U.S. patent application number 13/797349 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-25 for separator with liquid carry-over reduction assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to CIMARRON ENERGY, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is CIMARRON ENERGY, INC.. Invention is credited to James D. Whiteley.
Application Number | 20130186278 13/797349 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41314903 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130186278 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Whiteley; James D. |
July 25, 2013 |
SEPARATOR WITH LIQUID CARRY-OVER REDUCTION ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A separator which includes a vessel with a horizontal section
defining a horizontal chamber and a vertical section defining a
vertical chamber. The vertical section extends upwardly from the
horizontal section. A tubular member is positioned in the vertical
section in such a way that the tubular member provides a fluid
passage between the horizontal chamber and the vertical chamber and
cooperates with the vertical section and the horizontal section to
define a liquid receiving space. A deflector plate is spaced from
the upper end of the tubular member in such a way that fluid
passing up through the tubular member is deflected into the liquid
receiving space and returned to the horizontal chamber.
Inventors: |
Whiteley; James D.; (Grand
Junction, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CIMARRON ENERGY, INC.; |
Norman |
OK |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CIMARRON ENERGY, INC.
Norman
OK
|
Family ID: |
41314903 |
Appl. No.: |
13/797349 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12465161 |
May 13, 2009 |
8398756 |
|
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13797349 |
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61052818 |
May 13, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
96/189 ; 96/188;
96/220 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 19/0031 20130101;
B01D 19/0042 20130101; B01D 17/0211 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
96/189 ; 96/220;
96/188 |
International
Class: |
B01D 19/00 20060101
B01D019/00 |
Claims
1. A separator, comprising: a vessel including a horizontal section
defining a horizontal chamber and a vertical section positioned
above the horizontal chamber and defining a vertical chamber, the
horizontal section having a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid
including gas and at least one liquid and at least one liquid
outlet for discharging liquid from the horizontal chamber, the
vertical section having a gas outlet for discharging gas from the
vertical chamber; a tubular member extending from the horizontal
chamber and into the vertical chamber in such a way that the
tubular member provides a fluid passage between the horizontal
chamber and the vertical chamber and at least a portion of the
tubular member and at least a portion of the vertical section
cooperate to define a liquid receiving space between the tubular
member and the vertical section; a deflector plate positioned above
an upper end of the tubular member in such a way that liquid
passing up through the tubular member is deflected into the liquid
receiving space while gas is allowed to pass to the gas outlet; and
a liquid return line extending from the liquid receiving space to
the horizontal chamber in such a way that liquid which passes into
the liquid receiving space is able to flow from the liquid
receiving space to the horizontal chamber.
2. The separator of claim 1, wherein the tubular member is
positioned concentrically in relation to the vertical section.
3. The separator of claim 2, wherein the liquid receiving space is
annular.
4. The separator of claim 1, wherein the deflector plate is
substantially flat and has a diameter greater than the diameter of
the tubular member.
5. The separator of claim 1, wherein the deflector plate is
dome-shaped and has a diameter greater than the diameter of the
tubular member.
6. The separator of claim 5, wherein the deflector plate has a
lower edge positioned below the upper end of the tubular
member.
7. The separator of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the
return line is positioned externally relative to the vessel.
8. The separator of claim 7, wherein the liquid return line
intersects the horizontal section between the fluid inlet of the
horizontal section and the vertical section.
9. The separator of claim 8, further comprising a mist eliminator
positioned downstream of the intersection of the liquid return line
and the horizontal section and upstream of the vertical
chamber.
10. The separator of claim 1, further comprising a mist pad
positioned between the deflector plate and the gas outlet.
11. The separator of claim 1, wherein the liquid return line
extends from the liquid receiving space into the horizontal chamber
such that a lower end of the liquid return line is positioned below
the surface of the liquid passing through the horizontal
chamber.
