Abstract: Separators for separating a multi-phase composition include a separator casing defining a chamber and a permeate outlet, at least one hydrocyclone within the separator casing, and at least one ceramic membrane. Each hydrocyclone includes a hydrocyclone inlet, a tapered section downstream of the hydrocyclone inlet, an accepted outlet, and a reject outlet. The ceramic membrane may be disposed within the separator casing and downstream of the accepted outlet of the hydrocyclone or may be disposed within at least a portion of the tapered section of the hydrocyclone. The ceramic membrane includes a retentate side and a permeate side, where the permeate side is in fluid communication with the chamber. Systems and methods for separating a multi-phase composition into a lesser-density fluid, a greater-density fluid, and a medium-density fluid using the separators are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes controlling water separation in a hydrocarbon stream flowing through a separator train including one or more separator vessels located upstream of a dehydrator by adjusting a flowrate of demulsifier added to the separator train by receiving data from a real-time process test of the separation train, quantifying a demulsifier inertia value from the process data, estimating model fit parameters to the process data to generate a water separation profile (WSP) correlating water draw-off and demulsifier flowrate for the separation train, and during operations, modifying the demulsifier flowrate according to the WSP and according to the inertia value to achieve a received target water separation value for the stream entering the dehydrator.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes controlling water separation in a hydrocarbon stream flowing through a separator train including one or more separator vessels located upstream of a dehydrator by manipulating a demulsifier flowrate added to the separator train by: receiving data from a real-time process test of the separation train, estimating model fit parameters to the data to generate a water separation profile (WSP) correlating water draw-off and demulsifier flowrate for the separation train, determining a maximum and a minimum demulsifier flowrate from the WSP, receiving, from an operator, a separation performance for a target water separation value entering the dehydrator downstream from the separator train, and adjusting the demulsifier flowrate according to the WSP to achieve the target water separation entering the dehydrator.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes controlling water separation in a hydrocarbon stream flowing through a separator train including one or more separator vessels located upstream of a dehydrator by manipulating a demulsifier flowrate added to the separator train by: receiving data from a real-time process test of the separation train, estimating model fit parameters to the data to generate a water separation profile (WSP) correlating water draw-off and demulsifier flowrate for the separation train, determining a maximum and a minimum demulsifier flowrate from the WSP, receiving, from an operator, a separation performance for a target water separation value entering the dehydrator downstream from the separator train, and adjusting the demulsifier flowrate according to the WSP to achieve the target water separation entering the dehydrator.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and associate system for removing acid gas from a sour gas stream are provided. The method includes (1) passing the sour gas stream in a counter-flow arrangement with an encapsulated phase change material and a lean amine based sorbent liquid configured to absorb the acid gas from the sour gas stream in an absorber; (2) separating the rich amine based sorbent liquid and the encapsulated phase change material; (3) passing the rich amine based sorbent liquid to an amine regenerator wherein the rich amine based sorbent liquid is heated to release the absorbed sour gas and regenerate the lean amine based sorbent liquid; and (4) passing the encapsulated phase change material and the regenerated lean amine based sorbent liquid through a cooler to reduce the temperature of the encapsulated phase change material such that the phase change material in the encapsulated phase change material solidifies.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and associate system for removing acid gas from a sour gas stream are provided. The method includes (1) passing the sour gas stream in a counter-flow arrangement with an encapsulated phase change material and a lean amine based sorbent liquid configured to absorb the acid gas from the sour gas stream in an absorber; (2) separating the rich amine based sorbent liquid and the encapsulated phase change material; (3) passing the rich amine based sorbent liquid to an amine regenerator wherein the rich amine based sorbent liquid is heated to release the absorbed sour gas and regenerate the lean amine based sorbent liquid; and (4) passing the encapsulated phase change material and the regenerated lean amine based sorbent liquid through a cooler to reduce the temperature of the encapsulated phase change material such that the phase change material in the encapsulated phase change material solidifies.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes controlling water separation in a hydrocarbon stream flowing through a separator train including one or more separator vessels located upstream of a dehydrator by adjusting a flowrate of demulsifier added to the separator train by receiving data from a real-time process test of the separation train, quantifying a demulsifier inertia value from the process data, estimating model fit parameters to the process data to generate a water separation profile (WSP) correlating water draw-off and demulsifier flowrate for the separation train, and during operations, modifying the demulsifier flowrate according to the WSP and according to the inertia value to achieve a received target water separation value for the stream entering the dehydrator.