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WO1994026844A2 - Procede et appareil de separation par ondes ultracourtes d'hydrocarbures ou d'eau contenus dans des emulsions - Google Patents

Procede et appareil de separation par ondes ultracourtes d'hydrocarbures ou d'eau contenus dans des emulsions Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1994026844A2
WO1994026844A2 PCT/US1994/005351 US9405351W WO9426844A2 WO 1994026844 A2 WO1994026844 A2 WO 1994026844A2 US 9405351 W US9405351 W US 9405351W WO 9426844 A2 WO9426844 A2 WO 9426844A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
microwave energy
during use
applicator
waveguide
disperser
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1994/005351
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English (en)
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WO1994026844A3 (fr
Inventor
Rodney D. Jones
John G. Gilstrap
George M. Harris
Leonard J. Groves
Peter Robicheau
Original Assignee
Thermal Wave International, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thermal Wave International, Inc. filed Critical Thermal Wave International, Inc.
Priority to AU67876/94A priority Critical patent/AU6787694A/en
Publication of WO1994026844A2 publication Critical patent/WO1994026844A2/fr
Publication of WO1994026844A3 publication Critical patent/WO1994026844A3/fr

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10G—CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS; PRODUCTION OF LIQUID HYDROCARBON MIXTURES, e.g. BY DESTRUCTIVE HYDROGENATION, OLIGOMERISATION, POLYMERISATION; RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBON OILS FROM OIL-SHALE, OIL-SAND, OR GASES; REFINING MIXTURES MAINLY CONSISTING OF HYDROCARBONS; REFORMING OF NAPHTHA; MINERAL WAXES
    • C10G33/00—Dewatering or demulsification of hydrocarbon oils
    • C10G33/06—Dewatering or demulsification of hydrocarbon oils with mechanical means, e.g. by filtration

