Heater-treaters schematic

Vertical treaters have a much lower volume-to-throughput ratio than gun barrels. As a result, more complete treatment is necessary in a shorter time. Solids control is as important as interface control, just as with the horizontal treater. Figure 5 illustrates a schematic of a vertical heater treater that also employs a dual-polarity electrostatic grid to effect more efficient coalescence and thereby better oil-water separation. 

FIGURE 1.7. Simplified schematic of a vertical heater-treater. 

For most multi-well flow streams, horizontal heater-treaters are normally required. Figure 1.16 shows a simplified schematic of a typical horizontal heater-treater. Design details vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the principles are the same. The horizontal heater-treater consists of three major sections front (heating and water-wash), oil surge chamber, and coalescing sections. 

FIGURE 1.18. Schematic of horizontal heater-treater showing the oil, emulsion, and free water passing around the deflector hood to the spreader located slightly below the oil-water interface where the liquid is "water-washed" and the free water separated. 

Some horizontal heater-treaters add an electrostatic grid in the coalescing section. Figure 1.25 illustrates a simplified schematic of a typical horizontal electrostatic treater. The flow path in an electrostatic heater-treater is basically the same as in a horizontal heater-treater, except that an electrostatic grid is included in the coalescing-settling section, which helps to promote coalescence of the water droplets. 

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