A CFD study on hydrocarbon mean residence time in a horizontal oil–water separator

Abstract This study presents computational fluid dynamics analyses on oil–water flow characteristics in a horizontal separator. The performance of these vessels are inferred from mean residence time and cumulative distribution the hydrocarbon phase inside authors model separator used by previous researchers evaluate two-phase mixture oil water. Three different water-cuts 21%, 32%, 57% used. Additional done to assess how certain geometric features influence time. results show that addition second perforated baffle plate does not improve significantly. However, introducing downward slanting throat section between primary zone gravity separation improves at 21% 32% water-cuts. suggest separators with may be more efficient than regular without low