Vertical Heater Treater

b) To break down emulsions and separate water from crude oil.

d) Heat and retention time.

b) 150°F - 250°F

b) Increased corrosion and fouling of downstream equipment.

c) From the bottom of the VHT.

Key Factors Influencing VHT Design: * **Crude oil volume and properties:** The volume and type of crude oil dictate the size and capacity of the VHT. Different oil types have different emulsion characteristics and require different treatment parameters. * **Desired water content in the final product:** The required water content influences the retention time and the efficiency of the separation process. * **Environmental regulations:** Environmental regulations regarding water discharge and emissions will impact the design and operation of the VHT. * **Process flow rate:** The desired throughput dictates the size and capacity of the VHT. * **Downstream processing requirements:** The quality of the treated oil needs to meet the requirements of downstream processing units. Types of VHTs: * **Single-stage VHT:** Simpler design, more cost-effective for smaller volumes, but may not achieve the same level of separation as multi-stage VHTs. * **Multi-stage VHT:** Offer greater separation efficiency for complex emulsions but are more complex and costly. Determining the Optimal VHT: * **Analyze the crude oil characteristics:** Determine the emulsion stability and the water content in the crude oil. * **Evaluate the desired water content in the final product:** Establish the required level of water removal. * **Consider the throughput requirements:** Calculate the required VHT size and capacity. * **Assess environmental regulations:** Ensure the VHT design complies with relevant environmental regulations. * **Compare different VHT designs:** Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of different types of VHTs in relation to the specific requirements. VHT Operating Process: 1. **Preheating:** The crude oil is preheated to a temperature close to the treatment temperature to reduce the energy consumption in the subsequent heating stage. 2. **Heating:** The oil is heated to the desired temperature in the VHT, usually using a heat exchanger. The optimal temperature depends on the type of crude oil and the desired water content. 3. **Retention time:** The heated oil is retained in the VHT for a specific duration, allowing the water droplets to coalesce and rise to the top. The retention time depends on the properties of the emulsion and the required separation efficiency. 4. **Water removal:** The separated water layer is discharged from the top of the VHT. 5. **Treated oil discharge:** The treated, drier oil is discharged from the bottom of the VHT. Monitoring and Optimization: * **Water content monitoring:** Regularly monitor the water content of the treated oil to ensure that it meets the desired specifications. * **Process parameters adjustments:** Adjust the VHT parameters (temperature, retention time) based on the monitoring data to optimize the separation process. * **Regular maintenance:** Conduct routine maintenance and inspections to ensure the optimal performance of the VHT and prevent malfunctions.