2 replies to this topic

Hi,

I'm working as a Process Engineer on a FPSO project. The oil to be produced is a very heavy crude (API 14 / SG = 0.97) which makes produced water treatment very interesting, as the density is close to that of water.

Currently, we're planning to use a standard hydrocyclone/degasser setup, but it is believed that the Oil-in Water content will only be reduced to 100 ppm, where the requirement for overborad disposal is 29 ppm. The OiW in the water from the 1st stage separator will be about 1%.

Under normal circumstances, the water will be re-injected, but in some situations it will be necesary to dump it overboard.

I'm investigating several different solutions for 'post treatment' of water going overboard:

Centrifuges.
- Pros: Known technology. Will most likely be able to perform to specs.
- Cons: Expensive. Power consuming. Contain moving parts that can break.

Compact Flotation Unit.
- Pros: No moving parts. No (or very limited) power requirements.
- Cons: Fairly new technology. Limited experience

Other technologies are membrane filtration (prone to fouling of the membrane media?) and Mares Tail coalescer.

Are there any of you who have experience with heavy crudes like this?
Do you have any viewpoints on the separation technologies mentioned above?
Any other suggestions or ideas?
etc....?

Thanks in advance

Best regards,
Kenneth

[Andrei]

Hi Keneth,

Try Induced Gas Flotation. It is an established technology used in SAGD water deoiling. I am not sure but NATCO may have a solution for you.

Regards,
Andrei

[dgoyal]

For produce water treatment you can use different combination
you can use
CPI- Induced Gas Flotation
OR
Hydro-cycolne +Induced Gas Flotation