METHOD AND APPARATUS TO ENHANCE SEPARATION PERFORMANCE OF A LEAN AND LOW MEAN SIZE DISPERSED PHASE FROM A CONTINUOUS PHASE

摘要

Two hydrocyclones used in series enhances the removal of a dispersed liquid phase from a continuous liquid phase by cyclonic action. The first hydrocyclone has no overflow outlet and serves to coalesce the droplets or particles of the disperse phase together thereby increasing contaminant size distribution. The second hydrocyclone functions as a separator operating at higher removal efficiency. The method and apparatus are useful to clarify produced water from hydrocarbon recovery operations.