure
Valve Throttles
Open
Control
LOW Pressure Fluid
Valve Throttles
Close
VALVE PLUG

Direct Acting Back Pressure Regulator
Direct Acting
Back Pressure
Control Valve

Liquid Level Control
Rising Liquid Level:

– Valve Throttles Open
 or Snaps
Falling Liquid Level:

– Valve Throttles Closed
 or Snaps

Dump Valve Operation

Skid-Mounted Horizontal Separator

Horizontal vs. Vertical

Horizontal
Smaller and Less Expensive at Capacity

Greater Gas / Liquid Interface Area
Droplet Flow NOT in Opposition to Gas Flow

Horizontal Separator Advantages
Smaller and Less Expensive at Capacity

Greater Gas / Liquid Interface Area
Better at Three – Phase Separation
Greater Liquid Capacity (Not Surges)
Handles More Foam / Emulsion
Droplet Flow NOT in Opposition to Gas Flow
Easier Maintenance
Easier to Skid – Mount
Physically More Stable
Stackable
Can Handle Gas “Heads”
Horizontal Separator Disadvantages
Handling of Solids
– (Overcome with Addition of Extra Clean-outs )
Larger Footprint
– (May Matter Offshore)
– (May Overcome by Stacking)
Less Liquid Surge Capacity
High Liquid Level Shut-down Closer to
Normal Operating Level

Vertical Separator
Very Low GLR

– Mostly Liquid
Very High GLR

– Mostly Gas

Vertical Separator
Handling Solids
Smaller Footprint
Liquid Surge Capacity
HLSD Location Options
Very Low GLR:

– Mainly Liquids
Very High GLR:
– Mist Flow

Vertical Separator Advantages
Very Low GLR: (Mainly Liquids)

Very High GLR: (Mist Flow)
Clean – Out of Solids Easier

Smaller Footprint
Better Liquid Surge Capacity
Liquid Level More Adjustable

Scrubber
Small Two Phase Separator

– “Scrubs” Small Amounts of LIQUIDS from GAS
 (Condensed from Cooling or Pressure Change)
Used Upstream of:
– Compressors
– Gas Dehydrators
– Vent or Flare Outlet

Double Barrel Separator
For High Gas Rates with Low Liquid Rates
– (No Re-entrainment of Liquids)

Line Drip Catcher

Filter Separators
Inlet Separation Final Mist

Chamber Extractors
Gas in Filter Tubes
Gas out
Closure
Liquid Reservoir
*** EXTREMELY HIGH GLR ***

(Mist Extraction)

Three – Phase Separator
Gas Flashed from Liquids

Oil Separated from Water
“Free Water”

“Free Water” Water Layer Growth
Oil
Water

Free Water Knockout (FWKO)
Gas Inlet Diverter GAS and OIL

some Water
Oil Outlet
Water
WATER
Outlet
May have 3rd OUTLET for GAS

Level Controls: 3-Phase
Water
WEIGHTED
FLOAT
WATER

“Bucket and Weir” Design
Water
Valve
Main Advantage Over Conventional 3-Phase

Horizontal Separator is Level Control on Water Leg

“Bucket and Weir” Design
Oil Weir Height
Water Weir Height

Water
Valve

Oil Pad Height Determination
h
hO
 ρ 
Δh = h 1 -  o

 ρ
o
w 
Where h = distance water weir is below the oil weir, in.
ho = desired oil pad height, in.
o = oil density, lb/ft3
w = water density, lb/ft3
Set h to Provide ho Required for Desired Oil Retention Time
Two – Phase Spherical Separator

Spherical Separator

Inclined Free Water Knockout

Inclined Free Water Knockout
30 to 300% Capacity Increase
– Treats Emulsions at 72,000 BFPD (12000 m 3)
The SKUD
– Lowers Oil-in-Water to  150 ppm
– Lower Cost and / or Higher Effectiveness

Hudson Products Split-Flo® Separator
Gas Out
Gas Out
Secondary
Separator
Intermediate
Stage
Primary
Separator
Liquid
Out
Liquid Out
Feed Feed
GLCC: Gas Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone
HIGH GOR
GLCC: Minas Field – Indonesia 180,000 BLPD / 80 MMscfd / 5' Diameter
Infrared Photo (right): shows Liquid – Vapor Separation
– (Surfaces in Contact w / Liquid Hotter than Surfaces in Contact w / Vapor)
Infrared Photo: Paul Siboro – CPI Minas, CPI Duri Indonesia

