Hybrid Modeling of the Electrocoalescence Process in Water-in-Oil Emulsions

Abstract

A hybrid model based on the population balance approach was developed to represent the electrocoalescence phenomena in water-in-oil emulsions. A semi-empirical aggregation model was used in a population balance equation to simulate the dehydration of two different crude oils. The unknown parameters of the population balance equation were estimated using experimental data. The experiments were performed in a continuous pilot plant used to evaluate the dehydration of crude oil emulsions with an initial 4−10 wt % of water. Different functional forms for the specific rate of coalescence and sink term of the population balance equation were evaluated. The results of the proposed hybrid model were compared to the experimental data and previous empirical models reported in the literature. The results showed good agreement with the experimental data and values obtained by empirical models.

Development of Coalescence and Capture Kernels for the Electrocoalescence Process Based on Batch Experiments

“…The coalescence model suggested by Zhang has parameters that are dependent on the characteristics of crude oil and are not adequately studied. Khajehesamedini considered a hybrid approach to determine the parameters of the aggregation efficiency of Zhang’s model . They used the experimental data of Cunha to estimate the parameters of their model.…”

“…However, defining a certain size as the sedimentation limit, which is dependent on the W/O emulsion properties, decreases the flexibility and compatibility of the model. Khajehesamedini 40 added a new term called "capture" to the PBE to address the creation/ segregation of the free-water phase. This way, they considered that all of the droplets have the chance to segregate and create the free phase.…”

Synthesis and genetic algorithm-based optimization to reduce dry weight and footprint of topsides oil & gas processing.

“…The same authors adopted certain simplifications in the rigorous model and achieved quicker convergence, but the model complexity suggests that it would still be impractical to be used in the optimization routine. An analysis of another model (Khajehesamedini et al, 2018) leads to the same conclusion, as it depends on the resolution of a set of many ordinary differential equations. Therefore it was searched for simplified models able to estimate the outlet water concentration as a function of key design parameters of the electrostatic coalescer.…”

“…A number of models have been reviewed by certain researchers in order to compare the performance of the research group rigorous model (Khajehesamedini et al, 2018) The residence time between electrodes can be estimated by dividing the volume of the electrostatic coalescence section by the inlet volumetric flowrate:…”