Key technology

Gaining control over the kinetics of water separation by influencing it with ultrasound waves


Our accumulated experience in working with ultrasonic waves in various oil fields has enabled us to develop a range of injectors and ultrasonic mix-hammers for crude oil pipelines (handling multi-phase flow "gas - liquid - mechanical impurities"). This waves technology aims to:

  • Ensure reliable demulsification,

  • Reduce the demulsifier input rate

  • Create conditions for minimizing the impact of factors such as changes in the hydrodynamic flow regime, inlet temperature, and alterations in the chemical composition of the flow.

Ultrasonic Injection technology ULTRAKS
Ultrasonic waves are employed to enhance the efficiency of injection processes involving either "liquid-to-liquid" or "liquid-to-gas/liquid" interactions. This technology serves two primary purposes:

Increasing the Contact Area:
Ultrasonic waves are used to increase the contact area between the demulsifier globules and the water globules.

Enhancing Collision Frequency:
Ultrasonic waves also serve to boost the frequency of collisions among water globules.

It is essential to note that different crude oil mixtures require different sizes of globules for optimal separation. Therefore, the injector can be adjusted on-site to accommodate these varying requirements. The design of the ultrasonic rod and the frequency of sound waves applied allow for the production of the maximum number of globules at the desired size. This treatment rapidly brings the water globules together into larger clusters, facilitating the swift separation of water from the mixture
Microphotography of mixture globules of the demulsifier after ultrasonic waves acted
Diameter of the demulsifier globules after ultrasonic waves acted
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Ultrasonic mix-hammer technology ULTRAKS
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Ultrasonic mix-hammer technology serves several critical functions when applied to crude oil mixtures:

1. Increasing the Frequency of Water Globule Collisions:
Ultrasonic waves are employed to intensify the frequency of collisions among water globules within the mixture

2. Accelerating Separation through Enlarging Globules (Stokes' Law):
The technology also accelerates the separation process by increasing the size of the globules, adhering to Stokes' law

3-4. Concentrating Water Globules at the Bottom:
This concentration effect leads to the settling of water globules at the bottom of the mixture

5. Achieving Complete Emulsion Separation:
Ultrasonic treatment results in the complete separation of the emulsion into distinct phases of water and oil
Moreover, ultrasonic waves contribute to:

Rapid Dissolution of Small Demulsifier Doses in Large Crude Oil Flows:
This facilitates the efficient use of demulsifiers within the crude oil mixture.

Safety non-intrusive Emitter Placement on the Pipeline's Outer Wall:
The correct placement of emitters and adjustable ultrasonic frequencies offer control over the emulsion separation rate.

Ultrasonic mix-hammer technology ULTRAKS is a versatile method for improving the separation and processing of crude oil mixtures, ensuring efficient and cost-effective production.
Research and Development (R&D)

Our extensive experience in working with ultrasonic waves across various aplications has empowered us to the development of a series of injectors and ultrasonic mix-hammers explicitly engineered for the crude oil sector. These devices excel in managing multi-phase flows encompassing "gas - liquid - mechanical impurities." Our core objectives encompass:

  • Ensuring dependable demulsification,

  • Minimizing demulsifier consumption rates

  • Creating an environment that mitigates the impact of variables such as fluctuations in hydrodynamic flow patterns, inlet temperatures, and changes in the chemical composition of the flow


At ULTRAKS, all projects are always aimed at achieving the Client's goals. We individually select equipment to suit the specific conditions of each project. As a standard procedure, we can initiate the process by conducting mathematical modeling of the preparation procedures or incorporate data provided by the client. Following this, we conduct calculations to determine the necessary quantity of ULTRAKS mix-hammers, emitter power, and the optimal positioning of the ULTRAKS injector to disperse demulsifiers effectively within the flow. Furthermore, our readiness extends to monitoring any operational changes within the facility, and when required, we are fully prepared to make equipment setup adjustments to accommodate fluctuations in production volumes.

Case study

Simulation of Crude Oil Preparation and Processing
Modeling the crude oil separation

Modeling the crude oil separation
The aim of this case study was to create a visual representation of the ULTRAKS injector's operation using a colored demulsifier within various mixtures. This visualization was intended to illustrate the mixing and dispersion process, highlighting how the red demulsifier integrates with the primary mixture and gradually alters its color.

