SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE SEPARATION OF OIL-WATER EMULSIONS BY ELECTROCOALESS

Abstract

System for separating oil-water emulsions by electrocoalescence, characterized in that it comprises a fluid guide or a pipeline (110), at least one cathode (120), at least one electrode (130), at least one anode (140), at least one power source (200) and at least one spark gap (210) for a cathode (120) and a spark gap (210) for the anode (140).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of electrocoalescence of oil-water emulsions using an electron trap. Introduction

[0002] The present invention relates to a system and a method for separating emulsions of oil and water by electrocoalescence through the creation of an electron trap which enables the separation of the two compounds of the emulsion in a tube system or a labyrinth system. Basics of the invention

[0003] The most commonly used petroleum processing methods vary depending on the use of physical or chemical means to refine, purify, and remove waste, water, and / or hydrocarbons.

[0004] Physical filters such as classical physical barriers, sieves, gravel, activated carbon, polymers, nanoparticles, cavitations, nanocavitations, centrifuges, electrolysis systems, decanters, ozonators, electromagnetic waves, etc. are known, as are chemical media such as various chemicals, surfactants and polymers used for flocculation, agglutination, polarization and purification of the extracted petroleum.

[0005] However, it is noted that the state of the art does not provide a solution that utilizes the properties and advantages of electron traps as electrocoalescing agents for oil and water emulsions. State of the art

[0006] Approximate, but unsatisfactory, attempts to solve this problem can be found in prior art documents such as North American patent application US 2017 / 0 021 287 A1 entitled "Systems and methods for unipolar separation of emulsions and other mixtures", which, according to its abstract, relates to systems and methods for separating two or more phases of an emulsion or other mixture, the methods comprising providing the mixture with a unipolar and liquid charge (for example, so that the adjacent droplets therein receive unipolar and liquid charges), thereby enhancing the coalescence of droplets of a similar phase therein and creating or enhancing the production of two or more consolidating phases and collecting the two or more consolidating phases.

[0007] It is noted, however, that the teachings of patent application US 2017 / 0 021 287 A1 do not provide conditions for the creation of an electron trap. Rather, it includes a grounding (see, for example, Fig. 18), which enables the discharge and neutralization of the emulsion and prevents the capture of free electrons and their overcharged products. Furthermore, their teachings regarding oilfield use are brief and superficial, and their applications in this field are only briefly mentioned. Therefore, it is not possible for a person skilled in the art to find sufficient teachings regarding this specific application.

[0008] Also worthy of mention is the solution of Brazilian patent application BR PI1002195 A2 entitled “Process for increasing the efficiency of the electrocoalescence of water and oil emulsions” (“Processo para aumentar a eficiência da eletrocoalescência de emulsões água e óleo”), which, according to its abstract, describes a process for increasing the efficiency of the electrocoalescence of water-oil (W / O) emulsions formed in petroleum processing plants in the desalination and dehydration stages, the process comprising: forming a composition comprising between 0.001% and 50% by weight of vegetable, animal or synthetic triglycerides, oil and water, between 2% and 40% by weight of water, preferably between 5% and 25% by weight.-% water; subjecting this composition to an electrostatic field under direct or alternating current, or both, in a vessel; and recovering two liquid phases, an aqueous and an oily one, at the end of the process, the oily phase being separated with a higher yield than in electrocoalescence processes in which the composition containing vegetable, animal, or synthetic triglycerides, oil, and water is not used. Also according to its summary, the composition used in this process is described.

[0009] However, BR PI1002195 A2 also does not provide conditions for creating an electron trap. It should also be noted that its figures and description do not provide the skilled person with details about its vessel or voltage application device, while the use of devices already known in the prior art and the proposal or disclosure of a new device or system with advantages over the known are verifiable until the time of its publication. Furthermore, and as is clear from the abstract itself, it uses a composition as a demulsifier to achieve the expected results. Adding such a composition is not only more expensive but also makes the electrocoalescence process less optimized.

