Usually situated after the primary separators, de-oiling hydrocyclones are normally regarded as the first stage in the treatment process. Long established as a process step, proven in service and having an environmentally compact footprint, they are one of the most commonly employed processes in a produced water treatment system. Energy to drive the process comes from the pressure in the separators.
Benefits / Key Features
Geometry optimised for capacity and efficiency
Annular axial inlets reduce turbulence
Multiple inlets improve wear resistance
Swirl inducer can be inspected without liner
Retractable swirl inducer allows for internal liner inspection and easier jet cleaning
Liners can be retrofitted into existing installations
Designed by incorporating unique features for improved reliability, performance and efficiency together with simplified operation and maintenance. While offering an unbeatable combination of performance, economy and whole life support for your water treatment.
Produced water is injected under pressure into the larger diameter conical end of the hydrocyclone liner. The inlets are generally tangential to the wall of the liner so that the fluid entering the liner is made to rotate. Different inlet designs exist (depending on supplier) to induce this rotational vortex in the fluid. The conical shape of the hydrocyclone liner causes an increase in rotation speed as the diameter narrows, resulting in the development of high centrifugal forces and therefore the separation of the lighter oil from the heavier water and solids.