Oil Separation System
Wells typically produce three elements: oil, gas, and water. Oil and gas producers use a combination of separation vessels, also called an “oil separation system,” to separate these elements.
In this article, we'll discuss 3 of the most common types of separation vessels:
- three-phase separators
- two-phase separators
- heater treaters
Three-Phase Separator
A three-phase separator separates process emulsion into three elements: oil, water, and gas. This type of separator is often called a free-water knockout (FWKO), because it is used to “knock out” any water, which can cause problems such as corrosion. A liquid dump valve processes this water out, and it is either recycled or sent for disposal.
Three-phase separators come in vertical and horizontal orientations.
Two-Phase Separator
A two-phase separator separates the production emulsion into two elements: gas and liquid. A two-phase separator can be horizontal, vertical, or spherical. The liquid (oil and water mixture) leaves the vessel at the bottom through a liquid level controller or mechanical dump valve. The gas leaves the vessel at the top, passing through a mist extractor to remove the small liquid droplets in the gas.
Heater Treater
When fluid enters a two-phase or three-phase separator, separation begins naturally due to the different specific gravities of the elements. A heater treater, as the name implies, introduces heat in order to accelerate this separation process.
Heater Treaters contain an internal firetube, which uses supply gas to heat the produced fluid inside the vessel. They use a low pressure control valve to regulate the temperature of the fluid. Heater treaters come in horizontal or vertical orientations.
