Abstract: A method and system for reducing the oil concentration of a produced, hydrocarbon-containing fluid to no more than about 10 ppm and softening the deoiled fluid to reduce scale-forming constituents. The method and system are capable of treating fluids having temperatures within the range from approximately 120.degree. C. to approximately 160.degree. C., without the need for cooling the fluid to perform either the deoiling step or the softening step. In a preferred embodiment, the deoiling step is performed by first filtering the hot fluid in a first set of coalescing filters and then in a second, identical set of coalescing filters, and the softening step is performed in a thermal softening unit wherein steam is directly sparged into the deoiled fluid in a reaction zone under pressure sufficient to prevent boiling at the reaction zone temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diverting into a branch line a portion of a gas-liquid flow stream from a two-phase flow trunk line. Each of two or more takeoff pipes withdraw a two-phase portion of the trunk line flow stream and transmit it to a single common branch line. The takeoff pipes are oriented to produce branch line flow of predetermined quality. The quality of branch line flow may be monitored and control valves positioned in one or more takeoff pipes and in the branch line to facilitate branch line flow of variable quality and rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diverting into a branch line a portion of a gas-liquid flow stream from a two-phase flow trunk line. Each of two or more takeoff pipes withdraw a two-phase portion of the trunk line flow stream and transmit it to a single common branch line. The takeoff pipes are oriented to produce branch line flow of predetermined quality. The quality of branch line flow may be monitored and control valves positioned in one or more takeoff pipes and in the branch line to facilitate branch line flow of variable quality and rate.

Abstract: A process for heating and softening of hard water by direct heat exchange with steam. The steam is directly sparged into the hard water within a reaction zone and condensed in the water under a pressure sufficient to prevent boiling at the reaction zone temperature. The heated water is then withdrawn from the reaction zone without substantial vaporization of water and filtered to remove scale precipitates resulting from the heating step. At least a portion of the softened water may be heated to generate wet steam which is then recirculated to the reaction zone and sparged into the hard water therein.