Session Summary

Abstract

Technologies for separation of suspended oil from produced water have improved dramatically over the last 10–15 years. Until the mid 80’s oilfield produced water treatment systems, both onshore and offshore, were generally dominated by various forms of plate separators and induced gas flotation systems. The now well-known de-oiling hydrocyclone was first developed at the University of Southampton in the early 80’s. This technology has since been further improved and is now available in various models from a number of different equipment suppliers. Although other technologies have also been further developed and refined in this period and are used in many cases, the de-oiling hydrocyclone generally represents more efficient and compact technology and is usually the preferred alternative, in particular on offshore installations. Centrifugation is also used to some extent, and on onshore facilities various forms of media filtration are sometimes used.