Hybrid acoustic, centrifugal oil/water separation
US11667547B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC02F2301/026
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Apparatus and method for separating oil from water in produced oil without requiring large separation tanks in which the fluid is heated, using a simple, energy efficient separation process, are described. Centrifugal forces, by themselves, are not effective for completely separating a two-component fluid, especially when the densities of the fluids are similar, such as for heavy oil. By combining both primary and secondary acoustic forces, and taking advantage of centrifugal forces from fluid flow, such that acoustic radiation forces initiate the process of droplet accumulation, and contribute to droplet coalescence, centrifugal separation is enhanced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.