Patent ID: 9095790
Filing Date: 2015-08-04
Classification: B01D,B03C,C10G

Abstract:
1. A method of separating water from a water-and-oil mixture, the method comprising the steps of: (a) flowing a water-and-oil mixture into an inlet of a first elongated separator vessel, the first elongated separator vessel being oriented on an incline and having an electrode located toward its upper end; (b) passing the water-and-oil mixture through an electric field of the first elongated separator vessel whereby water in the water-and-oil mixture coalesces and a first water predominant fluid flows downward; (c) flowing a portion of a first oil predominant fluid out of an outlet of the first elongated separator vessel and into an inlet of a second elongated separator vessel, the second elongated separator vessel being oriented on an incline and having an electrode located toward its upper end; (d) passing the portion of the first oil predominant fluid through an electric field of the second elongated separator vessel whereby water in the portion of the first oil predominant fluid coalesces and a second water predominant fluid flows downward; and (e) allowing a second portion of the first oil predominant fluid to exit an outlet of the first elongated separator vessel and bypass the second elongated separator vessel.