As previously mentioned, North Sea platforms typically use three-phase separator

s for all stages, while in the gulf only the low-pressure separator and electros
tatic coalescer-treater are typically three-phase. This leads to a considerable
difference in the complexity of the produced water treating systems (Fig. 6c). S
pecifically, the North Sea three-phase separator approach requires a dedicated h
ydrocyclone package for each separator while the typical gulf two-phase approach
requires only one hydrocyclone unit.
The three-phase separation with a dedicated hydrocyclone for the higher pressure
stages may reduce the oil-water shear and allow for better produced water treat
ment. Reduced shear of the oil-water mixture should have the following two major
benefits with respect to produced water treating:
1. Lower oil-in-water concentrations due to improved separation in the primary s
eparators. Oil-in-water concentrations from the three-phase separators in a Nort
h Sea separation train are typically less than 1,000 ppmw and often less than 50
0 ppmw.
2. Oil droplets that remain in the produced water generally should be larger in
size, which makes them easier to remove with the water treatment equipment.
Reinjection of produced water also is an increasingly common option for produced
water disposal, although not yet widely used primarily because of issues relate
d to maintenance of acceptable injectivity into the subsurface formation and com
patibility with the seawater normally used for pressure maintenance.
Gas handling
In general, offshore facilities handle gas with centrifugal compressors. These a
re smaller and lighter than reciprocating compressors, are available in higher c
apacities and power ratings, and are more compatible with the most commonly used
offshore drivers, which are gas turbines and electric motors. Centrifugal compr
essors also have lower maintenance costs.
The shelf platforms in the Gulf of Mexico as well as other regions where gas vol
umes are relatively low have used reciprocating compressors extensively. For cer
tain applications such as low-pressure vapor recovery, rotary screw compressors
are replacing reciprocating compressors.
Compressor driver selection varies. Larger platforms commonly use high capacity
and power centrifugal compressors with gas turbine drivers. Electric motors for
drivers combined with a central power-generation facility also is increasingly c
ommon and has benefits with respect to availability, platform layout, and enviro
nmental emissions. This option is generally more suited to larger facilities.
Small platforms use gas engines for driving reciprocating compressors and pumps.
Most oil platforms, regardless of location, limit gas processing to dehydration
only. Most use triethylene glycol units.