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Method for predicting drop size distribution

a drop size and distribution technology, applied in the field of crude oilwater separation processes, can solve the problems of large drop formation, difficult consistent desalting, and corrosion of heat exchangers

Inactive Publication Date: 2012-04-26
PHILLIPS 66 CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]In an embodiment, a method of predicting drop size distribution including: (a) producing a bimodal drop size distribution, wherein the bimodal drop size distribution is produced by providing a constant fresh water stream and a constant crude oil stream through at least one mixing valve resulting in a mixed feed stream; (b) continuously introducing the mixed feed stream into a vessel, wherein the vessel includes an electric field; (c) estimating a cut-off radius, wherein any drops larger than the cut-off radius settle to the bottom of the vessel; and (d) monitoring the rate of water removal from the vessel.
[0009]In another embodiment, a method of predicting drop size d

Problems solved by technology

Incomplete removal of salts can cause several problems, ranging from fouling and corrosion in heat exchangers and columns to catalyst poisoning.
An electric field in the desalter vessel promotes collision between drops, which leads to the formation of larger drops.
With refineries increasingly processing more heavy crude oil, consistent desalting has become a challenge.
The high density and viscosity of heavy crude oil, and its ability to form highly stable water-in-oil emulsions are mainly responsible for this inconsistent performance.
Although there are some general principles on selecting the optimum pressure drop, there are no other controls used to alter mixing characteristics.
This limits current desalting operation to the range of mixing produced by a single mixing valve.

Method used

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  • Method for predicting drop size distribution
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  • Method for predicting drop size distribution

Examples

Experimental program
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Effect test

example 1

Batch Simulation

[0033]The first example simulates batch conditions where a constant volume of water-in-oil emulsion is subject to an electric field. The following parameters were chosen:

Density of water, ρw=1.00 g / cc

Density of oil, ρo=0.90 g / cc˜26° API

Viscosity of water=0.1 cP

Electric field intensity=10,000 V / in

Water content=5% by volume

[0034]FIGS. 2(a)-(c) show the evolution of the drop size distribution with time for three different feed conditions. FIGS. 2(a)-(c) show the mass distribution function, G(ln r), plotted as a function of the radius, normalized by an arbitrary radius of ro=50 μm. The open circles correspond to the feed DSD, i.e., DSD at time t=0.

[0035]FIG. 2(c) shows two distinct peaks corresponding to the bimodal distribution. The shifting of the drop size distribution function with time, to larger radii represents drop growth. FIG. 2(c) shows that the peaks decrease in height as the distribution moves to larger sizes since the total mass of water, i.e., the area unde...

example 2

Continuous Simulation

[0039]The second example provides a continuous process with constant feed and outlet stream. The following parameters were chosen:

Density of water, ρw=1.00 g / cc

Density of oil, ρo=0.90 g / cc˜26° API

Viscosity of water=0.1 cP

Electric field intensity=10,000 V / in

Water content=5% by volume

Crude oil flow rate=100,000 bpd

Desalter vessel capacity=7900 ft3

[0040]In these simulations, a constant feed and product crude oil stream are assumed. The amount of water removed is estimated based on the mass of water contained in drops which are larger enough to settle by gravity. A reasonable cut-off radius of rcut=100 μm is assumed. FIG. 3 shows the cut-off radius line 5.

[0041]FIG. 3 shows the evolution of the DSD as a function of time for three feed conditions. The symbols and lines correspond to the feed DSD and DSD plotted in intervals of 1 minute. The total simulation time was 20 minutes. FIG. 3 shows a sharp transition at

r / ro=2,

where the value of the mass distribution functio...

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Abstract

The present invention relates to crude oil-water separation processes, specifically desalting in a petroleum refinery. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for increase coalescence rates of water drops in a desalter

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Ser. No. 61 / 406,256 filed on Oct. 25, 2010 the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to crude oil-water separation processes, specifically desalting in a petroleum refinery. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for increase coalescence rates of water drops in a desalter.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Desalting is the first process crude oil undergoes in a refinery. The primary purpose of desalting is to remove mineral salts present in crude oil, along with solids, metals, and water. Salts, mostly chlorides of sodium, potassium, and calcium naturally occur in soil and are associated with produced crude oil. Most of the salt is present as dissolved salt, in a small amount of water also associated with the crude oil. When this...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): C10G32/00
CPCC10G31/08C10G2300/805C10G2300/1033
Inventor ANEKAL, SAMARTHA G.
Owner PHILLIPS 66 CO
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