Study on the Formation Mechanism and Harmless Treatment Technology of Flocculate in the Crude Oil Gathering and Transferring Process

Abstract

In the separation process of oil dehydration and wastewater deoiling, a very stable and viscous colloid layer is formed on the oil-water interface, which is high in viscosity and water content, and also contains more oil ingredient, which is difficult to deal with and achieve dehydration. As a result the work of equipment is greatly affected. In the meantime, a direct landfill or open pile will affect the surrounding environment, soil environment, and underground water condition. This will make it difficult to retrieve crude oil from the flocculate, which causes a waste of crude oil. The authors studied the formation process, stable factors, and formation mechanism of flocculate in crude oil gathering and transferring. On this basis, drying treatment for burning was developed according to the characteristics of oilfield flocculate. By using the drying treatment technology, flocculate can be used as the additive agent in burning coal, which improves the calorific value of coal because the drying flocculate has a high combustion value, which is more than 7,000 Kcal/Kg. After burning the flocculate, the generated ash and pollutant content in the gas are lower than the relevant national control standards of pollutants. They are safe and will not cause additional environment pollution. In this way, flocculate in oil field realizes harmless treatment and resource recycling.