초록 ▼

A method of, and apparatus for, separating phases in a polyphase system is described and particularly in separating oil from produced water by the contact of gas bubbles and oil droplets by a dispersed gas flotation technique. A polyphase system is divided into at least two portions. The pressure of

A method of, and apparatus for, separating phases in a polyphase system is described and particularly in separating oil from produced water by the contact of gas bubbles and oil droplets by a dispersed gas flotation technique. A polyphase system is divided into at least two portions. The pressure of one portion is reduced to form bubbles of a gas, and the two portions are then recombined whereby the bubbles in the mixture enhances flotation, and hence separation of the dispensed phase, e.g. oil, from the continuous phase, e.g. water. The invention has particular application in the oil industry and in other fields where efficient separation is required.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for the gas flotation treatment of a produced water mixture including oil and water to reduce the oil content of the water, the mixture being continuously produced under a relatively high pressure and having a gas naturally present in solution, said method comprising the steps of: carrying

A method for the gas flotation treatment of a produced water mixture including oil and water to reduce the oil content of the water, the mixture being continuously produced under a relatively high pressure and having a gas naturally present in solution, said method comprising the steps of: carrying the mixture from a first vessel at said relatively high pressure in first pipe means to a flotation vessel at a relatively low pressure by way of first controllable pressure letdown means arranged in the first pipe means; selectively operating the first controllable pressure letdown means to transfer mixture from said first vessel to said flotation vessel according to a rate of production of said mixture; providing second pipe means having second controllable pressure letdown means, said second pipe means extending from an influent location upstream of the first controllable pressure letdown means to a discharge location in communication with the flotation vessel; and selectively operating said second controllable pressure letdown means to establish at said discharge location a flow of mixture laden with bubbles of said naturally present gas released from solution and caused by cavitation for gas flotation treatment of mixture in the flotation vessel.