“IRIS” In-Line Rotary Separator
Centrifugal Force Removes Liquids from Gas

VERY HIGH GOR

How Conventional Separators Work
Inlet Diverter: Abrupt Change in Direction and
Velocity
Retention Time:
– Liquid Section
 Entrained Gas Evolves and Rises
 Water Falls Thru Oil
 Oil Rises Thru Water
 Surge and Slug Handling
– Vapor Section
 Entrained Liquid Droplets Fall Out
Baffles / Wave Breakers

Coalescing Section: Mist Extractor
Control Valves: Vessel Pressure and Liquid Level
Controls
Vortex Breaker
Separators: Major Working Parts
1. 4. 3. BAFFLES

Inlet Diverter

Inlet Diverters

Porta - Test® Centrifugal Inlet Diverter
Proprietary
– Inlet Velocity Design  20 fps
– Helps Prevent Foaming
– Efficiency Changes with Velocity

Retention Time: tr
Calculated Time a Molecule is in the Vessel
VOLUME of PHASE in VESSEL

tr =
FLOWRATE of that PHASE
Gas – Liquid Separation

– Usually 30 Seconds to 4 Minutes
Liquid – Liquid Separation
– Usually 3 Minutes to 30 Minutes

Retention Times for Gas – Liquid Separation
 Use Field or Lab Data 
API Recommendations: Gas – Liquid

API Minutes
> 35 1
20 to 30 1 to 2
10 to 20 2 to 4
Foam: Increase 2 to 5 Times

High Density Gas (CO2): Add 5 min

Retention Times for Liquid – Liquid Separation
API Minutes
> 35 3 to 5
< 30 at 100F 5 to 10
at 90F 10 to 15
at 80F 15 to 20
at 70F 20 to 25
at 60F 25 to 30
Emulsion: 2 to 5 Times Longer

(or Treat Later)
Pressure > 125 psig
Decrease Times 25% to 50%

Baffles / Surge Plates Wave Breakers
(Waves)
Baffles / Wave Breakers
Baffles Span Gas – Liquid Interface

Perpendicular (or Oblique) to Flow

Types of Mist Extractors

Wire Mesh Mist Extractors
Sized for Proper Velocity Range

– Too High: Re-entrainment
– Too Low: Drifts thru without Impingement
Usually 4 – inches to 10 – inches Thick

 10 pounds of Mesh per Cubic Foot
Removes  99% > 10 Microns
More Easily Plugged with Paraffins

Mist Extractors
MIST EXTRACTORS

Horizontal Separator with Gas Boot
Gas
Gas Boot
Outlet
Coalescing or
Inlet
Baffle Defoaming Plates
Fluid
Inlet
Liquid Layer
Reduce PARAFFIN Problems Vortex

Breaker Liquid
with Mist Extractors
Outlet
Mist Extractors: Paraffin
Use Vane or Centrifugal

Provide Extra Clean – Outs
– (Steam / Solvents)
Keep Operating Temperature > Cloud Point
of Crude at Separator Conditions if Possible
Consider using Gas Boot

Vane Type Mist Extractors
Slows Flow to Laminar Rates
Changes Momentum and Direction
Throws Liquid to Metal Surface
Top View

Centrifugal Mist Extractor as Gas Boot

Horizontal Coalescing Plates

Vortex Breaker

Vortex Breaker

Factors Affecting Separator Design
Gas and Liquid Flow Rates
– Minimum
– Average
– Peak
Operating Temperature and Pressure
Surge Volumes: „Slugs‟ and „Heads‟
Fluid Properties
Solids
– Sand – Scale – Paraffin – Asphaltenes
Foaming Tendency / Emulsions
Corrosiveness / Toxicity

Separator Sizing: Theory
Liquid

Forces on Liquid Droplet

Drag Forces vs. Gravity Forces
GRAVITY    g
force =   d ρ - ρ 
3
gravity
FORCE
6
d L g
g c
dd = drop diameter (ft)

