Method for recycling deoiled water using counterflow falling-film evaporators
US9120685B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC02F2101/32
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for treatment of produced water, particularly deoiled water, by evaporation. Methods use a vertical tube heat exchanger bundle where the brine is distributed in a falling film along the inside of the tube wall. Condensing steam causes a portion of the deoiled water to evaporate; this water vapor travels upward in a counterflow direction relative to the deoiled water. Evaporator sump volume is minimized, and evaporators may have a multi-piece construction to lower the center of gravity of an evaporator installation. This technology provides several advantages over conventional vertical tube co-current flow evaporators (where the vapor flows downward with the falling film). These advantages include a minimal total installed cost (TIC) and enhanced water chemistry management.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.