Petroleum - Oil Production - Separation - Heater Treaters

Vertical Treater Operations:

The produced fluid enters the treater in the top gas separation section and strikes the inlet deflector. The combination of centrifugal action, reduced velocity and retention time allows the gas to separate from the liquid and flow upward through the mist extractor to the gas outlet.

Oil and water are directed through the vessel and released below the firebox. Water continues downward and is discharged from the water outlet of the treater. Oil and entrained water are dispersed by the spreader and rise around the firebox through the heated water section. The elevated temperature breaks the emulsion, and the water drops settle to the water section. This settling action continues as the oil rises at minimum velocity through the full diameter settling section.

Clean oil is discharged through a head operated dump valve. Water is removed from the bottom portion of the treater through an externally adjustable water-leg and head operated dump valve. Entrained gas, which breaks out during the heating and retention cycle, travels upward and is discharged through the gas outlet.