RECYCLE HEAT EXCHANGE FLASH TREATER AND PROCESS

摘要

A process and apparatus for treating a crude oil containing water. An inlet introduces a flow of the crude oil into the apparatus, wherein at l easta portion of the water is a vapour. A first separato r disrupts the crude oil flow in order to separate at least a portion of the vapour from the crude oil to produce a treated oil. A heater heats the treated oil to produce a heated treated oil. Means for recycling a first amount of the heated treated oil fr om the heater to the inlet are provided. The first amount is at least sufficien t toheat the crude oil to a temperature such that at lea st a portion of the water forms the vapour. At least one oil outlet removes the treated oil and at lea st one vapour outlet removes the vapour. Finally, means are provided for producing the flow of the crude oil. The process is preferably conducted usi ng the apparatus.