Sulzer's Chemtech division has been granted a license covering the Total-patented Wash Tank Technology for Oil Processing. The main purpose of this technology is to enhance the removal of water, salt and contaminants from oil and emulsions, by a controlled distribution of the feed into the bottom of a hull tank of an FPSO/FSO/FPU, which transforms the water-in-oil dispersion into an oil-in-water one where high efficiency phase separation takes place more easily. The technology also involves a significant simplification of the topsides crude oil process. Sulzer will commercialize the licensed technology along with its static mixing technology as well as patented oil/water emulsion distributors which evenly distribute the feed across the full cross section of the hull tank and generate a constant droplet size (for a given flow) to maximize the system performance. Sulzer's testing capabilities and CFD services form an integral part of a properly designed solution for each specific facility. The following benefits can be achieved and are maximized by an early concept selection of this technology:
- Reduced topsides weight, CAPEX and complexity through significant minimization of topsides processing equipment, including reduced number of separators and elimination of electrostatic coalescers (dehydrators & desalters) and associated heat exchangers
- Robust performance through more flexibility towards flow rate variations and potential future capacity increases, as well as mitigation of risks associated with naphthenate formation (emulsion stabilization, deposits accumulation)
- Improved Energy Efficiency and Lower OPEX through reduction of utility consumptions (heating, cooling and electrical loads)
- Improved Safety through a more aerated layout of the FPSO topsides