A certain percentage of oil production today involves the handling of water in addition to the handling of crude oil. Water remaining in emulsion after the free water is settled must be further separated. Applying heat reduces the viscosity of the oil and oil-water emulsion, weakening the film making it easier for the water droplets to settle out. The energy transferred to the emulsion by the increase in temperature increases the movement of the water droplets and affords more collisions between droplets per unit time. Heating is accomplished by direct contact with the firetube wall.

Absolute offers both horizontal and vertical heater treaters in a variety of sizes and operating conditions.

Standard Features Include:

• Skid mounted package with skid-edge inlet and outlet connection points
• Gas separation section
• Immersed down comer piping.
• Deep free water knockout section below the firebox.
• Removable, thermally controlled high-capacity firetube with burner management system (BMS).
• Fire stack
• Level controllers and control valves for oil and gas section
• Compliant with ASME VIII, Div. 1; National Board registered
• Heavy duty structural skid base
• Flexibility in design to meet customer-specific requirements