Definitions

  • the invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for atmospheric separation of hydrocarbons or water from emulsions or dispersions of hydrocarbons, water, and/or solids by applying microwaves to the emulsions or dispersions.
  • An embodiment of the invention is adapted to economically recover hydrocarbons from emulsions and dispersions in the form of oilfield sludge accumulated in open pits. This sludge is an environmental hazard produced from "tank bottoms" in the oil and gas production industry.
  • Microwave energy has been used to separate emulsions and dispersions of hydrocarbons and water.
  • U.S. Patents For instance, U.S. Patents
  • No. 4,582,629 to Wolf discusses separation of hydrocarbon and water emulsions and dispersions by the application of microwave radiation in the range of from 1 millimeter to 30 centimeters.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,853,507 to Samardzija discusses an apparatus for de-emulsification of liquids using microwave energy as radiated into an applicator section of characteristic frequency dimensions consisting of a wave guide section that has a taper applicator element of low dielectric constant material separating the wave guide section into a radiation input void end and a larger volume liquid-filled output end.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,855,695 to Samardzija discusses an automated microwave tuning system for de-emulsification systems.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,067,683 to Klaila discusses a method and apparatus for controlling fluency of high viscosity hydrocarbon fluids.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,620,593 to Haagensen discusses a oil recovery system and method which includes a slotted radiating unit that is lowered into a well casing of limited cross section, and wherein microwave energy is fed downwardly thereto via a transmission line also installed in the casing.
  • this invention relates to apparatus and processes for substantially atmospheric separation of hydro ⁇ carbons or water from an emulsion or dispersion of hydrocarbons, water, and/or solids.
  • the embodiments described herein relate primarily to hydrocarbon separation, it is to be under- stood that water separations may also be achieved using the apparatus and processes of the invention.
  • One embodiment of the invention includes a microwave generator for generating microwave energy during use, and a waveguide coupled to direct microwave energy from the generator to a microwave disperser during use, the waveguide being adapted to be pressurized above atmospheric pressure during use.
  • This embodiment is preferably adapted to separate hydrocarbons or water from the emulsion or dispersion at substantially atmospheric pressure during use.
  • the apparatus of the invention may include an automatic tuner for tuning microwave energy in the waveguide during use. This automatic tuner may be adapted to minimize microwave energy reflected towards the generator during use, and to maximize microwave energy dispersed from the disperser during use.
  • the apparatus of the invention may include a fluid-filled microwave energy sink coupled to the waveguide to receive microwave energy reflected towards the generator from the waveguide during use.
  • This fluid filled sink may be coupled to the automatic tuner and a temperature sensor, thereby allowing control of the automatic tuner as a function of the temperature in the sink.
  • the apparatus of the invention may include a sensor to tune microwave energy as a function of signals received from the microwave sensor during use.
  • the invention may be used to treat emulsions or dispersions in an open pit.
  • a pumping or transfer system may then remove liquids formed in the pit as a result of the microwave treatment.
  • the rate of liquid removal or the amount of microwave energy applied may vary as a function of the temperature of the liquid removed.
  • the microwave energy may be split into several portions to more evenly disperse the energy, thereby providing for more efficient application, as well as reducing operating temperature (and increasing operating lives) of equipment used.
  • the microwave energy is converted to circular phase prior to application of microwave energy to the emulsion or dispersion.
  • Circular phase is believe to provide a more even and efficient application of microwave energy to sludge.
  • liquid transferred from a pit may be settled and further treated in a second microwave applicator.
  • This applicator may also have a pressurizable waveguide, but may include a vessel for treating these liquids.
  • the vessel may include a reflector for more efficient application of microwave energy in the vessel.
  • Figure 1 shows an apparatus of the invention.
  • Figure 2 shows a microwave splitter, disperser, etc. in a pit ' .
  • Figure 3 shows a vessel connected to a microwave disperser.
  • FIG. 1 An embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1.
  • the system or apparatus in Figure 1 is connected to treat sludge in a pit 100.
  • This sludge may typically include emulsions or dispersions of hydrocarbons, water, and/or solids.
  • this sludge is accumulated near hydrocarbon production facilities.
  • BS&W bottom solids and water
  • This "BS&W” often forms a sludge which includes emulsions and dispersions of hydrocarbons, water and/or solids.
  • Figure 1 depicts an apparatus for atmospheric separation of hydrocarbons and/or water from an emulsion or dispersion of hydrocarbons, water, and/or solids in an open pit.
  • This apparatus includes a generator 1 for generating microwave energy during use.
  • the generator 1 produces about 60 kilowatts ("kw") at 915 Megahertz.
  • generator 1 is placed in a housing or trailer 200.
  • the entire apparatus is transferrable from location to location, and thus generator 1 is preferably placed in a movable trailer.
  • microwave energy is transmitted from generator 1, through barrier 4, and into waveguide 6.
  • Barrier 4 is preferably substantially permeable to microwave energy but substantially impermeable to liquids and gas. Barrier 4 is provided to help prevent backflow of contaminants such as solids, liquid, and gas into generator 1. If these contaminants are volatile, barrier 4 serves as a safety shield to prevent explo ⁇ sions and/or fires in or about generator 1. Barrier 4 also serves to prevent the transfer of noxious or poisonous materials into trailer or housing 200.
  • Barrier 4 may be placed between two flange connections as shown in Figure 1.
  • barrier 4 is fabricated of industrial virgin teflon approximately 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch thick.
  • the teflon has a dielectric constant of about 2.3 which tends to capacitively load the electric portion of the electromagnetic field distribution in waveguide 6.
  • a counter ⁇ acting inductive load is preferably built into the barrier 4 frame so as to appear transparent to the high power microwave signals.
  • Waveguide 6 is preferably adapted to be pressurized to above atmospheric pressure with a gas during use.
  • this gas is an inert and/or noncombustible gas such as nitrogen.
  • the gas is substantially free of water.
  • a pressurizable waveguide is operable in outdoor conditions because the gas on the inside of the waveguide 6 tends to main- tain the interior of the waveguide 6 in a substantially dry and clean condition. If the waveguide 6 is not pressurized, rain, condensation, and dirt tend to accumulate in the interior of the waveguide 6. As a result, microwave energy in the waveguide 6 becomes distorted by the dirt, and improperly directed by the moisture.
  • Noncombustible gas such as nitrogen helps make the waveguide safer by preventing an explo ⁇ sion or fire that might result if hydrocarbons (which are typically separated from the emulsion) migrated into the micro ⁇ wave-filled waveguide.
  • This safety advantage is important in many applications since the microwave energy often significantly raises the temperature of the hydrocarbons being treated. For instance, the apparatus shown in Figure 1 has been found to raise hydrocarbon temperatures to about the boiling point of water. As a result, some of the hydrocarbons in pit 100 vaporize and mix with the surrounding air. If this mixture were to migrate into an unpressurized waveguide, then microwave arcing in the wave ⁇ guide could easily cause the hydrocarbons to explode. Pressuriz- ing the waveguide with noncombustible nitrogen provides two safety features: (1) it prevents hydrocarbons from entering the waveguide 6, and (2) it tends to lower the explosiveness of hydrocarbon-air mixtures by diluting the oxygen content of these mixtures.
  • the apparatus shown in Figure 1 is preferably adapted to separate hydrocarbons and/or water from an emulsion or dispersion by applying microwave energy towards or in the emulsion or dispersion at atmospheric pressure.
  • the waveguide 6 is pressurized, it need not be built to withstand higher pressures typically required for many applications (e.g. , downhole applications) .
  • substantial savings can be realized on the construction of the waveguide as compared to waveguides used in downhole applications (which must typically be able to withstand hundreds of pounds of pressure -- see, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 4,620,593 to Haagensen) .
  • waveguide 6 that is adapted to even maintain some pressure generally requires somewhat thicker and airtight walls than if it were not pressurizable.
  • waveguide 6 tends to be generally more expensive, heavy, and difficult to transport and piece together than ordinary waveguides not built for pressure conditions, but much less expensive, heavy, and difficult to transport than high pressure downhole waveguides.
  • waveguide 6 is built for pressure conditions, but is still relatively light and inexpen- sive compared to downhole waveguides.
  • waveguide 6 is adapted to be pressurized to pressures less than about 10 psig pressure, more preferably less than about 5 psig pressure, and more preferably still less than about 2 psig pressure.
  • Waveguide 6 may have a square, rectangular, or circular cross-section.
  • the waveguide 6 is made of rectangular aluminum.
  • waveguide 6 may be connected to a pair of E- bends 8, which are 90 degree turns in the waveguide.
  • the E-bends are 90 degree turns in the waveguide.
  • microwave energy may then be preferably guided through circulator 10, a 60 degree H-bend 14, and automatic tuner 16.
  • the automatic tuner 16 may be manually controlled, or controlled via computer 66.
  • Automatic tuner 16 is for tuning microwaves in the waveguide to vary the microwave energy dispersed during use. More specifically, automatic tuner 16 may be adapted to minimize microwave energy reflected towards the generator 1 during use, and to maximize microwave energy dispersed during use. In this manner more efficient application of microwaves is achieved.
