Oil separation technology for arctic and cold climate

Oil production systems in arctic regions are challenged by low temperature production. To enable normal gravity separation, a large amount of heating and chemicals are needed to lower the viscosity of the oil. Vessel Internal Electrostatic Coalescer (VIEC) is a technology for enhancing liquid-liquid separation by using alternating high voltage electrical fields. With VIEC the inlet crude oil viscosity can be higher and significant savings can be made both on the heating demand and the size and quantity of separators needed. By the use of a VIEC system, the oil separation system is much more robust. In addition to saved energy there will be a lower consumption of production chemicals. Recent arctic projects performed by Sulzer includes Goliat (the Barents Sea) and Hebron (Canada).