Steam-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone Separator System

BACKGROUND

For decades, the petroleum and brine industries have pushed for the development of a method to efficiently desalinate multiphase flow mixtures. Mixed fluids, like produced water (PW), could be broken down into usable gas, oil, and water for the purpose of processing, reusing, or safely disposing of the components. Existing technologies utilize conventional gravity based vertical and horizontal separation techniques, which are expensive and bulky. The development of an alternative that is smaller and less expensive is ideal for petroleum and other chemical processing industries to efficiently purify produced waters containing dissolved salts.

SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY

Researchers at Oklahoma State University and The University of Tulsa have developed a compact steam separator system for generation of steam from PW or geothermal wastewater. The system byproduct is known for containing a variety of dissolved salts like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, as well as critical minerals that are essential for the likes of semi-conductor and automotive industry. Compact steam separator system incorporates a heat source to generate steam from the incoming produced water. The dry steam is harvested from the separator system, leaving a brine concentrate (salt water). This separator system will be easy to manufacture while also reducing the overall cost and size.

POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION

• Desalination of produced water and geothermal wastewater
• Water purification in areas such as petroleum, wastewater, chemical processing, etc.
• Drinking water treatment

MAIN ADVANTAGES

• More compact and less expensive
• Utilization of renewable energy power sources, such as solar based heaters
• Configurable heating methods (internal/external)