In the video we show a sample of a mixture from a free water knockout, and you can see three layers : o il, water and solid, which separated over time.Ĥ. Longer retention time means more separation.Ī larger- diameter or taller vessel will increase the retention time and allow more water to settle out by gravity. Retention time is the amount of time the fluid mixture stays in a steady or non-agitated state inside a separator. When you reduce the velocity of a fluid, you allow the fluid a certain amount of time for it to be separated by gravity. The olive oil will float on top because it is lighter than the vinegar, and the solids and other ingredients will fall to the bottom because they are the heaviest. If you le t the dressing s et, the ingredients will separate according to their different specific gravities. To picture this, think of the emulsion as Italian dressing. With enough time in a non-turbulent state, the differing specific gravities will naturally separate into distinct layers. The density differences allow water to se parate by gravity. The elements in the well stream such as oil and water have different gravities. Gravity separation is the most widely used method for oil emulsion separation. For more on how a Heater Treater works, check out our training level 1 series. Heating oil emulsions also increases density between oil and water.Ī heater treater is a n example of a vessel which uses th e principle of temperature change to aid in separation. This lower viscosity allows the gas and water molecules to be more easily released. W hen the temperature of an oil and water emulsion is increased, the viscosity of oil is d ecreased. When separating liquids from each other, heating to certain temperatures enhances separation. How Heat Separates an Oil and Water Emulsion In this video, we explain 6 principles used to separate an oil and water emulsion in the oil and gas industry.ġ. Gas brought to the surface is usually " wet gas " compos ed of dry natural gas like methane mixed with liquid natural gases like ethane and butane.Īll these components are separated using multiple principles of separation to achieve the desired end products that are considered valuable. Įmulsions in the oil industry are either classified as "water in oil " or "oil in water" depending on the ratio of the volume of liquids. When a well is produced, what comes to the surface is a mixture of crude oil, water, gas, and solids. After the gas has been separated from the liquid, the oil and water that remain must also be separated. An oil and water e mulsion refers specifically to the fluid that comes directly from an oil and gas well.
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