[0010] Also worthy of mention is patent application WO 2013 / 082681 A1 entitled ‘Device for the electrostatic destabilization of pressurized fluid emulsions in a sealed system and testing method’, which, according to its abstract, describes equipment for the electrostatic destabilization of conductive and non-conductive liquid emulsions under pressure in an airtight system, in which the separation of the emulsion takes place by the electrocoalescence process, which has a high degree of efficiency and is used industrially.The equipment of WO 2013 / 082 681 A1 comprises a separation vessel, a feed vessel that supplies the liquids and gases to the vessel, which gases pressurize the vessel, and an agitator that emulsifies the liquids. The vessel is kept airtight by threaded connections fitted to the upper lids of the vessel. Furthermore, this document also describes the test method for evaluating the electrostatic stability of liquid emulsions using the equipment. In addition to a sophisticated design, the subject matter of WO 2013 / 082 681 A1 features a very complex test method that differs from that envisioned by the present invention. For illustrative purposes, the method claimed in the above WO document requires stirring the emulsion and, consequently, the provision of an agitator in the equipment.It is also noted that it features a directly applied electrolysis system, which, however, differs significantly from the electron trap claimed here, since a simple electric current through two electrodes does not characterize an electron trap. Those skilled in the art will understand that creating an electron trap requires a central electrical current blocker, which is added to a system consisting of high-voltage generators.

[0011] EP 1 390 115 B1 discloses a device for electrocoalescing a first conductive fluid emulsified in a second fluid. The principle described therein is based on direct grounding of a center electrode. US Pat. No. 4,116,730 A also discloses a method for separating liquids by electrocoalescence. This method is also based on direct grounding.

[0012] It should also be noted that electroneutralization through simple electrolysis processes is already widely known, and reports of its use can easily be found throughout the scientific literature. However, reports on the use of electron traps for this purpose, as well as on the origin of the physicochemical effects, are scarce and incomplete.

[0013] The use of electron traps for a wide variety of applications offers several advantages, including the economics of energy consumption (compared to simple electrolysis), the ease of adaptation to various practical systems both dynamic and batch, the simple and economical commercial application, the high processing speed, in addition to a clean and sustainable process.

[0014] Taking into account the teachings of the prior art, there is therefore a clear need for a solution for separating emulsions that solves the problems not overcome by the relevant prior art.

[0015] The subject matter published here therefore aims to solve such problems by a system and method for electrocoalescence of emulsions, which uses the electron trap principle together with spark gaps or simple current blockers to provide the potential differences required for said electron traps, whereby electrical power is applied to an oil-water emulsion to electrically excite fatty acids and other radicals of the oil and force their separation from the water. Objects of the invention

[0016] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a system for electrocoalescence of an oil-water emulsion, wherein the emulsion is passed through the interior of a pipeline equipped with electrodes forming an electron trap. This electron trap enforces the separation of oil and water.

[0017] A further object of this invention is to provide a method to be used by the aforementioned system, wherein the method for electrocoalescence of an oil-water emulsion is based on introducing an oil-water emulsion into a pipeline, exposing the emulsion to an electron trap, and subsequently discharging the separated oil and water phases. These objects are achieved by a system for separating oil-water emulsions according to claim 1, a system for separating oil-water emulsions according to claim 8, a method for separating oil-water emulsions according to claim 10, or a method for separating oil-water emulsions according to claim 11. Description of the characters

[0018] For a better understanding and visualization of the subject matter of the present invention, it will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate the technical effect obtained by means of exemplary embodiments that do not limit the scope of the present invention. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of one embodiment of the system for electrocoalescence of emulsions; Fig. 2 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the system for electrocoalescence of emulsions; and Fig. 3 a variant of the embodiment of the Fig. 2 exemplary system for the electrocoalescence of emulsions. system

[0019] According to the invention, a system for separating oil-water emulsions (100) by electrocoalescence, or simply system (100), comprises a liquid-conducting means or a conduit (110), at least one cathode (120), at least one electrode (130), at least one anode (140), at least one current source (200) and at least one spark gap (210) for a cathode (120) and a spark gap (210) for the anode (140).

[0020] The pipeline (110) of the present system (100) consists of at least one outer layer (111) of dielectric material, an intermediate layer (112) of electrically conductive material, and an inner layer (113) of dielectric material. The outer (111) and inner (113) layers serve to insulate the intermediate layer (112) of electrically conductive material from contact with the surface, with other electrically conductive materials, or with the oil-water emulsion (E) to be treated by the present system (100).

