Method and apparatus for heating a sales tank

摘要

A method and apparatus for heating at least one fluid tank that receives production fluid comprising produced oil and a produced liquid from a hydrocarbon producing well. A layer of liquid is provided in the fluid tank that has a higher specific density and a higher thermal conductivity than the produced oil. The layer of liquid at least partially covers a heat trace positioned in the fluid tank. The heat trace transfers heat to the layer of liquid.

主权项

1. In combination:
a production tank containing production fluid comprising oil and water produced from a hydrocarbon producing well; and a sales tank, the sales tank comprising:
an overflow pipe connected between the sales tank and the production tank, the overflow pipe transferring the oil from the production tank to the sales tank as the production tank is filled;a layer of liquid that is separate and distinct from the oil, the liquid having a higher specific density and a higher thermal conductivity than the oil, the layer of liquid being maintained above a minimum level; anda heat trace positioned at least partially below the minimum level of the layer of liquid such that at least a portion of the heat trace is submerged in the layer of liquid, the heat trace transferring heat to the layer of liquid.