US3637522A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process and apparatus for treating oil emulsions
Assignee: NOBLE E YOUNG
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Filing: 1968-07-16
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Granted: 1972-01-25
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Expires: 1988-07-16
Abstract
Abstract An oil-water-solid particles emulsion is separated by heating the emulsion to its critical separation temperature, thoroughly mixing and washing the heated oil with salt water to coagulate the emulsion water and solid particles into larger globules, increase the specific gravity of the globules and make the mixture homogeneous, then establishing vibratory waves in the mixture to accelerate separation of the mixture by gravity. Batch and continuous flow systems for carrying out the process, including a steam-operated jet pump injection system, are also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Noble E Young
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 20:47
CPC Classifications
C; C10; C10G; C10G33/00; C10G33/04; B; B01; B01D; B01D17/00; B01D17/02; B01D17/04; B01D17/042; B01D17/047
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
The process for resolving emulsions of crude oil, water and solid particles comprising the steps of: filling a container with a layer of salt water having a gravity substantially greater than pure water and a layer of the emulsion over the salt water, injecting steam into the layer of salt water such that the steam will mix with the salt water and carry the salt water upwardly into the emulsion to wash the emulsion until the emulsion is heated to a temperature in excess of about 120* F. and the mixture is substantially homogeneous, then discontinuing injection of the steam, and then inducing vibratory waves into the emulsion to cause the water and solid particles to settle and separate from the crude oil.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
41 words
The process for resolving emulsions of crude oil, water and solid particles comprising the steps defined in claim 2 wherein: the steam is injected upwardly into the layer of salt water to assist in mixing the salt water, steam and emulsion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The process for resolving emulsions of crude oil, water and solid particles comprising the steps defined in claim 2 wherein: the vibratory waves are induced in the emulsion by vibrating the walls of the container.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
The process for resolving emulsions of crude oil, water and solid particles comprising the steps defined in claim 2 wherein the steam is injected upwardly through a vertically disposed, open-ended sleeve initially submerged in the salt water to pump the salt water upwardly into the emulsion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
126 words
The continuous flow process for resolving emulsions of crude oil, water and solid particles comprising the steps of: introducing emulsion to a first container, heating the emulsion while in the first container to a temperature in excess of about 120* F. by injecting a mixture of steam and salt waver having a gravity substantially greater than pure water into the emulsion, transferring the heated emulsion to a second container, inducing vibratory waves in the emulsion in the second container while maintaining the emulsion substantially stationary to cause the water and solid particles to settle and separate from the crude oil, removing the crude oil from the upper portion of the second container, and removing water and solid particles from the bottom portion of the second container.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
The process for treating an emulsion of oil preparatory to separating the oil from the impurities, comprising: mixing heated salt water with the emulsion until the mixture is substantially homogeneous, heating the mixture to a temperature in excess of about 120* F., and then allowing the mixture to separate by gravity.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process defined in claim 7 wherein the mixture is heated by the salt water.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process defined in claim 7 wherein the salt water is injected into the emulsion as an upwardly directed fluid jet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process defined in claim 7 wherein the salt water is heated and injected into the emulsion by mixing the salt water with steam.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process defined in claim 7 wherein the mixture is subjected to vibratory waves as it is allowed to separate by gravity.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-01-24 | 1975-07-26 | 1976-01-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-24 | 1979-07-26 | 1980-01-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-24 | 1983-07-26 | 1984-01-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |