Efficiently managing increasing water cuts in oil fields is paramount to maintaining profitability and minimizing environmental impact. This article presents a comprehensive case study conducted by Saudi Aramco, which focuses on the integration of hybrid flotation technology in a gravity water/oil separator (WOSEP) to increase de-oiling efficiency and reduce operational costs and carbon emissions.
This retrofit integrated enhanced gravity separation and induced gas flotation (IGF) within the same vessel, significantly improving de-oiling capacity, outlet oil-in-water reduction, and operational efficiency. Detailed insight into the design, operation, and performance of a hybrid flotation system is provided, providing valuable guidance for similar efforts in the oil industry.
introduction
Oil production facilities are faced with the challenge of increasing water production rates during crude oil extraction, especially in waterflooding for secondary oil recovery. This trend not only increases operational costs but also intensifies environmental concerns, especially regarding energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with the water treatment process.
To address these challenges, Saudi Aramco has embarked on a pioneering effort to increase dewatering efficiency by integrating hybrid flotation technology with traditional gravity-fed WOSEP.
This case study presents a comprehensive analysis of the design, implementation, and outcomes of this transformation project, providing valuable insights for the oil industry as a whole.
methodology
The upgrade process began with an assessment of the existing WOSEP system and its operational challenges.