[0021] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that electrically conductive materials and dielectric or electrically insulating materials are widely known in the art, including, but not limited to, copper, stainless steel, graphite, graphene, aluminum, and the like for conductors and PP, PE, polymers, ceromers, glasses, and the like for dielectrics.

[0022] The cathode (120) of the present system (100) consists of an inner layer (122) of electrically conductive material and is covered by an outer layer (121) of dielectric material, which is intended to insulate the inner layer (122) from contact with the surface, with other electrically conductive materials or with the oil-water emulsion (E) treated by the present system (100). In the Fig. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the cathode (120) is connected to at least one electrode (130). The elements described herein may also be solid and covered with suitable insulating layers such as polymers, paints, coatings, and other means suitable for insulation under the conditions described and required by the invention.

[0023] Similar to the cathode (120), the at least one electrode (130) consists of an inner layer (132) of electrically conductive material and is covered by an outer layer (131) of dielectric material for proper insulation. The electrode (130) of the present system (100) is disposed within the conduit (110) and is electrically insulated therefrom. The elements described herein may also be solid and covered with suitable insulating layers such as polymers, paints, coatings, and other means suitable for insulation under the conditions described and required by the invention.

[0024] The anode (140) of the present system (100) comprises an inner layer (142) of electrically conductive material and is covered by an outer layer (141) of dielectric material intended to insulate the inner layer (142) from contact with the surface or with the oil-water emulsion (E) treated by the present system (100). The anode (140) is in electrical contact with the pipeline (110).

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the anode (140) may be connected to the electrode (130) insulated from the pipe (110), while the cathode (120) is connected to the pipe (110).

[0026] Finally, the present system (100) also comprises a high-voltage power source (200) connected to at least one cathode (120) and one anode (140) to supply them with voltage, wherein the cathode (120) and the anode (140) are each separated from the electrode (130) and the conduit (110) by spark gaps (210). In this way, undesirable current grounding or leakage is avoided in the present invention, since grounding represents an obstacle to the capture of electrons. Such spark gaps must be present to create the necessary conditions for generating the electron trap.

[0027] The system (100) of the present invention provides that the pipeline (110) has at least two ends, each provided for the inlet of the oil-water emulsion (E) and the outlet of the electrically excited water (A) and oil (P) phases. The cathode (120) and the anode (140) are also attached to the pipeline (110), wherein the means for connecting the cathode (120) or anode (140) to the electrode (130) pierce the layers (111, 112, and 113) of the pipeline (110). To this end, the outer layer (131) of the electrode (130) prevents contact between the inner layer (132) of the electrode (130) and the intermediate layer (112) of the pipeline (110).

[0028] It should also be noted that in order to create the necessary conditions for creating an electron trap, a conduit (110) suitable for the subject matter of the present invention requires an inner dielectric layer such as the inner layer (113) mentioned here to keep the electrons trapped without grounding or leakage.

[0029] Those skilled in the art will recognize that variations of the above teachings do not depart from the scope of the invention. Fig. 2 and Fig. The embodiments and variations of the present invention illustrated in Figure 3 are for illustrative purposes only. In these figures, the system for separating oil-water emulsions (300) by electrocoalescence is implemented by means of a conduit (310), a cathode (320), a set of cathode electrodes (330), an anode (330), a set of anode electrodes (350), a dynamic screen (360), and a power source (400).

[0030] In these preferred embodiments, the pipeline (310) is arranged in the form of a circuit or a labyrinthine circuit, with its outer walls consisting of an outer layer (312) of dielectric material. In the spaces formed between the turns of the pipelines (310) are the sets of cathode (330) and anode (350) electrodes, which are arranged in a nested manner and electrically separated by spark gaps (410). Such sets of cathode (330) and anode (350) electrodes are made of electrically conductive material. Thus, the oil-water emulsion (E) can be subjected to the electron trap caused by the action of successively arranged sets of cathode (330) and anode (350) electrodes, whereby the time and flow of the oil-water emulsion in the interior of the pipeline (310) are better controlled.

