Horizontal separators
CHALLENGES
Lack of control of the emulsion layer in the separator means fluctuations in lift costs per BOE:
- Not accomplishing primary goal: removing water from oil
- Reduced separator efficiency and equipment uptime
- Increased cost of demulsifiers to break down rag layer
- Transmitter may not be specified for interface versus total level
- Potential buildup on existing contacting devices
- Direct impact to the overall dehydration process, liquid storage, and water treatment systems
SOLUTION
Magnetrol® level devices optimize separator performance by keeping tighter control of the emulsion layer
- Recommend device close to the weir to maximize retention time which assists oil-water separation
- Thinner rag layer optimizes level device performance
- Single transmitter design for total level and interface
- Enhanced diagnostics for buildup detection (paraffinsor asphaltenes)
- Low power to cycle up and down quickly (O&G E&P)
- Breadth of transmitters by SG/API gravity
RESULTS
Better level measurement and tighter control of the emulsion layer
- Separator optimization due to accurate representation of water in oil (top of emulsion)
- Reduced cost for demulsifiers (cost is an estimated $1.5–$2K USD per ton)
- Increased downstream equipment uptime due to improved oil-water separation
- Reduced maintenance due to reliable signal and enhanced diagnostics
- Simplified commissioning and training with communication through desired protocols
Related products
Other applications
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