ρL = liquid density (lbm/ft3)
ρg = gas density (lbm/ft3)
g = acceleration of gravity (32.2 ft/s2)
gc = conversion (32.174 lbm-ft/ s2-lbf)
2
DRAG V
=C A ρ t
 4  d g ρ -ρ 
FORCE D
2g
P g
c
V=    
d L g
CD = drag coefficient (dimensionless)
3 C  ρ 
t
D g Ap = projected drop area (ft2)
TERMINAL VELOCITY Vt = drop terminal velocity (ft /s)
Theory: Liquid Drop Settling Velocity
CD = Drag Coefficient Vt = Terminal Setting Velocity
Vt = 0.0119
ρL - ρg  dm
Re =
0.0049 ρg dm Vt
ρg CD μ
24 3 ρL = 62.4 (SGL )
CD = + + 0.34
Re Re 2.70 (SGg ) P
ρg =
For Separators choose dm = 100μ Tz
 in lbs/ft3
V in ft/sec 141.5
SGL =
 in cp API + 131.5
Density: Gas and Liquid
2.70 SGg Ppsia

ρg =
T°R z
0.093 MWg Ppsia

ρg =
T°R z
Fresh Water Density

ρL = 62.4 SGL
62.37 lb / ft3

Separator Sizing: Two-Phase Horizontal

Separator Sizing: Two-Phase Horizontal
Gas Capacity
T z QMMCFD  ρg  CD
dLeff = 420  
P  ρo - ρg  dm
Liquid Capacity
2 tr QBPD
d Leff =
0.7
d = Vessel Dia. (inches) Leff = Effective Length (ft)
T = R P = psia
 = lbm/ft3 tr = Liquid Retention Time, min
dm = Smallest Oil Droplet Diameter,
microns (use dm = 100 if No Lab Data)

Three-Phase Horizontal Separators
Gas Capacity
Oil Capacity
Water Capacity
Inlet
Limit on Oil Column Height

Limit Distance Water Droplets Must Fall
Retention Times for Liquid – Liquid Separation
API Minutes
> 35 3 to 5
< 30 at 100F 5 to 10
at 90F 10 to 15
at 80F 15 to 20
at 70F 20 to 25
at 60F 25 to 30
Emulsion: 2 to 5 Times Longer
(or Treat Later)
Pressure > 125 psig
Decrease Times 25% to 50%
Additional Oil Treatment
Gas
Production Separation
from and Dew Point
Wells Treatment Conditioning
Oil
Emulsions Contaminant
Removal
Water Foaming
De-Oiling Solids
Salt Compression
Paraffin
Asphaltenes Evacuation
SALES

Emulsions (Dispersions)
Water - in Oil
Emulsion
Oil- in Water
Emulsion
“Reverse
Emulsion”

Emulsion
Small Droplets of Water Dispersed in Oil

Stabilized by Emulsifying Agents
– Paraffin, Asphaltenes, Sediments, Pipe Scale, Corrosion By-
Products, Spent Acid, Debris
Broken in Surface Equipment by:
– Heat
– Chemicals (De-Emulsifiers, Solvents)
 Attraction to O / W Interface
 Flocculation
 Coalescence
 Solids Wetting
– Electric Potential
– Extra Retention Time

100 m

Exercise
If Heat is Added What Happens to the

Emulsion?

Heat: Emulsion Treatment
Reduces Oil Viscosity

Increases Settling Velocity
Expands Water Droplets
– Ruptures Film
– Increases Settling
– Aids Coalescing
Accelerates Treatment Process
Allows Smaller Treating Vessel or
Greater Production Volumes

Direct Fired Heater
Firetube Suspended in Fluid
Fuel (Gas) Jetted into Firetube
Mixture Air Sucked in through Intake
Burns at 2800F (1540C)

Indirect Heater
Coil
OIL OUT
2800F (1540C)

Indirect Heater
Burner
Hatch
Gas Guard
Preheat line
Regulator
Fire Tube
Choke
Stack
Fuel/Air Adjust
Pressure Gauge
Thermometer
Thermostat
Flame Arestor

Indirect Heater: Salt Bath

Heater – Treater

Heater – Treater at Tank Battery

Heater Treater: Heat Input Estimation
BTU
 17 Q ΔT .5 SG + .1
oil °F oil
Hr
Assumes Less Than 10% Water in Mixture

Assumes Treater Well Insulated

Electrostatic Treater

DeWatering Heavy Crude
DeWaters
Crude
≤ 11.5 API
Skid-Mounted
X20 Centrifuge
For Offshore
Alfa Laval