  • the circulator 10 may be connected to a fluid-filled micro ⁇ wave energy sink or "water load” 12 which is connected to absorb or receive microwaves reflected towards the generator 1.
  • the energy sink 12 may be coupled to a temperature sensor 101 which is connected to send signals to the automatic tuner 16 and/or the computer 66.
  • the signals from the temperature sensor 101 will vary depending on the temperature of the fluid in the energy sink 12, which is in turn dependent on the amount of microwave energy reflected to energy sink 12.
  • the automatic tuner 16 may then be adapted to tune the microwave energy as a function of the temperature of the fluid in the energy sink. This response may be direct, or through control of computer 66.
  • the apparatus in Figure 1 may include a micro- wave energy sensor 103 which measures the amount of microwave energy reflected in waveguide 6.
  • the energy sensor 103 may be connected to the automatic tuner 16 so that the automatic tuner 16 varies (tunes) the microwave energy as a function of informa ⁇ tion received from the microwave energy sensor 103 during use.
  • Figure 1 shows automatic tuner 16 with movable pistons 18. These movable pistons move tuning barriers between different locations to tune the microwave energy.
  • the microwave energy may be directed through waveguide 6 to a wave splitter or "Magic Tee" 22. See Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figure 1, the waveguide 6 may extend over the pit 100 so that microwave energy may be directed downwardly towards the sludge in pit 100. A catwalk 31 may provide access to the wave splitter 22 and other equipment that extend over the pit 100.
  • a second barrier 20 may preferably be placed between wave ⁇ guide 6 and wave splitter 22.
  • This barrier 20 serves substan- tially the same purpose as barrier 4.
  • Wave splitter 22 is connected to split the microwave energy transmitted through the waveguide 6 during use. Preferably the microwave energy is split into substantially equal portions. Splitting the microwave energy is beneficial because it may permit a broader, more even, and more efficient application of the microwave energy to the emulsion or dispersion, especially when such emulsion or dispersion is in the form of sludge in a pit.
  • An additional benefit of the wave splitter 22 is that multiple lower energy dispersers (e.g., dispersing about 30 kw) tend to wear slower than a single higher energy disperser (e.g., dispersing about 60 kw) , mainly because the lower energy dispersers tend to heat less during use (hydrocarbons and water in the sludge separate and heat during use - some of that heat, which is a function of the amount of microwave energy applied, tends to be transferred to the proximate dispersers) .
  • wave splitter 22 In addition to more efficient dispersion, wave splitter 22 also permits more economical application of microwave energy (measured in dollars per kw of microwave energy applied) . For example, less equipment and operating expenses (on a per kw basis) are required to generate a 60 kw signal, split it into two 30 kw signals, and apply it, as compared to independently generating and applying two 30 kw signals. These lower expenses are achieved because two 30 kw generators are more expensive to purchase, maintain, and operate than one 60 kw generator (on a per kw basis) . Furthermore, a one generator system only requires that one energy sink, automatic tuner, etc. be purchased, operated, and maintained, versus two of everything for a two generator system.
  • wave splitter 22 permits the apparatus to overcome inefficiencies, but retain some of the benefits, of single generator systems. It has been found that preferred results may be obtained for sludge pits if wave splitters are employed such that each portion of microwave energy is less than about 50 kw, and more preferably 20-40 kw, and more preferably still 25-30 kw. In a preferred embodiment the wave splitter 22 was made by RF Technologies (Lewiston, Maine) .
  • Wave splitter 22 is preferably constructed to preferentially reflect and/or absorb microwave energy sent back from the dispersers 30.
  • wave splitter 22 reflects as much energy as possible back to the dispersers 30, and is coupled to a H-plane energy sink 24 which absorbs energy that is not reflected back to the dispersers 30.
  • H-plane energy sink 24 preferably extends upwardly from wave splitter 22.
  • the H-plane energy sink 24 is preferably a liquid resistor type high power waveguide termination. Water containing ions is pumped through virgin teflon-contained water columns placed in a WR-975 waveguide section. Microwave signals incident on the termination are then dissipated in the water and converted to heat. The heated water is then pumped out of the sink and cooled in a conventional heat exchanger cooler.
  • microwave energy may preferably travel through mode converters 26 which convert the microwave energy from a substantially rectangular waveform (i.e., rectangular "phase” or polarization) to a substantially circular waveform, or vice versa.
  • a substantially rectangular waveform i.e., rectangular "phase” or polarization
