The water being the heaviest in gravity stays at the bottom while the oil floats on top and the gas occupies the void space in the vessel. A combination of refined oil, water and air enters the vessel, the flow is directed to the spherical end of the vessel where primary separation occurs and then flows through the vessel where it meets the coalescer. At the secondary separating section, the fluids are allowed to slow down and separate by gravity.
External Capabilities:
Learn basic principles of control and operation of a three-phase separator
Evaluation of emulsion chemistry possible (stable & unstable emulsion)
Effect of water-oil ratio on residence time
Effect of varying operating conditions on separation
Effect of continuous-phase medium on droplet size and separation
Variation of water cut to show the effect on separation and residence time
Effect of flow rate on emulsion formation
The effect of density difference on separation
Effect of step change on overall process
Effect of gravity separation on small SG.
