Recent developments in hydrocyclone technology for oil-in-water separation from produced water.

Ekechukwu, Okwunna Maryjane; Asim, Taimoor; Hawez, Haval Kukha

Abstract

The treatment of produced water is a major challenge faced by oil and gas industries worldwide. As a result of the increase in industrial activities, the generation of produced water has increased significantly. The most commonly used method for produced water oil–water separation is de-oiling hydrocyclone technology due to its simple construction, compact design, easy maintenance, and high efficiency. A wide breadth of scientific research studies has been carried out on performance evaluation, design optimisation, geometric parametrisation, external interventions, etc., to enhance the performance of hydrocyclones. These studies mostly rely on either experimental data obtained from the field, in laboratories under a controlled environment, or the application of numerical techniques for oil-in-water separation. Considering the extensive research studies published on hydrocyclone technology, this study aims to provide a comprehensive review of recent technological advancements in hydrocyclone technology in order to identify key areas where scientific research efforts should be concentrated. This will help make well-informed decisions for strategic investments in this wide area of research. Furthermore, it will widen the scope of applicability of hydrocyclones in the industrial sector.

Citation

EKECHUKWU, O.M., ASIM, T. and HAWEZ, H.K. 2024. Recent developments in hydrocyclone technology for oil-in-water separation from produced water. Energies [online], 17(13), article number 3181. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/en17133181

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 24, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jun 28, 2024
• Publication Date: Jul 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jul 19, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 19, 2024
• Journal: Energies
• Electronic ISSN: 1996-1073
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 13
• Article Number: 3181
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en17133181
• Keywords: Produced water; Oil-in-water separation; Hydrocyclones; Computational fluid dynamics; Separation efficiency
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2403845