Electrostatic Coalescing Oil/Water Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating water from crude oil, which typically arrives at the surface as a water-in-oil mixture, are inefficient and require improved techniques to enhance the dynamics of gravitational separation.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic coalescence method using an elongated inlet vessel with an electrode to subject the mixture to an electric field, followed by a separation vessel with divergent passageways for immediate gravity-assisted separation of water and oil, allowing for effective separation of water from crude oil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional gravitational separation methods are used, then the separation process is simple, but the separation efficiency is low and processing time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by subjecting the water-in-oil mixture to an electrostatic field before gravitational separation. The electric field pre-coalesces small water droplets into larger droplets, which then settle more rapidly under gravity. This preliminary electrostatic conditioning significantly reduces the time required for subsequent gravitational separation while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces pure mechanical gravitational separation with an electrostatic-mechanical hybrid system. By introducing an electric field to enhance droplet coalescence before gravitational settling, the system achieves faster separation efficiency without complex mechanical components, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and processing time.
2Productivity
If electrostatic field is applied to coalesce water droplets, then separation efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by applying the electrostatic field in controlled cycles rather than continuously. The field is activated to coalesce droplets during specific phases of the separation process, then deactivated allowing gravity to complete the separation. This periodic application significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining high separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the strength and duration of the electrostatic field based on the characteristics of the water-in-oil mixture. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves effective droplet coalescence with minimal energy input, resolving the contradiction between separation efficiency and energy consumption.
3Speed
If water droplet size is increased through coalescence, then gravitational separation dynamics improve, but the coalescence process requires additional energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive mechanical coalescence methods with an electrostatic field-based approach. The electric field induces polarization in water droplets, causing them to align and coalesce without requiring mechanical agitation or additional energy input beyond the electric field generation. This significantly reduces the energy required to increase droplet size while improving gravitational separation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the phase transition properties of water droplets in the oil continuous phase. By applying an electric field, the system induces a phase change in the distribution of water droplets from a dispersed state to a coalesced state, enabling rapid gravitational separation without additional energy input for mechanical mixing or agitation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method significantly improves the separation efficiency by rapidly coalescing water droplets and allowing for immediate directional separation of water and oil, enhancing the overall processing efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the mixture to an electric field. Oil, being a non-polar fluid, acts as a dielectric and water droplets, being polar, when subjected to an electric field are coalesced
Implementation Method 2
Since water is slightly polar, water droplets become polarized by the electric field. Polarized droplets are attracted to each other and move into and coalescence with each other
Implementation Method 3
Larger droplets tend to gravitate downwardly within the mixture and the oil, having portions of the water removed therefrom, tend to gravitate upwardly within the mixture
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for separating water from a water-in-oil mixture having an elongated inlet vessel with a lower outlet end and an upper inlet end, the length thereof being a multiple of the largest vessel cross-sectional dimension. A separation vessel having an oil outlet and a divergent water outlet has an inlet passageway in communication with the inlet vessel lower outlet end. At least one electrode is positioned within the inlet vessel by which a mixture flowing therethrough is subjected to an electric field.