[0031] Such an embodiment of the system (300) also includes a dynamic screen (360) that helps separate oil (P) and water (A) after they have been successively exposed to the electron trap in the pipe (310). The dynamic screen (360) also acts as a wall, preventing oil from passing into the end (314). The dynamic screen shown here can be implemented using an Archimedean screw (spindle or worm) in conjunction with a static screen, but is not limited to these two types of separation.

[0032] Finally, the person skilled in the art will consider that variations such as connecting a pipe (310) in series with another pipe (310) as in Fig. 3, are within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, they enable the invention to provide additional advantages, such as additional purification and refining of oil (P). Thus, the oil (P) leaving the end (313) of a first conduit (310) of a first system (300) can enter the end (311) of a second conduit (310) of a second system (300) and undergo the electrocoalescence process now disclosed. Proceedings

[0033] A process for separating oil-water emulsions by electrocoalescence according to the present invention comprises the following process steps: I. Introducing an oil-water emulsion (E) into one end of a pipeline (110); II. Switching on a high voltage source (200); III. Emitting sparks at at least one cathode (120) and / or one anode (140) by means of spark gaps (210); IV. Creating an electron trap within the pipeline (110) by means of at least one voltage-carrying electrode (130); V. Ionization of the oil-water emulsion (E); VI. Separation of oil (P) and water (A); and VII. Discharge of the separated oil (P) and water (A) phases to one end of the pipeline (110).

[0034] It should be noted that the number of method steps does not change significantly with the modifications of the preferred embodiments. For illustrative purposes, the method steps are described with reference to the Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment: I. Introducing an oil-water emulsion (E) into one end (311) of a pipeline (310); II. Switching on a high voltage source (400); III. Emitting sparks at at least one cathode (320) and / or one anode (340) by means of spark gaps (410); IV. Creating an electron trap within the pipeline (310) by means of at least one row of cathode electrodes (330) and / or a row of excited anode electrodes (350); V. Ionization of the oil-water emulsion (E); VI. Separation of oil (P) and water (A); VII. Dispensing the oil (P) separated from the water (A) to one end (313) of the pipeline (310); VIII. Passage of the water (A) through a dynamic sieve (360); and IX. Dispensing the oil (P) separated from the water (A) to one end (314) of the pipe (310).

[0035] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the choice of charge by the cathode (120, 320) or the anode (140, 340) indicates whether the water (a) of the oil-water emulsion (E) influences the removal or addition of electrons to or from the water, and consequently its acidification or alkalization. Obviously, this also influences a change in its surface tension, with the alkalized water (A) tending to reduce its surface tension, and the acidified water tending to increase its surface tension.

[0036] A positive current differential represents a lack of electrons, while a negative current differential represents an accumulation of electrons in the water and consequently influences its acidification (positive potential difference / lack of electrons) or alkalization (negative electron differential / accumulation of electrons). These phenomena occur through the channeling of electrical currents. For example, if a negative direct current is applied to the cathode, the electron trap captures electrons, resulting in an accumulation of electrons (negative and alkaline current differential in the medium). If a positive direct current is applied to the cathodes, the electron trap is positive, meaning there is a lack of electrons, or the medium has a positive and acidified current differential.Preferred voltages should be high at low current values, whereby both direct currents and pulsed currents can be used, and alternating currents will also be interesting, especially at the beginning of this process, since these alternating currents cause intense ionizations and thus facilitate the final electrocoalescence by the direct currents at the end of the process.

[0037] However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention contemplates the use of both acidified and alkaline water (A) as being within its scope, since in both situations oil (P) and water (A) have different densities, separate, and are disposed of separately via the conduit (110, 310).

[0038] It should also be noted that the present invention provides for the current source (200, 400) to supply a high voltage, in particular between 10 kV and 10 GV, in order to obtain the electron trap, while keeping the electric current low.

[0039] It is noted that the present invention contemplates the use of both direct current and alternating current without prejudice to its object, so that ions are saturated with electrons.

[0040] The person skilled in the art will find that the method according to the invention can be applied dynamically within the pipeline (110) itself and thus the principle can be applied both continuously and in batches within tanks or decanting systems.

[0041] The set of elements and devices required to complete the system is generally available and easily understood by those skilled in the art and does not require any hard-to-obtain or sophisticated parts, components, or other devices.