  • the microwave energy is generated, tuned, and transmitted in a substantially rectangular waveguide 6. This energy is then converted to a substantially circular form just prior to dispersal to the sludge. It is believed that substantially circular microwave energy provides a more even, and thus more efficient, distribu- • tion of microwave energy when applied to emulsions or dispersions.
  • Dispersers 30 disperse microwave energy to the emulsion or dispersion during use.
  • the emulsions or dispersions are in a pit 100. These dispersers are preferably located in the emulsion or dispersion, although they may be also located proximate (e.g. above) the dispersion or emulsion.
  • the dispersers 30 are preferably substantially permeable to microwave energy, and also substantially impermeable to fluids. Although two dispersers 30 are shown in Figure 2, it is to be understood that only one disperser may be used in certain applications, and that more than two dispersers may be used in other applications. Having more than one disperser, however, is preferred for reasons discussed above.
  • the wave splitter 22, the mode converters 26, the circular waveguide 28, and the dispersers 30 are filled with gas to a higher pressure than the waveguide 6 and associated equip ⁇ ment (e.g., automatic tuner 16, etc.).
  • This higher pressure provides an additional safety factor to prevent hydrocarbons from migrating into waveguide 6.
  • the higher pressure is usually possible without substantially more expensive equipment since off-the-shelf wave splitters 22, mode converters 26, circular waveguides 28, and dispersers 30 are usually built strong enough to withstand somewhat higher pressures.
  • the higher pressure is less than about 20 psig, more preferably between 1 and 10 psig, more preferably still between 2 and 15 psig. In one embodiment the higher gas pressure was 10 psig.
  • dispersers 30 are made of a material that is substantially stable in the presence of water and hydrocarbons at pressure differentials of about 20 psi at 1000°F. It is also preferable that the dispersers 30 have a substantially non-stick, low friction surface comparable to that of teflon.
  • the dispersers 30 shown in the figures are substantially cone-shaped, however it is to be understood that other shapes of dispersers may be used in some applications.
  • the dispersers 30 may be solid or hollow. In a preferred embodiment the dispersers 30 were made of solid cones made of Dow Corning Pyroceram 9090.
  • the microwave energy may be dispersed from the dispersers 30 to the emulsion or dispersion during use. After being treated with this energy, the emulsion or dispersion tends to separate into liquid and solid layers, with the solids falling to the bottom and the liquids being further roughly separated into water and hydrocarbon phases. The microwave energy tends to cause the solids and liquids to become hot.
  • conduit 32 may be transferred or pumped from the pit through conduit 32. At least a portion of conduit 32 is preferably substantially permeable to microwave energy. In a preferred embodiment a portion of conduit 32 may be made of teflon. At some point conduit 32 may be connected to conduit 35, which is preferably made of steel.
  • Liquids from pit 100 may be transferred through conduit 32, through solid separator or strainer 36 (see Figure 1) , and then through pump 38.
  • Conduit 32 is preferably located such that its pit end is at or higher than the level of the dispersers 30. In this manner liquids sucked into conduit 32 tend to have a higher percentage of hydrocarbons (versus the more dense solids and water) than if conduit 32 was lower than the dispersers 30.
  • Pump 38 is preferably a progressive cavity pump. From pump
  • the liquids may be transferred through flow sensor 39 and into tank 61.
  • liquid temperatures are monitored at the base of each disperser 30, in conduit 32 and/or 35, and after pump 38.
  • the temperature may be monitored by, e.g., "type e" thermo- couplings, and transmitted to control computer 66.
  • the flowrate through pump 38 may be varied as a function of the temperature of liquids in conduits 32 and/or 35, either directly or under the control of computer 66.
  • liquid temperature is dependent on the degree of microwave energy applied, varying the flowrate of liquids pumped from the pit as a function of liquid temperature in effect provides a rough method of varying flowrate as a function of the degree that the liquids have been treated. For instance, as the rate that liquids are removed from the pit 100 increases, the average temperature of these liquids correspondingly decreases because less microwave energy will have been applied to these liquids (assuming everything else remains substantially constant) . Since less microwave energy has been applied (per unit volume of liquid) , the liquids are less likely to have been fully treated to reduce the dispersion or emulsion.
  • the liquids from pump 38 are preferably pumped through a "down comer" into a settling tank 61. From settling tank 61 the lighter liquids are passed through conduit 42 to tank 44 where they are sold and/or recycled for further treatment.
  • hydrocarbons in tank 44 may be sold through conduit 65 without further treatment. Often, however, further treatment is necessary to provide hydrocarbons in salable form.
  • the bottoms from tank 44 may be recycled via conduit 63 and pump 62 into an applicator or vessel 60 (see Figures 1 and 3) .
  • the bottoms in conduit 63 enter the top portion of applicator 60.