12. A separator, comprising: a horizontal section defining a
horizontal chamber and having a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid
including gas and at least one liquid outlet for discharging liquid
from the horizontal chamber; a vertical section extending upwardly
from the horizontal section and defining a vertical chamber, the
vertical section having a gas outlet for discharging gas from the
vertical chamber; a tubular member extending from the horizontal
chamber and into the vertical chamber in such a way that the
tubular member provides a fluid passage between the horizontal
chamber and the vertical chamber and at least a portion of the
tubular member and at least a portion of the vertical section
cooperate to define a liquid receiving space between the tubular
member and the vertical section; a deflector plate positioned in
the vertical chamber such that liquid passing from the horizontal
chamber to the vertical chamber is deflected downwardly into the
liquid receiving space while gas is allowed to pass to the gas
outlet; and a liquid return line extending between the liquid
receiving space and the horizontal chamber in such a way that
liquid that passes into the liquid receiving space is able to flow
from the liquid receiving space to the horizontal chamber.
13. The separator of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the
return line is positioned externally relative to the horizontal
section and the vertical section.
14. The separator of claim 12, wherein the liquid return line
intersects the horizontal section between the fluid inlet of the
horizontal section and the vertical section.
15. The separator of claim 14, further comprising a mist eliminator
positioned downstream of the intersection of the liquid return line
and the horizontal section and upstream of the vertical
chamber.
16. The separator of claim 12, further comprising a mist pad
positioned between the deflector plate and the gas outlet.
17. The separator of claim 12, wherein the liquid return line
extends from the liquid receiving space into the horizontal chamber
such that a lower end of the liquid return line is positioned below
the surface of the liquid passing through the horizontal
chamber.
18. A separator, comprising: a vessel including a horizontal
section defining a horizontal chamber and a vertical section
defining a vertical chamber, the vertical section extending
upwardly from the horizontal section, the horizontal section having
a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid including gas and at least one
liquid and at least one liquid outlet for discharging liquid that
separates from the gas in the horizontal chamber, the vertical
section having a gas outlet at an upper end thereof for discharging
gas from the vertical chamber; a tubular member positioned in the
vertical section in such a way that the tubular member provides a
fluid passage between the horizontal chamber and the vertical
chamber, at least a portion of the tubular member cooperating with
at least a portion of the vertical section and at least a portion
of the horizontal section to define a liquid receiving space; a
deflector plate positioned above an upper end of the tubular member
in such a way that liquid passing up through the tubular member is
deflected into the liquid receiving space while gas is allowed to
pass to the gas outlet; and a liquid return line extending between
the liquid receiving space and the horizontal chamber in such a way
that liquid which passes into the liquid receiving space is able to
flow from the liquid receiving space to the horizontal chamber, the
liquid return line extending vertically from the liquid receiving
space into the horizontal chamber such that a lower end of the
liquid return line is positioned below the surface of the liquid
passing through the horizontal chamber.
19. A separator, comprising: a horizontal section defining a
horizontal chamber, the horizontal section having a fluid inlet for
receiving a fluid including gas and at least one liquid and the
horizontal section having at least one liquid outlet for
discharging liquid from the horizontal chamber; a vertical section
extending upwardly from the horizontal section and having a gas
outlet, the vertical section having a fluid passage between the
horizontal chamber and the vertical chamber and a liquid receiving
space; a deflector plate positioned in the vertical chamber such
that liquid passing from the horizontal chamber to the vertical
chamber is deflected away from the gas outlet and into the liquid
receiving space while gas is allowed to pass to the gas outlet; and
a liquid return line extending between the liquid receiving space
and the horizontal chamber in such a way that liquid which passes
into the liquid receiving space is able to flow from the liquid
receiving space to the horizontal chamber, the liquid return line
extending vertically from the liquid receiving space into the
horizontal chamber such that a lower end of the liquid return line
is positioned below the surface of the liquid passing through the
horizontal chamber.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] The entirety of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/465,161,
filed May 13, 2009; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
61/052,818, filed May 13, 2008, are each hereby expressly
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to separators for
separating liquids and gases and/or liquids and liquids. More
particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present invention
relates to high-volume separators for removing liquids such as oil
and water from natural gas.
