A free-water knockout, or a FWKO, is installed when the emulsion streams of oil, water, and gas contains a large quantity of water. It helps to reduce the size of the treater and decrease its fuel consumption.
The selection of a free water knockout typically depends on the desired performance and output. Let’s discuss the essential aspects you need to consider when purchasing it.
Considerations Before Purchasing a FWKO
Installing a Free Water Knockout
If you are dealing with large amounts of water, it helps to install a FWKO before the treater to help separate and dispose of the non-entrained water from the emulsion.
Managing Corrosion
Corrosion is a crucial consideration when it comes to purchasing a FWKO and processing water. A few ways to protect this equipment against corrosion are as follows:
- Internal Coatings – can protect the equipment against harmful chemicals such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, and anaerobic bacteria.
- Cathodic Protection – using anodes can protect against galvanic corrosion.
- A Combination of Anodes and Coating – is excellent at preventing corrosion on the inside of the FWKO.
Determining the Type of Emulsion
Emulsions are of different categories and can vary from loose to moderate to tight. You can conduct lab tests to determine the specific type of emulsion and the right chemical to inject to help break apart the emulsion. This will help you to decide which kind of FWKO you need to buy because they are designed and created to handle emulsions in different ways.
Choosing Between a Vertical or Horizontal Separator
Horizontal vessels can handle tougher emulsions better and are often used in oil operations. They are useful to treat emulsions that contain water and oil in similar quantities and weigh about the same. Vertical separators are designed to separate looser emulsions.
We Carry the Best Range of Free Water Knockouts
Aspire is a leading fabrication company providing purchasing, designing, quality control, and project management services to the energy industry. Customer satisfaction is of utmost importance to us. We aim to complete the projects on time and within the given budget. We have the resources and a qualified team to understand your needs and offer reliable advice.
If you are looking to purchase a free water knockout, we can help you. We carry a large selection of horizontal three phase separators that can be easily converted into free water knock-outs. We can help you choose the right combination of free water knock-out and treater to fit your needs. For more information about our products and services, reach out to us by calling 403-314-5422 or 1-800-993-9958.