  • conduit 63 may be split into four portions which enter the top portion of applicator 60 at 90 degree angles. In this manner liquids tend to fall more evenly over and around disperser 58.
  • the bottoms from conduit 63 pass over or proximate to a disperser 58 which may in some applica ⁇ tions be substantially similar to dispersers 30.
  • a level controller 102 may direct the release of liquid from the applicator 60 via conduit 108. Gas may be released from the applicator 60 via conduit 106 and pressure control valve 104.
  • the liquid then preferably follows the path shown by arrows 110 in Figure 3 and emerges from the vessel via conduit 108. In this manner solids tend to settle from the liquids prior to these liquids following the path shown by arrows 110.
  • the solids pass from the applicator 60 via conduits 114 or 118.
  • Section 125 of the applicator 60 may preferably include an auger 126 to prevent and/or dislodge clogged solids.
  • Manhole 112 provides access to applicator 60 for cleaning and maintenance.
  • Supports 152 provide support for applicator 60.
  • Flowrate through applicator 60 may be controlled as a function of the temperature of the fluid within applicator 60. Temperature sensors 120 and/or 122 may provide a signal to pump 62, either directly or under the control of computer 66, which directs pump 62 to increase flowrate as the temperature decreases below a predetermined level, or vice versa. As with pit 100, temperature in applicator 60 provides a rough estimate of the degree of treatment.
  • microwave generator 2 which may be substantially similar to generator 1 described above.
  • Microwave energy may pass through pressure barrier or window 52, wave guide 3, E-bends 5, circulator 54, automatic tuner 132, barrier 134, mode converter 56, disperser 58, and into the liquids in applicator 60. All of this equipment may be substantially the same as the equivalent equipment described above, both in structure and in how it is controlled.
  • Microwave energy may be reflected back and forth between disperser 58 and reflector 114, reflector 114 being constructed to enhance such reflection.
  • the liquid level in applicator 60 is preferably maintained above disperser 58. Otherwise, disperser 58 tends to become too hot and fails. If reflected, microwave energy passes twice through the liquids, thus enhancing the efficiency of the application process.
  • liquids in applicator 60 are exposed to about 20-60 kw of microwave energy. Liquids from applicator 60 may then flow via line 150 into settling tank 61 through downcomer 64 for further settling time.
  • Both microwave treating systems may be controlled by computer 66 .
  • the computer 66 may monitor reflected microwave energy in the waveguides, and provide control of the automatic tuners to minimize it.
  • the computer 66 may monitor and control flow rates of both treatment systems by communicating with, e.g., flow meter 39, pump 38, and pump 62.
  • the computer 66 may also monitors liquid temperatures in the pit 100, coming out of pit 100, prior to entering applicator 60, after applicator 60, and in tanks 44 and 61. Computers which are programmable to control such process systems are available in the art.
  • a circle of black boiling liquid formed in the crust surrounding the dispersers 30. This circle was about 15-20 feet in diameter.
  • the boiling liquid included hydro ⁇ carbons, water, and solids. It was pumped out of pit 100 at a rate of about 20 gpm at temperatures ranging from 180 to 205°F.
  • the liquid pumped from the pit 100 was tested and found to contain about 5 percent solids, 7.5 percent water, 67.5 percent hydrocarbons, and 20 percent of an emulsion of hydrocarbons, water, and solids. This liquid was pumped into a settling tank
  • settling tank 61 began to fill to a level wherein hydro ⁇ carbons could be skimmed into tank 44. Water from the bottom of tank 61 (and from the other equipment in the system) was periodically pumped to standard oilfield water treatment facilities. The liquid in tank 44 was tested and found to con ⁇ tain 16.3 percent solids, no measurable water, and 83.7 percent hydrocarbons.
  • Recirculation was found to be beneficial because repeated microwave application and relatively high liquid temperatures in tanks 44 and 61 helped to "break” any remaining emulsions or dispersions. At this point the liquid in tank 44 was tested. It was found to contain no measurable water, 0.5 percent solids, and 99.5 percent oil with an API gravity of 27.1.
  • the apparatus and method of the inven ⁇ tion may provide an economical and efficient way of treating emulsions or dispersions such as oilfield sludge.
  • the apparatus and method of the invention provided a system to transform a highly dense solid into a pumpable liquid.
  • the liquid was processed to substantially separate solids, water, and hydrocarbons.
  • the apparatus and method of the invention provided a way to remove environmentally hazardous materials that may be stored in earthen pits. It is anticipated that this invention may be used to treat a wide variety of hazardous materials that are presently stored as such.
  • the apparatus and method of the invention is economical because it is transferrable from location to location, and is adapted to operate in outdoor conditions.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Sludge (AREA)
  • Production Of Liquid Hydrocarbon Mixture For Refining Petroleum (AREA)