[0004] 2. Brief Description of Related Art
[0005] Separators are often used to separate liquids from gases, as
well as liquids from other liquids. Some separators separate oil
and gas, or water and gas. Other separators separate oil, water and
gas. When gas is separated, it generally migrates to the top of the
separator vessel due to its relatively lower density. However, in
separators processing high volumes of liquid, and during surges in
separators, liquid may not be sufficiently removed from the gas,
and may pass through the separator to the gas outlet. One solution
to this problem is to use a bigger vessel. However, this can be
expensive.
[0006] As such, there is a perpetual need for more-efficient,
more-effective, and/or less-expensive separators such as, for
example, separators for removing oil and water from gas.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a separator constructed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid
carryover reduction assembly.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG.
2.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid
return line.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0011] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG.
1, shown therein and designated by the reference numeral 10 is a
separator constructed in accordance with the present invention. The
exemplary embodiment of the separator 10 shown is for high-volume
separation of oil and water from gas in such a way that the oil and
water are also separated from one another. Other embodiments may
only separate one liquid from a gas, or may separate multiple
liquids from a gas without separating the multiple liquids.
[0012] The separator 10 includes a vessel 14 having a horizontal
section 18 and a vertical section 22. The horizontal section 18 of
the vessel 14 is preferably formed with an elongated, cylindrical
shape, as shown, that defines a horizontal chamber 26. For example,
the horizontal section 18 of the vessel 14 may be a
substantially-circular cylinder having a diameter of about 20
inches and a length of about 90 inches. Other embodiments of the
horizontal section 18 may be formed with any suitable shape such
as, for example, rectangular, square, triangular, or the like, and
may be formed with any suitable dimensions. The horizontal section
18 of the vessel 14 preferably includes an inlet 30, an inlet
baffle 34, quieting baffles 38, a mist pad 42, a spillway wall 46,
a wall 50, a liquid-liquid weir 54, and one or more cleanouts 58.
It will be appreciated, however, that the horizontal section 18 may
include a variety of components which cooperate with one another to
cause liquid and gas to separate from each other. The description
of the construction and operation of the horizontal section 28
contained herein is intended to provide an example of one
arrangement of a horizontal section suitable for separating liquids
from gases, and is not intended to be limiting. It should be
understood that a number of variations to the components and the
configuration of those components described herein can be made
without changing the scope of the invention set forth herein.
[0013] The vertical section 22 of the vessel 14 is preferably
formed with an elongated, cylindrical shape, as shown, that defines
a vertical chamber 28. For example, the vertical section 22 of the
vessel 14 may be a substantially-circular cylinder having a
diameter of about 16 inches and a length of about 48 inches. Other
embodiments of the vertical section 22 may be formed with any
suitable shape such as, for example, rectangular, square,
triangular, or the like, and may be formed with any suitable
dimensions. The vertical section 22 is preferably substantially
perpendicular to the horizontal section 18, but may be angularly
disposed from the horizontal section 18 in any suitable
configuration. The vertical section 22 of the vessel 14 preferably
includes a liquid carryover reduction assembly 60, a mist pad 66,
and a gas outlet 70.
[0014] The inlet 30 is preferably connected to a supply pipe 98
that delivers an unseparated mixture such as, for example, gas,
oil, and water (that may be steam) from a well head (not shown) or
the like. In the preferred embodiment, the vessel 14 is preferably
constructed such that the vessel 14 is capable of operating at high
separation rates and high internal pressures. For example, in one
embodiment, the separator 10 functions at an operating pressure
between about 150 psig and about 250 psig, more preferably between
about 175 psig and about 225 psig, and most preferably about 200
psig. In one embodiment, the separator 10 is also preferably
capable of processing a mixture of gas, oil, and water at a rate of
about 4 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gas and a
combined liquid capacity of about 800 barrels per day (bbl/d) with
a retention time of about three minutes.