[0042] It is also noted that several adaptations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, and for illustrative purposes, the number of electrodes (130) can be varied according to the length of the tubing (110) used.

[0043] In addition, several other devices such as sensors, probes and various volume and flow monitoring devices can be used to control the flow of the oil-water emulsion (E) in the pipeline.

[0044] A further advantage of the present invention is the low power consumption, given the reduced electrical current required by the nature of the present electron trap. This supports the commercial viability of a system such as the one taught here using the inventive method. The obvious consequence of this property is also a more sustainable logic in the implementation of the subject matter of the present invention. In contrast, the electrical energy consumption of a simple electrolysis process represents a major commercial obstacle.

[0045] It is therefore noted that the present solution enables versatile, economical, fast and practical implementations. Conclusion

[0046] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the concepts set forth in the above description. Such modifications should be considered within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the specific embodiments described in detail above are merely illustrative and exemplary and do not limit the scope of the present invention, which is to be accorded the full scope of the appended claims and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

[1] System for the separation of oil-water emulsions by electrocoalescence, characterized by in that it comprises a liquid-conducting means or a conduit (110), at least one cathode (120), at least one electrode (130), at least one anode (140), at least one current source (200) and at least one spark gap (210) for a cathode (120) and a spark gap (210) for the anode (140). [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by that the pipeline (110) comprises at least one outer layer (111) of dielectric material, an intermediate layer (112) of electrically conductive material and an inner layer (113) of dielectric material. [3] System according to claim 1, characterized by that the cathode (120) of the present system (100) comprises an inner layer (122) of electrically conductive material and is covered by an outer layer (121) of dielectric material. [4] System according to claim 1, characterized bythat the electrode (130) comprises an inner layer (132) of electrically conductive material and is covered by an outer layer (131) of dielectric material. [5] System according to claims 1 and 4, characterized by that the electrode (130) is arranged within the pipeline (110) and is electrically insulated therefrom. [6] System according to claim 1, characterized by that the anode (140) comprises an inner layer (142) of electrically conductive material and is covered by an outer layer (141) of dielectric material, and that it is in electrical contact with the pipeline (110). [7] System according to claim 1, characterized by that the cathode (120) and the anode (140) are separated from the electrode (130) and the pipe (110) by spark gaps (210). [8] System for the separation of oil-water emulsions by electrocoalescence, characterized bythat the system (300) comprises a pipeline (310) arranged in the form of a circuit or a labyrinth-shaped circuit, a cathode (320), a set of cathode electrodes (330), an anode (330), a set of anode electrodes (350), a dynamic sieve (360), a power source (400) and spark gaps (410). [9] System according to claim 8, characterized by that it allows the pipeline (310) to be connected in series to one or more pipelines (310). [10] Process for the separation of oil-water emulsions by electrocoalescence, characterized by that it is carried out by a system according to claims 1 to 7, comprising the following method steps: I. Introducing an oil-water emulsion (E) into one end of a pipeline (110); II. Switching on a high voltage source (200); III. Emitting sparks at at least one cathode (120) and / or one anode (140) by means of spark gaps (210); IV. Creating an electron trap within the pipeline (110) by means of at least one voltage-carrying electrode (130); V. Ionization of the oil-water emulsion (E); VI. Separation of oil (P) and water (A); and VII. Discharge of the separated oil (P) and water (A) phases to one end of the pipeline (110). [11] Process for the separation of oil-water emulsions by electrocoalescence, characterized by that it is carried out by a system according to claims 8 to 9, comprising the following method steps: I. Introducing an oil-water emulsion (E) into one end (311) of a pipeline (310); II. Switching on a high voltage source (400); III. Emitting sparks at at least one cathode (320) and / or one anode (340) by means of spark gaps (410); IV. Creating an electron trap within the pipeline (310) by means of at least one row of cathode electrodes (330) and / or a row of excited anode electrodes (350); V. Ionization of the oil-water emulsion (E); VI. Separation of oil (P) and water (A); VII. Dispensing the oil (P) separated from the water (A) to one end (313) of the pipeline (310); VIII. Passage of the water (A) through a dynamic sieve (360); and IX. Dispensing the oil (P) separated from the water (A) to one end (314) of the pipe (310).

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