Abstract:
In one aspect, a multiphase fluid separator (10) comprises: coalescer means (70) for increasing droplet size in a liquid having droplets of a first phase carried by a second phase; and fluid collecting means (38) for separating the first and second phases. The coalescer means (70) and the fluid collecting means (38) are configured to have a common liquid level (35a, 35b). In another aspect, a multiphase fluid separator (10) comprises a vessel (34) housing: (i) a compact electrostatic coalescer (70), and (ii) gas separating means (72). The gas separating means is configured to separate gas from incoming fluid before the fluid enters the compact electrostatic coalescer (70).
Abstract:
An electrically energized compact coalescer (50) comprising an elongated, closed shell (53) having a fluid inlet (52) and a fluid outlet (59); at least one electrode (55) mounted in an internal chamber formed in the closed shell and forming at least one narrow gap (58) between the electrode means and a wall in the closed shell. An external power supply (64) is electrically connected to the electrode and the energized electrode (55) is fully encapsulated with insulation to enable an intense electrostatic field to be applied to an electrically conductive emulsion whereby the flow of emulsion through said at least one narrow gap (58) will be non-laminar. One or more helical vanes (57) are disposed in the narrow gap at an angle with respect to the electrode longitudinal axis and extending for at least a portion of the length (L) of the electrode, whereby the fluid flowing through said narrow gap will follow a spiraling pattern at least partially around the electrode (55).