[0015] The operation of the separator 10 will be described herein
as separating an exemplary mixture of gas, oil, and water, in which
the preferred gaseous portion is the gas and the preferred liquid
portions are the oil and water. However, as will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art, the separator 10 may be used to separate
various mixtures having any number of components. As the mixture
enters the separator 10 through the inlet 30, the mixture hits the
inlet baffle 34. The mixture preferably enters the separator 10 at
a relatively high velocity and/or pressure such that when the
mixture impacts the inlet baffle 34, it is forced to flow around
the inlet baffle 34, as indicated by the arrows 102. As will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, the gas portion of the
mixture has less resistance to changes in direction and will
primarily flow around the inlet baffle 34. In contrast, the liquid
portion(s) of the mixture, and even the vaporized liquid portions
of the mixture, have a higher mass and resulting higher resistance
to changes in direction, such that at least a portion of the water
and oil in the initial mixture will impact the inlet baffle 34 and
will be carried downward by gravity into the bottom of the
horizontal section 18 of the vessel 14, as indicated by the layers
of oil 106 and water 110. Generally, not all of the liquid
components of the mixture are removed by the inlet baffle 34,
however, and as the mixture flows past the inlet baffle 34, the
mixture is preferably separated into a primarily-liquid mixture,
e.g., oil 106 and water 110, and a primarily-gaseous mixture, e.g.,
gas 114.
[0016] At least the primarily-gaseous mixture next flows through
the quieting baffles 38. The quieting baffles 38 are preferably
constructed to encourage laminar flow of the mixture such that the
flow characteristics of the mixture preferably become smoother and
more uniform and permit gravity to carry the relatively heavier
components, e.g., oil and water, downward and out of the gas, as
well as to permit the relatively heavier liquid, e.g., water,
downward and out of the oil, as indicated by the layers of oil 106
and water 110 shown. Various suitable configurations for the
quieting baffles 38 are known in the art, and any functional
variety may be used.
[0017] After passing through the quieting baffles 38, at least the
primarily-gaseous mixture flows through the mist pad 42. The mist
pad 42 preferably extends from the top of the horizontal chamber 26
down into the primarily-liquid mixture such that all of the
primarily-liquid mixture passes through the mist pad 42. The mist
pad 42 is preferably constructed of a porous material such as, for
example, a wire mesh, screen, sponge, or the like. The mist pad 42
operates in similar fashion to the inlet baffle 34 in that the
pores of the mist pad 42 provide a nonlinear path for the gas of
the mixture to flow through, while the intermediate solid portions
interrupt the flow of heavier portions, e.g., oil and water, of the
mixture to separate these heavier portions from the mixture. In one
embodiment, the mist pad 42 is constructed of a wire mesh material
having a thickness of about six inches. In other embodiments, the
mist pad 42 may be formed of any suitable material in any suitable
shape. In yet further embodiments, the mist pad 42 may include any
suitable number of mist pads 42, may be substituted with similar
structures, or may be omitted entirely.
[0018] After passing through the mist pad 42, the primarily-gaseous
mixture flows from the horizontal chamber 26 into the vertical
chamber 28 via the liquid carryover reduction assembly 60. The
liquid carryover reduction assembly 60 functions to deflect liquids
that may enter the vertical chamber 28 away from the gas outlet 70
and back to the horizontal chamber 26. The liquid carryover
reduction assembly 60 includes a tubular member 62 and a deflector
plate 74.
