Poor overflow from the oil-water separator
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In production, there is always a problem with poor overflow of the oil phase at the upper layer of the oil-water separator, which causes oil to flow out through the opening above the glass tube level gauge. In brief, the material in the mixing tank flows via a \"π\" pipe into the separator; after separation and layering, the oil phase overflows from the upper part of the separator into the storage tank. The top of the mixing tank is about 1 meter above the oil phase outlet of the separator, while the oil phase outlet is about 1 meter above the inlet of the storage tank. The storage tank is 8 meters high, and its inlet is of the submerged pipe type. I would appreciate it if experts on this forum could help me analyze the reasons for this issue
Generally, both the oil-water separator and the oil storage tank are devices that operate at atmospheric pressure; in other words, the gas phase in both devices is at one atmosphere pressure. Since the oil-water separator is submerged within the oil storage tank, the pressure at the oil outlet of the separator is lower than the pressure at the oil inlet pipe of the tank (due to differences in hydrostatic pressure), which results in poor oil flow. Solution: 1. If the specifications permit, the oil inlet of the oil storage tank can be changed to an upper inlet. 2. If the oil inlet of the oil storage tank can only be of the plug-in type, the oil storage tank can be raised to reduce the hydrostatic head difference between the oil-water separator and the oil storage tank. If the reaction vessel and the oil-water separator are under pressure while the oil storage tank is at atmospheric pressure, the pressure in the oil-water separator can be adjusted (the pressure must remain within the limits permitted by the process and equipment) in order to overcome the pressure difference caused by the hydrostatic column between them.
For imports, a bottom pipe should not be used, as that would create pressure and, of course, prevent backflow; it’s sufficient to use one at the liquid level! ! ! !
The oil phase discharge line cannot be vented; it is likely due to air blockage. Does the high point of your “n” tube have a vent?
"The high point of the n” pipe and the vent outlet of the separator share the same exhaust path; it is estimated that this is why the pipes are installed at the 2nd or 3rd floor.
Using a floating device for oil-water separation would be better, right? ! !