About our Electrostatic Coalescers
The separation process generally comprises two principles: dehydration and desalting, involving electrostatic coalescers in both upstream and downstream applications. In oilfields, the emphasis is generally on a combination of dehydration and desalting, whereas in refineries the focus is primarily on desalting.
In the Electrostatic Coalescer, the Frames inlet distributor injects crude just below multiple layers of electrostatic grids. Between these grids the water droplets present in the crude are exposed to the electrostatic field that rearranges the (salt) ions within the droplets. Droplets will then attract each other and as a result, they coalesce, grow in size, and then fall out of the upward flowing crude. The treated crude is collected at the top of the vessel while the effluent water is collected at the bottom.
Why we use AC technology
Frames Electrostatic Coalescers are designed using alternating current (AC), which is a proven and reliable technology. Although other types of power supply are available and promoted (DC, AC+DC), these are operationally demanding and bring significant drawbacks, for instance the tendency for arcing (short-circuiting) and electrical complexity. Frames values reliability and operational simplicity, which is why we have incorporated the AC technology at the core of our designs.
In addition to the use of AC technology, Frames electrostatic coalescers are equipped with the unique Frames inlet distributor. This device has been specifically designed to ensure optimal (uniform) distribution of the oil-water mixture just below the grid. This results in efficient use of the electrostatic area and smaller vessels compared to other, more traditional distributors commonly used in the industry.