Free Water Knock
May Add:
Spreader Bars

Free Water Knockout
Gas Out Inexpensive
Retention Time
No Moving Parts
Oil and
Gas Out
Water Out

Grasshopper Water Leg
Adjust Oil – Water Interface Level

GUN
STORAGE
BARREL
TANKS

Oil Treatment: Gunbarrel

Foaming Crudes
Created by Oil Plus Gas Plus Solids
– Small Bubbles of Gas Released in Crude
– Stabilized with Fines (Solids)
Four Fold Problem:
– Level Controls
– Carry Over
– Metering
– Space (Retention Time)
Treatment / Solutions
– Separator Design :
 Increase Retention Times
 Baffles / Agitation
 Coalescing Surfaces
– Heat
– Chemicals
Best: Design Separator to Handle Expected Foam
– Compare New Oil Foaming Tendencies to the Operational Characteristics of a
Known Oil

Defoaming Plates

Gas
from and Dew Point
Oil
Removal
Water Foaming
De-Oiling Solids
Salt Compression
Paraffin
SALES

Surface Centrifugal Desander
Liquids Out
SWIRLEX™ Slots
Liquids (Sand)
Liquids in Accelerate
(with Solids)
Centrifugal Force
Liquid Throws Sand
(no sand) Outward
Discharges
Out Top Solids
Collect at Base
Solids and Purged
Purged
Remove Salt from Crude Oil
Centrifuge
Settling
Fresh Water
Ionization
Natco
TriVolt®
Desalter

Gas
from and Dew Point
Oil
Removal
Water Foaming
De-Oiling Solids
Salt Compression
Paraffin
SALES

Paraffin Recovered During Pigging a Flowline

Paraffins
Natural Constituent of Most Crudes
– Alkanes of High MW: C18 (Melts at 82F) – C70 (Melts at 120F)
– Liquid at Reservoir Conditions Forms as Wax if Temperature <
Cloud Point or Gas / Light Hydrocarbons Flash: Solubility 
– Deposited as: Mushy Liquid / Firm Hard Wax (Solid)
– Waxy Coating may also Contain Asphaltenes, Silts Sand,
Corrosion Products, Oil, Water, Chemicals
– Usually Melts between 100F (38C) and 180F 82C)
– Hardest Waxes (Highest MW / Highest Melting Point) Deposited
First
– High Flow Rate: Selectively Removes Softer Waxes (Leaves
Hard Wax)

Paraffin Deposits in Pipelines

Asphaltenes
Broad Softening Point: Melts Slowly to Viscous Fluid
– Decompose at T > 302F (150C)
Typical Compositions
– 9 API crude: 82% Asphaltenes
– 41 API crude: 3.4% Asphaltenes
 Asphaltene Content Does NOT Predict Problem
Venezuela Boscan Crude

– 17% Asphaltenes – No Problem
Hassi Messaoud Crude (Algeria)

– 0.1% Asphaltenes – Big Problems

Paraffins and Asphaltenes
Removal
Mechanical: Scrappers and Cutters
Solvents: Condensate, Kerosene, Diesel (Paraffins)
Aromatics: Benzene, Toluene, Xylene ( Asphaltenes / Paraffins)
– (May Add Solvent Accelerators)
Heat: Hot Oil
– Take from Top of Tank
– Add Xylene, Diesel (25%)
– Add Dispersant
– Hot Water Produced or 2% KCI Steam
Dispersants: Crystal Modifiers – Very Effective, Proprietary
– T > 120F Helps
– Removes 50+ its Volume of Asphaltenes
Micro-Organisms: Best if 90F < T < 150F

Hot – Oil Truck

Crude / Condensate Stabilizer
Tall Vertical Pressure Vessel
– Cool at Top: Hot at Bottom
– Multiple Flashes at Higher Temps
– Light Ends Exit Top of Tower

Packing Rings or Packed Beads
Bubble Cap
Tray
Bubble
Caps

Condensate Stabilization
Z
Tall Vertical Pressure Vessel
– Cool at Top: Hot at Bottom
– Multiple Flashes at Higher
Temperatures
– Light Ends Exit Top of Tower

Flow Schematic
Gas
from and Dew Point
Oil
Degassing Contaminant
Water Removal
De-Oiling Dehydration
Compression
Bactericide
Evacuation Evacuation
Surface Disposal
(Overboard)
Disposal Well
Water Flood Injector

