PROCESS
⸺ Separation Process
Heater treaters use heat, retention time, and gravity separation to separate crude oil into oil, water, and gas, involving heating, settling, and skimming and to calibrate the flowmeter due to gas babbles inside the liquid.
⸺ Heating
Crude oil is heated in the treater using a fire tube or electric heater, reducing viscosity and aiding in separation.
⸺ Settling
Heated crude oil is held in the treater, allowing water and gas to separate and migrate to the top and bottom due to density differences.
⸺ Skimming
Separated water is drained from the bottom, gas is vented or routed elsewhere, and the oil layer is skimmed from the top of water level and get out from the oil outlet opening.
⸺ Emulsion Breaking
Heater treaters help destabilize and separate oil and water emulsions present in crude oil.
⸺ Controls and Safety
Heater treaters have temperature, pressure, and level sensors, along with emergency shutdown systems, for monitoring and safety.
⸺ Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular maintenance includes inspections, cleaning heat transfer surfaces, and replacing damaged components for optimal performance.