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