[0019] The tubular member 62 of the liquid carryover reduction
assembly 60 is positioned in the vertical section 22 and is
connected to and extends upwardly from the horizontal section 18
toward the upper end of the vertical section 22 in such a way that
the tubular member 62 provides a fluid passage between the
horizontal chamber 26 and the vertical chamber 28. The tubular
member 62 further cooperates with the vertical section 22 and the
horizontal section 18 to define a liquid receiving space 64. In the
present embodiment, tubular member 62 is concentrically positioned
relative to the vertical section 22 so that the liquid receiving
space 64 is substantially annular; however, it should be understood
that the liquid receiving space 64 could take a variety of forms.
For example, the liquid receiving space 64 may extend only
partially about the tubular member 62. Also, it is contemplated
that the fluid passage defined by the tubular member 62 and the
liquid receiving space 64 may be reversed such that the area
between the tubular member 62 and the vertical section 22 functions
as the fluid passage and the interior of the tubular member 62
functions as the liquid receiving space 74.
[0020] A deflector plate 74 is connected to an upper end of the
tubular member 62 in such a way that a significant portion of the
liquid carried up through the tubular member 62 will contact the
underside of the deflector plate 74 and will be deflected or
redirected in an outward and downward direction and will pass into
the liquid receiving space 64. The liquid will also contact the
deflector plate 74 so that a portion of the liquid may be deflected
back down the tubular member 62 and into the horizontal chamber
26.
[0021] The deflector plate 74 is connected to the tubular member 62
with a plurality of connector members 76a, 76b, 76c, and 76d (best
shown in FIG. 3) extending between the tubular member 62 and the
deflector plate 74 in a spaced apart relationship to one another so
as to define at least one opening 118 between the tubular member 62
and the deflector plate 74.
[0022] The deflector plate 74 is shown in FIG. 1 as a flat circular
plate having a diameter greater than the diameter of the tubular
member 62. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate another embodiment of a
deflector plate 74a. The deflector plate 74a is a hollow
dome-shaped member having a lower annular edge 75 and a diameter
greater than the diameter of the tubular member 62. The deflector
plate 74a is preferably connected to the tubular member 62 so that
the lower edge 75 of the deflector plate 74a is positioned below
the upper end of the tubular member 62. As the primarily-gaseous
mixture passes up through the tubular member 62, the deflector
plate 74a will cause the travel path of the primarily-gaseous
mixture to be redirected in an outward and downward direction. Upon
the primarily-gaseous mixture passing beyond the lower edge 75 of
the deflector plate 74b, the gas will migrate toward the gas outlet
70 causing the gas to reverse its direction in such a way that the
liquid, which is heavier than the gas, to continue traveling in a
downward direction and into the liquid receiving space 64.
[0023] While two embodiments of the deflector plate 74 and 74a have
been depicted, it should be appreciated that the deflector plate
may be formed to have a variety of shapes and configurations which
function to produce the desired result of the liquid being returned
to the horizontal chamber 26. It should be understood that the
spacing and dimensions of the various components of the liquid
carry-over reduction assembly 60 will vary as a function of
variables such as gas composition, temperature, pressure, gas flow
rate, and anticipated liquid carry-over volume.
[0024] The gas traveling towards the gas outlet 70 preferably
continues to flow upwards and subsequently passes through the mist
pad 66. The mist pad 66 is preferably similar in form and function
to the mist pad 42, described above. However, the mist pad 66
preferably spans the full width of the vertical chamber 28 such
that substantially all of the gas exiting the openings 118 of the
liquid carryover reduction assembly 60 flows through the mist pad
66. As described above with reference to the mist pad 42, the mist
pad 66 preferably removes at least a portion of any remaining
liquid portions, e.g., oil and water, from the gas. The liquid
portions, e.g., oil and water, collected by the mist pad 66
preferably condense and fall downward into the liquid receiving
space 64. It will be appreciated that the deflector space 74
further functions to deflect liquid falling from the mist pad 66
into the liquid receiving space 64.
[0025] A liquid return line 86 extends between the liquid receiving
space 64 and the horizontal chamber 26 in such a way that liquid
that passes into the liquid receiving space 64 is able to flow from
the liquid receiving space 64 to the horizontal chamber 26. Thus,
as the level of liquid 122 in the liquid receiving space 64 reaches
the level of the liquid return line 86, the liquid 122 preferably
passes through the liquid return line 86 and back into the
horizontal chamber 26.
