Method of removing water and contaminants from crude oil containing same
US6372123B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 27, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10G33/00
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for contaminant and water removal from crude oil. The method involves recirculating at least a portion of the dewatered crude into a dehydrator. The dehydrator contains a heated dehydrated crude oil and the surface or adjacent thereto is maintained at a temperature sufficient to vaporize any water contacting the surface from crude oil to be treated in the dehydrator. It has been found important to maintain a substantially uniform temperature at or below the vaporizing surface in order to effectively treat crude oil for dewatering purposes. Significant temperature fluctuations are typically realized by dehydrators since heat enthalpy is removed in order to vaporize the water in the crude oil. Such fluctuations lead to process complications and upset and are therefore undesirable. The instant invention recognizes this limitation and substantially reduces foaming and provides for a smoothly running and efficient dehydration process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.