METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING UNSTABLE EMULSIONS FORMED IN CRUDE OIL PROCESSING Russian patent published in 1998 - IPC

FIELD: petroleum processing. SUBSTANCE: invention concerns immiscible liquids with different densities, in particular, those being separated in gravity settlers for vacuum distillation of crude oil in chemical and petrochemical industry branches. Separation of unstable emulsions of process condensates is performed by introducing initial mixture into phase separator, while principal condensation is performed in condensation zone of phase separator. Initial mixture is introduced chiefly through condensate emulsion layer into bottom admission zone of the phase separator, which is formed by a bellows partition fixed on the bottom of phase separator. Condensate emulsion coming through bellows partition is then gravitationally separated into phase layers in phase-separation zone of phase separator additionally provided with coalescing elements destined to separate gas from emulsion prior to be fed into the phase-separation zone. According to invention, in the apparatus including phase separator reservoir containing initial mixture inlet unit with inlet pipe and separation zones with gas and liquid phase outlet pipes, inlet unit is made in the form of condensation zone of phase separator separated from the remaining internal space by vertical bellows partition separating reservoir into zones, the first one being condensing and the other, connected with the first through upper overflow channel formed between upper section of bellows partition and inside surface of phase separator reservoir, being provided with gas-separation and coalescing elements. The former are positioned above the latter and made in the form of inclined shelves providing drainage of condensate emulsion in the direction of bellows partition. Gas-separation elements may also be made directed upward by their swellings with gas-release channels in central parts of swellings, or, for example, from punching-compressed sheet with arc- like form of the punching holes. EFFECT: enhanced separation efficiency within wide range of conditions and improved environmental condition. 6 cl, 7 dwg