[0026] In one embodiment, a portion of the liquid return line 86
(FIG. 1) is positioned externally relative to the vessel 14. The
liquid return line 86 extends from the vertical chamber 28 to the
horizontal chamber 26 between the fluid inlet 30 of the horizontal
section 18 and the vertical intersection of the horizontal section
18 and the vertical section 22, so as to enable fluid communication
between the liquid receiving space 64 and the horizontal chamber
26. The liquid return line 86 preferably includes a check valve 90
and a shutoff valve 94. In other embodiments, either or both of the
check valve 90 and the shutoff valve 94 may be substituted,
combined, omitted, or the like.
[0027] The liquid return line 86 is aligned with the quieting
baffles 38 such that the liquid 122 from the liquid return line 86a
will preferably fall into a relatively calm flow area and be
permitted to settle into its component parts within the horizontal
chamber 26. In other embodiments, the liquid return line 86 may be
disposed in any suitable location, but is preferably adjacent to or
downstream of the quieting baffles 38 so as to minimize the amount
of liquid returned to the primarily-gaseous mixture.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a liquid return
line 86a in the form of a tubular downcomer 96. The tubular
downcomer 96 provides a pathway for the liquid to travel from the
liquid receiving space 64 to the horizontal chamber 26. The tubular
downcomer 96 extends from the liquid receiving space 64 into the
horizontal chamber 26 such that the lower end of the tubular
downcomer 96 is positioned below the surface of the liquid passing
through the horizontal chamber 26. As shown, the upper end of the
tubular downcomer 96 is preferably located a relatively small
distance above the bottom of the liquid receiving space 64 such
that at least some portion of any solid contaminants are trapped in
the bottom of the liquid receiving space 64 rather than returned
with the liquid 122. As such, the vertical section 22 may be
provided with a drain (not shown) to allow periodic cleaning of the
liquid receiving space 64. The position of the lower end of the
tubular downcomer 96 below the surface of the liquid in the
horizontal chamber 26 is desirable because it forms a liquid seal
which prevents the migration of gas up through the tubular
downcomer 96.
[0029] As the liquid 122 from the liquid return line 86 returns to
the horizontal chamber 26, the liquid falls through the gas 114 and
separates into its component parts, e.g., oil and water. These
component parts then join the liquid 106 and 100 already in the
horizontal section 18. As shown, the density differential between
the oil and water preferably causes the oil to migrate upward to an
oil layer 106, and preferably causes the water to migrate downward
to a water layer 110 below the oil layer 106. The liquid layers,
e.g., 106 and 110, preferably flow toward the spillway wall 46.
[0030] The spillway wall 46 and the divider wall 50 cooperate to
divide a lower part of the horizontal section 18 into a primary
basin 126, an oil basin 130, and a water basin 134. As shown, the
divider wall 50 preferably extends above the spillway wall 46 such
that the top of the water basin 134 extends above the top of the
oil basin 130. Because the top of the primary basin 126 and the top
of the oil basin 130 are both limited by the spillway wall 46, the
tops of the primary basin 126 and oil basin 130 are preferably at
the same height. Additionally, the spillway wall 46 is shaped to
define a passageway 138 passing under the oil basin 130 and under a
portion of the water basin 134 as well. The liquid-liquid weir 54
is preferably cooperatively associated with the spillway wall 46 to
enable fluid communication between the water basin 134 and the
passageway 138. The liquid-liquid weir 54 is also preferably
adjustable in functional height, or the distance the liquid-liquid
weir 54 extends above the spillway wall 46, such that the flow
therethrough may be adjusted as necessary to achieve desirable
functional characteristics.
