Produced water-oil separation tank for emulsions

• US 5,340,477 A
• Filed: 12/03/1992
• Issued: 08/23/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 12/03/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Texaco Incorporated (Chevron Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Texaco Incorporated (Chevron Corp.)
• Inventors: Simon, Robert L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Drodge, Joseph W.
• Application Number:
  US07/984,761
• Time in Patent Office: 628 Days
• Field of Search: 210/109, 210/137, 210/248, 210/513, 210/540, 210/708, 210/188, 210/218, 210/539, 210/800, 208/187
• US Class Current: 210/218
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 17/0208 by sedimentation
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 17/0214 with removal of one of the phases

Abstract

A separator apparatus for breaking emulsions, particularly an emulsion formed of the hydrocarbon liquid and an aqueous solution, wherein the emulsion is introduced to a main separating tank. The latter includes at least one inlet for introducing emulsion, and a separate discharge port for conducting hydrocarbon-free aqueous component from the tank. An overflow trough positioned near the tank proportion includes a stripping weir which passes the flow of the hydrocarbon which has floated to the surface of the heavier water component. Emulsion flow to the tank is controlled by a flow regulator comprised primarily of a water level sensing means.

Claims

1. An apparatus for separating components of an emulsion comprised of at least a liquid hydrocarbon component and an aqueous component having a density greater than said hydrocarbon component, said apparatus comprising:

an upright main tank having a cylindrical wall and an integral roof thereon, defining a closed chamber;

inlet means opening into a lower portion of said tank for introducing said emulsion thereto;

an overflow trough fixed in said tank spaced beneath said roof at a constant level;

a skimming weir forming at least a portion of a wall of said overflow trough, said weir being positioned at an elevation to receive hydrocarbon liquid which has risen to the surface of said emulsion;

pipe means depending from said overflow trough for conducting liquid hydrocarbon therefrom to outside said tank;

means to vent gases from said chamber;

means to supply said chamber with inert gas through said means to vent;

discharge means in a lower portion of said tank and spaced from said inlet means for conducting the hydrocarbon-free aqueous component from the tank; and

fluid level control means for regulating the flow of emulsion through said tank, said fluid level means having a first leg in communication with said discharge means and extending generally vertically on the outside of said tank, a weir box vertically mounted on and in communication with said first leg having an adjustable weir to receive therein the hydrocarbon free portion of said emulsion from said discharge means, and a downcomer leg connected between said weir box and said discharge means for draining aqueous emulsion therefrom, whereby vertical adjustment of said weir box controls the level of fluid in said tank with respect to said skimming weir.

2. In the apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said overflow trough depends from said tank cylindrical wall.

3. In the apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said overflow trough defines a continuous channel adjacent to the tank'"'"'s cylindrical wall.

4. In the apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the skimming weir in said overflow trough is positioned at a constant level relative to the surface of said emulsion.