Abstract

Procédé et appareil permettant d'effectuer la séparation, sensiblement à la pression atmosphérique, d'hydrocarbures ou d'eau présents dans une émulsion ou une dispersion d'hydrocarbures, d'eau et/ou de solides. On applique de l'énergie hyperfréquence sur l'émulsion ou la dispersion, à l'aide d'un guide d'ondes (3, 6) mis à une pression supérieure à la pression atmosphérique. L'énergie hyperfréquence peut être divisée, automatiquement accordée et transformée en une phase sensiblement circulaire. Le procédé et l'appareil selon cette invention sont tout particulièrement adaptés pour traiter des boues de champs pétrolifères situées dans des puits externes (100).
PCT/US1994/005351 1993-05-11 1994-05-11 Procede et appareil de separation par ondes ultracourtes d'hydrocarbures ou d'eau contenus dans des emulsions WO1994026844A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU67876/94A AU6787694A (en) 1993-05-11 1994-05-11 Method and apparatus for microwave separation of hydrocarbons or water from emulsions or dispersions of water, hydrocarbons, and/or solids

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US6040893A 1993-05-11 1993-05-11
US08/060,408 1993-05-11

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WO1994026844A2 true WO1994026844A2 (fr) 1994-11-24
WO1994026844A3 WO1994026844A3 (fr) 1995-01-19

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6077400A (en) * 1997-09-23 2000-06-20 Imperial Petroleum Recovery Corp. Radio frequency microwave energy method to break oil and water emulsions
US6086830A (en) * 1997-09-23 2000-07-11 Imperial Petroleum Recovery Corporation Radio frequency microwave energy applicator apparatus to break oil and water emulsion
EP1050330A1 (fr) * 1997-09-23 2000-11-08 Imperial Petroleum Recovery Corporation Appareil d application d énergie micro-onde pour rompre les émulsions d huile et d eau
US6190352B1 (en) * 1997-10-01 2001-02-20 Boston Scientific Corporation Guidewire compatible port and method for inserting same

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US4013558A (en) * 1972-05-22 1977-03-22 Rosenberg H Colman System for purifying liquids
US4067683A (en) * 1976-06-14 1978-01-10 Frank T. Sullivan, Inc. Method and apparatus for controlling fluency of high viscosity hydrocarbon fluids
US5055180A (en) * 1984-04-20 1991-10-08 Electromagnetic Energy Corporation Method and apparatus for recovering fractions from hydrocarbon materials, facilitating the removal and cleansing of hydrocarbon fluids, insulating storage vessels, and cleansing storage vessels and pipelines
US4620593A (en) * 1984-10-01 1986-11-04 Haagensen Duane B Oil recovery system and method
US4853119A (en) * 1988-03-24 1989-08-01 Conoco Inc. Microwave emulsion treater with internal coalescer
US4853507A (en) * 1988-04-28 1989-08-01 E. I. Dupont De Nemours & Company Apparatus for microwave separation of emulsions
US4855695A (en) * 1988-04-29 1989-08-08 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours & Company Automated microwave tuning system for de-emulsifier systems
US4889639A (en) * 1988-06-16 1989-12-26 Conoco Inc. Microwave emulsion treater with controlled feed water content
CA2009782A1 (fr) * 1990-02-12 1991-08-12 Anoosh I. Kiamanesh Procede d'extraction d'huile par micro-ondes, in situ

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6077400A (en) * 1997-09-23 2000-06-20 Imperial Petroleum Recovery Corp. Radio frequency microwave energy method to break oil and water emulsions
US6086830A (en) * 1997-09-23 2000-07-11 Imperial Petroleum Recovery Corporation Radio frequency microwave energy applicator apparatus to break oil and water emulsion
EP1050330A1 (fr) * 1997-09-23 2000-11-08 Imperial Petroleum Recovery Corporation Appareil d application d énergie micro-onde pour rompre les émulsions d huile et d eau
US6190352B1 (en) * 1997-10-01 2001-02-20 Boston Scientific Corporation Guidewire compatible port and method for inserting same

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WO1994026844A3 (fr) 1995-01-19
AU6787694A (en) 1994-12-12

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