The ULTRAKS injector equipped with a waveguide rod was positioned within a transparent container. This setup allowed for a clear view of the injection and dispersion process. High-resolution cameras were strategically placed to capture the injection and dispersion process from multiple angles. Specialized lighting was used to enhance visibility
Case study

Ultrasonic Injector with Waveguide Rod

Demulsifier simulant injection without ULTRAKS UI-WR in liquid

Demulsifier simulant injection with ULTRAKS UI-WR in liquid

Demulsifier simulant injection with ULTRAKS UI-WR in gas-liquid

The primary function of the ultrasonic injector is to deliver the demulsifier in the form of a finely dispersed liquid with particle sizes as small as 2-10 microns, equivalent to the size of water droplets. This approach enables the demulsifier to be introduced more effectively and densely, resulting in a reduction in the formation dynamics of stubborn emulsions within the separator.

The oil, extracted from an oil field with persistent hard emulsion challenges, is into several uniform samples with consistent size and condition. These samples are then subjected to a combination of diemulsifier treatment and ultrasonic treatment using various technological modes. The demulsifier uses the same brand and production date, but is supplied with different specific consumption. The results of short-term exposure (40 seconds) with different concentrations of the demulsifier are presented in the picture:
Case study

Visualization of non-invasive ultrasonic emitter performance on the outer wall of pipeline or separator during mix hammer operation
Microphotography of mixture globules
after ultrasonic waves acted
In an oil field facing challenges related to persistent emulsions and high viscosity in crude non-oil mixtures, the simultaneous deployment of two critical devices on a single production line has proven to be highly advantageous. These devices are the Ultraks UI-U ultrasonic demulsifier injector and the non-intrusive Ultrasonic Mix-Hammer UMH-U240.

The Ultraks UI-U ultrasonic demulsifier injector, engineered for dispensing demulsifiers in an dispersed format and expediting the disintegration of emulsions, offers a highly efficient solution. Its advanced ultrasonic technology enables the rapid and effective separation of oil and water emulsions, thus improving overall production efficiency and reducing downtime due to emulsion-related issues.

Complementing this demulsification process is the non-intrusive Ultrasonic Mix-Hammer UMH-U240. With its innovative ultrasonic mixing capabilities, the UMH-U240 efficiently addresses the high viscosity of crude non-oil mixtures. By applying ultrasonic energy, this device significantly reduces viscosity, facilitating the smooth flow of the mixture through pipelines and enhancing the overall productivity of the oil field operations.

The simultaneous use of these two cutting-edge devices on a single production line presents a approach to overcoming the challenges posed by emulsions and high viscosity in crude non-oil mixtures. This integrated solution ensures optimal performance, increased production output, and minimized operational disruptions, making it an invaluable asset in the oil field industry.
Case study

The joint application of the ULTRAKS Injector and Hammer involves using these two devices in tandem to address specific operational needs or challenges
The ULTRAKS Mix-Hammer, equipped with 240 emitters, is strategically installed on the primary supply pipeline just prior to the initial stage of crude oil separation. In close proximity, there are 12 explosion-proof generators in place.
The ULTRAKS Injector has been seamlessly incorporated into the system, aligning perfectly with the dimensions of a standard injection connection. This integration takes place on a bypass of the primary supply pipeline, strategically positioned immediately before the initial phase of crude oil separation. For added operational support, an explosion-proof generator is conveniently situated in close proximity.
Сomprehensive evaluation of the performance of each device is conducted through a series of testing regimens, with a monitoring process tracking the outcomes
The operational results in various modes are presented in the table below:
INGENIUM AIMS
The INGENIUM system is able to process large amounts of data, integrate operational process information from various sources, and interpret raw data. It synchronizes data over time, eliminating errors and losses to ensure analytical accuracy. This allows for real-time monitoring of the status of probes.
Contacts
Enter contacts to get in touch
Ljubljana, Slovenia
E-mail: info@arctech.si
tel: +386 6 981 84 57
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