Abstract: A separating system for separating a fluid mixture incorporates a smart surface having reversibly switchable properties. A voltage is selectively applied to the smart surface to attract or repel constituents of a fluid mixture, such as oil and water produced from a hydrocarbon well. The smart surface can be used in a conditioner to increase droplet size prior to entering a conventional separator, or the smart surface and other elements of the invention can be incorporated into an otherwise conventional separator to enhance separation. In a related aspect, a concentration sensor incorporating smart surfaces senses concentration of the fluid mixture's constituents.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 6, 2008
Date of Patent:
July 3, 2012
Assignee:
Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
Inventors:
Syed Hamid, Beegamudre N. Murali, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
Abstract: A separating system for separating a fluid mixture incorporates a smart surface having reversibly switchable properties. A voltage is selectively applied to the smart surface to attract or repel constituents of a fluid mixture, such as oil and water produced from a hydrocarbon well. The smart surface can be used in a conditioner to increase droplet size prior to entering a conventional separator, or the smart surface and other elements of the invention can be incorporated into an otherwise conventional separator to enhance separation. In a related aspect, a concentration sensor incorporating smart surfaces senses concentration of the fluid mixture's constituents.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 1, 2004
Date of Patent:
December 9, 2008
Assignee:
Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
Inventors:
Syed Hamid, Beegamudre N. Murali, Harry D. Smith, Jr.