AutoFlot is a mechanical, static, induced gas flotation (IGF) separator to segregate and remove oil and suspended solids from produced water in the oil production process.
Overview
Produced water treatment is a significant challenge in the oil production process. Various methods can be used to comply with environmental regulations and minimize the impact on the surrounding ecosystems. One of these methods is physical separation via induced gas flotation (IGF) separator.
AutoFlot is a horizontal-induced gas flotation system crafted for efficient removal of free oil as well as suspended solids from produced water — water also comes out when oil is extracted from underground.
It offers both mechanical and hydraulic designs, featuring a horizontal cylindrical vessel divided into four in-line flotation cells, ensuring successive removal of oily froth and achieving over 95% oil removal.
Depending on the location of the oil field, produced water can also contain suspended solids including hydrocarbons, salts, heavy metals and sometimes naturally occurring radioactive materials. These must be removed as well as oil-water separation.
How does it work?
Our hydraulic-induced gas flotation technology design is for gas-tight oil production applications where a pressurized system is desired and optimum performance is obtained with proper chemical mixing.
In the produced water treatment process, chemicals are added to the produced water as it flows through the four flotation chambers which are identical and can operate either sequentially or independently.
Small bubbles are dispersed into each chamber as a recycled stream created by a pressurized proprietary pump.
The small bubbles attract and attach to the oil and suspended solid particles in the produced water as the bubbles expand in size and rise in the chamber. These bubbles take oil droplets and suspended solid particles to the surface of the chamber.
Turbulence in the induced gas flotation chamber and a sweeping motion from the tangential flow allow the created oily froth to be skimmed from the surface.
A constant supply of the small bubbles stops the oily froth from settling which stops recontamination of the produced water.
Each chamber successively removes the oily froth as the produced water goes through the gas flotation system, creating a clean effluent of more than 95% oil removal.
The produced water, now clear of suspended solids and oil, will typically be fed to the walnut shell media filter for further polishing to reduce its free-oil and suspended solids.
Induced gas flotation chamber features:
- Energy efficient
- Minimal moving parts
- No hazardous gas emissions
- Low maintenance
- Pressurized design
- Single units up to 280,000 barrels of water per day
Applications
Services
We provide essential services, including supplying a diverse range of replacement equipment, spare parts and consumables.
Contact
Our engineers effectively integrate sustainable criteria to design a high-performance method for the removal of oil from water. As a hydraulic-induced gas and static flotation system, AutoFlot incorporates our extensive experience and expertise, translating to a cost-effective and environmentally compliant product offering. We are also able to modularize or combine our treatment packages to offer custom-engineered solutions for each customer.
Oscar Velastegui
Technology Manager, Whittier Filtration
Contact Oscar through his LinkedIn account
FAQ about AutoFlot™
Why is Induced Gas Flotation important in oil production?
Induced Gas Flotation (IGF) plays a significant role in oil production for several reasons:
- Efficient oil-water separation: IGF helps the separation and removal of oil from produced water. This is critical for both environmental reasons and to meet regulatory standards. Clean oil is easier to refine and the separated water can be treated or disposed of properly.
- Environmental compliance: Oil production generates large volumes of produced water containing oil and other contaminants. Treating this water before disposal is crucial to minimize environmental impact. IGF helps remove oil and suspended solids from water, making it safer for discharge or reusing in processes.
- Reducing equipment damage: Oil in water mixtures can damage equipment like pumps, pipelines and refining machinery. Oil-water separation using IGF prevents these issues, extending the life of expensive equipment and reducing maintenance costs.
- Enhancing oil recovery: In some cases, IGF is also used in enhanced oil recovery processes. It helps separate injected gasses or chemicals from produced oil and water, facilitating better recovery of oil from reservoirs.
- Meeting industry standards: The oil and gas industry is subject to strict regulations regarding water discharge and environmental impact. IGF assists in meeting these standards by efficiently treating produced water before it is released into the environment.
Why is produced water treatment essential to the oil and gas industry?
It is essential because it helps remove impurities and contaminants from water produced during oil and gas extraction. This treatment is crucial for environmental compliance, as it ensures that water discharged or reused meets regulatory standards. Additionally, efficient produced water treatment contributes to the preservation of equipment integrity, enhances oil recovery and minimizes the environmental impact of oil and gas operations.
How can induced gas flotation help ensure environmental compliance?
IGF can aid in ensuring environmental compliance by effectively removing oil and suspended solids from water during various industrial processes, including oil and gas production. This process helps meet regulatory standards for water discharge by reducing the concentration of contaminants and preventing environmental harm.
