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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Surge dampening three-phase production separator

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5789672

This patent describes a separating system for a fluid stream containing oil, water and gas, the fluid stream having a nominal flow rate and a maximum surge flow rate. It comprises a horizontally elongated degassing and surge dampening upper vessel, a horizontally elongated liquid separating lower vessel, the lower vessel providing a means for separating the oil from the water, the lower vessel including an oil outlet defined therein and a water outlet defined therein; an overflow liquid drain line connecting the liquid overflow chamber of the upper vessel with the lower vessel; and a downcomer tube connecting the inlet chamber of the upper vessel with the lower vessel, the downcomer tube having a fluid flow resistance means defined therein for permitting the nominal flow rate of the fluid stream to pass therethrough at a head no greater than an elevation of the first weir means, and for preventing the maximum surge flow rate from passing therethrough at a head equal to the elevation of the first weir means, so that when the fluid stream is flowing at the maximum surge flow rate a portion of the fluid stream will overflow the first weir means into the liquid overflow chamber and then through the overflow liquid drain line into the lower vessel thus reducing a maximum liquid flow rate through the lower vessel to a value below the maximum surge flow rate of the fluid stream.

Assignee:
Conoco Inc., Ponca City, OK (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5064448; A
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-639485
OSTI ID:
5789672
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English