Additional Water Treatment
Injection or Disposal
Analyze Contaminants
– Dissolved Solids
– Suspended Solids
– Suspended Oil
– Bacteria
– Dissolved Gases

Additional Water Treatment
Problem Possible Effect Solution

Suspended Solids Formation Plugging Filtration
Centrifuge
Suspended Oil Formation Plugging Flotation
Environment Filtration
Centrifuge
Dissolved Scaling and Plugging Scale Inhibitors
Precipitates
Bacteria Loss of Injectivity Biocides

(Corrosion) Selection of Sour
Reservoir Souring Service Materials
Dissolved Gas Corrosion Degasification

Loss of Injectivity

Water Cleaning Equipment
Skim Tanks 200 ppm

Plate Interceptor 10 – 100 ppm
Induced Gas Flotation 10 – 100 ppm
Turbulent Coalescers 10 – 100 ppm
Granular Media Filtration 10 – 100 ppm
Liquid-Liquid Coalescer 10 – 50 ppm
Hydrocyclone 5 – 20 ppm
Membrane Process
Microfiltration > .1 microns
Ultrafiltration > .01 microns

CPI: Corrugated (Tilted) Plate Interceptor

Plate Coalescers

Induced Gas Flotation
Dissolved Gas Dispersed Gas
– Fine Gas Bubbles Flow through the Water
– Attach to Oil Droplets and Solids
– Lifts to Surface / Skimmed Off

Induced Gas Flotation Water Treatment
NATCO Tridair™
Principle of Flotation
– Gas Bubbles Rise Through
Water
– Attach to Oil Droplets
– Accelerating Rise to Surface
– Oil Layer at Surface Skimmed
Off

Free – Flow Turbulent Coalescers (SP Packs)
Serpentine Path of Piping Forces Turbulence
Same Size as Inlet Piping
Can be Placed Inside any Settling Vessel

Granular Media Filtration

Liquid / Liquid Coalescer
Removes Oil from Water (to 15 ppm)

HydroCyclone

De-Oiling HydroCyclone Package

Liquid - Liquid HydroCyclones
Chevron Alba
North Sea

Surface Production Operations 1

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®

DELIVERING KNOWLEDGE. DEVELOPING COMPETENCE.

Oil, Water and Gas

WellHead Production Process End Product

Oil   Sales Oil

Gas   Pipeline Gas

Unwanted Solids    Solids

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

Fluid Composition / Properties

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

GAS Water Content 2 to 7 # / MMCF (30 – 120 mg / sm3)

WATER Oil Content < 15 to 40 ppm

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

Gas – Liquid Separation

Liquid – Liquid Separation

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

WATER TREATING DISPOSAL

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

Stabilization Storage / Pipeline

Phase Oil Dehydration H2S

Bacteriocide Scale Inhibitor

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

Fluid Phase and Composition

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

Low Press. Crude Oil Stabilized

Production Stabilizer Crude Oil

Separator Vessel Pumps

ID/Len. cm. 250 x 750 180 x 720 Cap. cu.m/h 150

Vol. cu.m 39.5 19.8 Head m.liq 23

Type / Make B.S. & B Kunzel Type / Make BS-50F

tonne/day 67 2840 67 2840 1996 9 2830 2820 67

kg/sec 0.8 33 0.8 33 23 0.1 33 32.5 0.8

MW or SG 44 0.9 44 0.9 1.04 44 0.9 0.9 43

Press. barg 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.45 1.4 0.05 2.45

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

Normally the Initial Processing Vessel

Must be Capable of Handling

“Slugs” (of Liquid) or “Heads” (of Gas)

Sized to Handle Instantaneous Flow Rates

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

Gas “Flashed” from Liquid

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

More Liquid Recovery from the Separator

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

Too High: “Lights” Captured in Liquid then

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

SEPARATION STAGES OIL RECOVERED COMPRESS

1400 – – 50 8800 900

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INITIAL SEPARATOR NUMBER of

If Flowrate Exceeds 50,000 BOPD:

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

© 2011 PetroSkills, LLC. All rights reserved.

Bubble Extraction from Oil Section

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Retention Time: ΔP, Δρ

* EXTREMELY HIGH GLR *