[0031] As oil flows over the spillway wall 46 into the oil basin
130, water will flow under the spillway wall 46 and through the
passageway 138. When the uppermost level of oil is above the top of
the liquid-liquid weir 54, water is forced through the
liquid-liquid weir 54 and into the water basin 134. Depending on a
number of factors, such as for example, the relative amounts of oil
and water, the flow rate of the mixture into the separator 10, and
the like, the height of the liquid-liquid weir 54 may be, and
preferably is, selectively adjusted to ensure that the oil and
water are effectively separated as described. For example, the
height of the liquid-liquid weir 54 is preferably such that the
level of water layer 110 is substantially maintained above the
passageway 138 so that oil is prevented from passing into the
passageway 138 or through the liquid-liquid weir 54. Similarly, the
level of the water layer 110 is preferably maintained below the top
of the spillway wall 46 such that water is substantially prevented
from flowing into the oil basin 130.
[0032] The horizontal section 18 preferably further includes an oil
outlet 142, an oil sensor 146, a water outlet 150, and a water
sensor 154. The oil outlet 142 preferably includes an uptake pipe
158 and a valve 162. As shown, the uptake pipe 158 of the oil
outlet 142 preferably extends into the oil basin 130 such that the
oil in the oil basin 130 will cover a lower part of the uptake pipe
158. The oil sensor 146 is preferably in communication with the
valve 162 and disposed at least partially within or adjacent to the
oil basin 130 such that as the oil basin 130 fills, the oil sensor
146 will sense the rising level of oil, or will sense when the oil
reaches a threshold level, and will signal or otherwise cause the
valve 162 to open and permit oil to flow out of the oil basin 130
and out of the separator 10. For example, in one embodiment, the
oil sensor 146, or a portion thereof, is disposed within or through
the side of the horizontal section 18, such that a portion of the
oil sensor 146 extends into the oil basin 130. In other
embodiments, the oil sensor 146 may be an optical, thermal,
infrared, magnetic, or other sensor than is capable of registering
the level of oil in the oil basin, or is capable of registering a
change in the level of oil in the oil basin 130, with or without
any portion of the oil sensor 146 being disposed within the oil
basin 130. Conversely, when oil in the oil basin 130 falls below
the threshold level or falls faster than the threshold rate, the
oil sensor 146 preferably signals or otherwise causes the valve 162
to close. In other embodiments, it is desirable for the oil sensor
146 to sense more than just the level of oil within the oil basin
130. For example, the oil sensor 146 may sense the undesirable
presence of water within the oil reservoir 130, may sense the
buildup of solid contaminants, or the like, and may alert an
operator of such negative characteristics, for example, so the
separator 10 may be shut down, cleaned, adjusted, or repaired.
[0033] Similarly, the water outlet 150 preferably includes an
uptake pipe 166 and a valve 170, with the uptake pipe 166
preferably extending into the water basin 134 such that the water
in the water basin 134 will cover a lower part of the uptake pipe
166. The water sensor 154 is preferably similar in construction,
function, disposition, and mounting to the oil sensor 146,
provided, however, that the water sensor is positioned to measure
or register the level of water in the water basin 134, such that
when the water in the water basin 134 reaches a threshold level or
rises at a threshold rate, the valve 170 of the water outlet 150
opens and permits water to flow out of the water basin 134 and out
of the separator 10. As described above for the oil outlet 142,
when the water level in the water basin 134 falls below the
threshold level or falls faster than the threshold rate, the water
sensor 154 preferably signals or otherwise causes the valve 170 to
close. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
art, the oil and water exiting the oil and water outlets 142 and
150, respectively, is preferably transferred by pipe, conduit, or
the like into tanks or pipelines for storage, transportation, or
use.
[0034] While various embodiments of the present invention are
described herein, changes may be made in the embodiments of the
invention described herein, or in the parts or the elements of the
embodiments described herein, or in the steps or sequence of steps
of the methods described herein, without departing from the spirit
and/or the scope of the invention.
* * * * *