Dynamic mathematical modelling and simulation of a primary oil separation unit Online publication date: Thu, 29-Feb-2024
by María E.G. Condori; Lucio F.D. Passos; Hugo C.C. Michel; Gustavo M. de Almeida; Marcelo Cardoso
International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling (IJSPM), Vol. 20, No. 3, 2023
Abstract: Primary oil separation units play a key role in preparing crude oil extracted from oil wells for further processing in refineries. This work presents a dynamic mathematical modelling of this separation unit considering three separators in series, namely, the three-phase separator and the heater and electrostatic treaters. The use of settling tanks was also considered. Design and operation data were obtained from the literature and from a refinery. After validation, the model was used for scenario analysis, where the effect of disturbances in the flow of crude oil to the separation unit was investigated. The results provided the maximum acceptable disturbance (around 5%) considering the design capacity of the separators, the role of the settling tanks for a stable operation and the ripple effect of disturbances along the separation unit, which can compromise the final oil quality. Primary oil separation units can benefit greatly from computer-aided studies.
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