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Method and apparatus for separating oil field emulsions

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5622364
An apparatus is described for separating flowing emulsion of oil and water, consisting of: a horizontally elongated vessel having first and second ends for receiving the emulsion flow proximate the first end and conducting the received emulsion through a separation section disposed intermediate the first and second ends, and discharging the separated oil and water proximate the second end; wherein the separation system includes, an electrostatic portion for inducing separation of the oil and water by imparting an electrostatic charge to the emulsion flowing therethrough; a mechanical portion, disposed downstream of the electrostatic portion, for further inducing separation of the oil and water, the mechanical portion further including, a plurality of spaced apart, corrugated, collecting plates oriented substantially parallel to the emulsion flow, each plate mounted with the corrugations thereof forming an angle with respect to the horizontal and being crossed with respect to the corrugations of the adjacent plates, resulting in alternating rising and declining corrugations among the collecting plates, the plates being composed of an electrically non-conductive material for accepting from the emulsion at least a portion of the electrostatic charge imparted by the electrostatic portion of the separation section.
Assignee:
Combustion Engineering Co., Inc., Windsor, CT
Patent Number(s):
US 4581120
OSTI ID:
5622364
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English