Horizontal separators
CHALLENGES
Lack of control of the emulsion layer in the separator means fluctuations in lift costs per BOE:
• Not accomplishing primary goal: removing water from oil
• Reduced separator efficiency and equipment uptime
• Increased cost of demulsifiers to break down rag layer
• Transmitter may not be specified for interface versus total level
• Potential buildup on existing contacting devices
• Direct impact to the overall dehydration process, liquid storage, and water treatment systems
SOLUTION
Magnetrol® level devices optimize separator performance by keeping tighter control of the emulsion layer
• Recommend device close to the weir to maximize retention time which assists oil-water separation
• Thinner rag layer optimizes level device performance
• Single transmitter design for total level and interface
• Enhanced diagnostics for buildup detection (paraffinsor asphaltenes)
• Low power to cycle up and down quickly (O&G E&P)
• Breadth of transmitters by SG/API gravity
RESULTS
Better level measurement and tighter control of the emulsion layer
• Separator optimization due to accurate representation of water in oil (top of emulsion)
• Reduced cost for demulsifiers (cost is an estimated $1.5–$2K USD per ton)
• Increased downstream equipment uptime due to improved oil-water separation
• Reduced maintenance due to reliable signal and enhanced diagnostics
• Simplified commissioning and training with communication through desired protocols