Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

2008

TANK FARM PROCESS

Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING THE TANK FARM PROCESS

Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

TANK FARM

In addition to being the main crude oil storage facility, the main objective of Trinmar's Tank Farm Facility, which is located at Point Ligoure,Point Fortin, is to extract water and entrained fluids from the crude oil produced and transported via pipeline (14 & 16),from its offshore facilities. The removal of these unwanted elements and entities is vital in quantifying and improving the quality of the produced crude oil, which is ultimately transported via pipelines to the Pointe-a-Pierre Refinery. The operations at this facility must adhere to strict environmental laws (OSHA) and regulations set by the EMA (Environmental Management Authority). The Tank Farm is capable of handling a daily gross production of around 60,000 barrels of fluid per day (BOFD), with an average inlet water cut of 45%. One of the main functions of the Tank Farm is to prepare and process the crude so that the basic sediments level and water cut/content is brought to 2% or less. This oil dehydration process is facilitated via gravity separation, heating and chemical treatments (demulsifiers). API gravity is the API (American Petroleum Institute) standard for measuring the density of a liquid. According to API standards, Trinmars crude oil is considered to be heavy with an API of about 19 degrees. The processing of Trinmars crude oil presents unique challenges and attempts are currently underway to address some of these challenges.

Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

GAS BOOT

A Gas Boot is a large tubular section of pipe adjacent to the wash tank that allows the gas to separate from the liquid before the liquid flows down and into the bottom of the vessel. The boot is usually attached to the outside top edge of a tank, and a flume or conductor normally goes down through the centre. The gas boot at Trinmar's Tank Farm is located near Wash Tank #10 (pictured above). It is approximately 90 feet in height and 5.5 feet in diameter. Oil enters at an average pressure of 50 psig. Entrained gas escapes from the incoming production stream currently estimated at 4.5 MMSCFD. A breather valve is located at the top of the structure.

Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

WASH TANK
A Wash Tank is a large three-stage atmospheric separator used to separate crude oil and water. Because the tank is relatively large, the fluid goes through it slowly to give it adequate time to separate.

DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING A SIMPLE WASH TANK

Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

Phases
The Wash Tank is used to wash the mixture of oil, water and sand in an effort to separate it into its individual components. Trinmar currently has two wash tanks, Tank #10 and Tank #7. The liquid in the wash tank is usually divided into 3 phases: free water phase, water/oil phase and oil phase. The free water phase exists at the bottom of the tank whilst the oil phase exists at the top of the tank. 1. Free water Phase this consists of a 100% water band from the bottom of the tank and may vary (about 35 38 feet) 2. Water/Oil Phase this consists of a mixture of water and oil with an API gravity that is higher than the water below it. The higher the level within this phase, the greater the percentage of oil to water in the mixture 3. Oil Phase The mixture in this phase has the highest API gravity than any other phase. This phase has the lowest water content and ideally it should be 2% or less. It is from the top of this phase that the mixture is spilled-over and directed to the appropriate storage tank. The spillover percentage is the percentage of water in the crude leaving the wash tank. The spillover percentage is compared to the percentage of water in the inlet crude, and this comparison gives and indication as to the performance of the wash tank.

Sampling
One (1) gallon samples are taken at five (5) foot intervals from the top of the crude in the wash tank to sixty (60) feet down. These samples are taken to the laboratory where analysis is done and results obtained for water, oil, basic sediments, specific gravity and API gravity at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and the viscosity at 80 degrees Fahrenheit at various levels in the wash tank.

Wash Tank - Characteristics

Vertical distance of wash tanks strewn with series of 1 trial lines Tank 10 = 5 intervals Tank 7 = 4 intervals Samples taken every 2 hours Oil leaves wash tanks in spill over lines

Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

(STORAGE) TANK
Method of Preparation
Washed crude from the wash tanks (Tank #7, Tank #10) can be directed to any of the stock (storage) tanks (Tank #5, Tank #6 or Tank #8) where preparation will be done for shipment to Bernstein Tank Farm at Petrotrin, Forest Reserve. Tanks need to be prepared such that the water content of the crude is less than or equal to 2%. In emergency situations the crude can be shipped having a percentage of water greater than 2% once prior permission has been obtained from Bernstein Tank Farm. Having switched to a particular receiving (storage) tank, the crude is allowed to fill the tank to its safe filling height at which point it is switched off and allowed to settle for a period of four (4) hours, before bleeding. Fill-up time can be estimated by calculating the available space volume and dividing by the approximate rate of fill-up. Switching of storage tanks can be done before the tank reaches its safe fill-up limit provided that there is enough space available. A profile on the tank is taken after the tank has settled for four (4) hours, and before bleeding. This profile includes the percentage of water at the tank top, middle and suction, and the free water at the bottom. The clear water in the tank is bled out and another profile is taken. Even if the suction profile shows slightly more than 2% water content, the average overall water content of the tank may be less than 2% and thus the tank may be shipped. Prior to shipment, a Petrotrin Custody Transfer official must be notified to witness the high gauge and the profile before permission can be granted to begin pumping. When the tank reaches low gauge cut-off, a Petrotrin Custody Transfer official, must be contacted to witness the low gauge, BS&W, temperature and gauges.

Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

Stock Tank - Key Points

They facilitate storage and preparation of crude oil Tank 5 is the designated emergency tank (automatic valve set at 75 psi and rupture disk set at 100 psi at 72 degrees F in the event of a drastic pressure increase on the Receiving Line/Oil to Shore Line System) Tank 6 and Tank 8 have Internal Floating Roofs

STORAGE TANK WITH AN INTERNAL FLOATING ROOF

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Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

CORRUGATED PLATE INTERCEPTOR (CPI)

The Corrugated Plate Interceptor (CPI) is a down flow, plate-packed gravity settling basin that separates oil, water and solids. Initially designed to handle 30,000 barrels, present capacity is about 15,000 barrels.

(50) plate packs are corrugated and are stacked about apart. The ends of the plates are supported by a guttering system designed to isolate the separated contaminants from the carrier stream. The plates are set at an angle of 50 degrees to ensure sand dropout. As water enters the CPI unit it hits a baffle wall and is directed upwards where the oil droplets being lighter float to the top of the unit and flows over an adjustable weir to an oil compartment. The oil then discharges to the Oil Trough in the API pit. As the water travels upwards there is also a separation of sand, which is deposited in the

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Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

primary sand chamber. The oily water is then directed downwards into the corrugated plates. As it passes through, the oil adheres to the surface of the plates whilst the water passes to the other end. When the oil droplets become large enough they move in opposite direction to the flow and float to the top of the unit, where they flow over a weir into the primary oil drain.

As the water leaves the bottom end of the plate packs it is directed upwards by a baffle wall into an adjustable weir where further separation takes place. The water is then directed into the water outlet on its way to the Gas Flotation Unit (GFU). As the water leaves the bottom end of the plate packs and is directed upwards there is also a separation of sand that goes to the secondary sand chamber. There is a manual secondary oil drain, which can be used to bleed oil accumulation on this side of the CPI. The CPI unit must be cleaned periodically to promote optimal performance.

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Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

CPI unit is an integral part of Trinmars Tank Farm operations, helping to ensure that effluent water quality meets required standards. The CPI unit improves water quality from 1000-2000 ppm oil to 200-350 ppm oil.

SUMMARY Difference in specific gravity causes oil to float Water enters coalescing section Heavier solids and sludge settle out here Water flows through plate pack and rises to the top Oil coalesces with other oil droplets Sand can be a concern in design of CPI units CPI and GFU units operate in parallel Water sources bleeds of tanks 10 and 7, Adventure Tank Farm, API pits CPI designed for 30,000 BPD Inlet water: 1000-2000 ppm oil Effluent water quality: 200-350 ppm oil Second CPI unit handles water from the pits
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Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

GAS FLOTATION UNIT (GFU)

The GFU is an enclosed rectangular vessel that utilizes micro-fine gas bubbles to separate oil from the effluent water. It was originally designed to handle 30,000 barrels per day but actual handling capacity is about 15000 barrels per day. The GFU consists of six (6) cells designed to improve water quality as water flows from one cell to another, from 200 350 ppm oil to less than 48 ppm oil. The GFU is also designed so that the liquid level varies slightly with varying fluid rates. The GFU allows for different levels in each cell but can still maintain acceptable oil skimming capability. The level from the first cell to the back last cell may vary up to one inch. At appointed times the GFU must be isolated and cleaned. The GFU operates with a 15 psi gas blanket received from a tap-off from the gas-to-shore line; this assists in preventing overflow. Primary pressure relief from overpressure and vacuum is provided by combination pressure/vacuum vent valves. Secondary relief is provided by a pressure control valve, which directs gas through flame arrestors. In all cases the gas is vented to atmosphere.

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Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

Water from the CPI unit flows by gravity to the GFU and into the Gas Flotation Cell. The water enters a full sized inlet contaminated water compartment where free oil and gas are removed. An adjustable weir removes the freed oil. The water then enters the flotation part of the vessel through an 'L' shaped baffle. The water then flows from cell to cell through the baffles, which aids in coalescing the oil droplets by directing the fluid to the surface. The water has to flow down to exit the cell having to pass through the micro-fine bubbles, which are created by eductors in each cell.

The micro-fine gas bubble couples itself to an oil particle allowing the lighter oil-gas mixture to the surface where the flow directs the contaminate to the adjustable weirs for skimming into the oil compartment. After four stages of flotation the clarified water is discharged from the outlet compartment to the final effluent pit and then to the environment. The level of water in the vessel is maintained by a level controller and control valve.

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Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

The GFU recycles approximately 30% of the maximum flow through four multiple eductors. Two recycle pumps are provided for this service, one running and one on standby. The recycled water flowing through the eductor creates a vacuum which pulls vapor from the top of the vessel to be mixed into the water. The mixture is then dispersed into the contaminated liquid in the form of micro-fine bubbles into each of the four cells of the unit. The GFU has an interface Control System installed in the Oil compartment. This system consists of an Invalco control valve and Invalco level sensor with relay. The motive force to operate this system comes from the re-circulation header. This fluid drives an eductor mounted on the inlet piping. In normal operation, when no water is present in the oil compartment, this eductor pulls gas vapor into the unit from the gas blanket. When the probes detect water, the control valve channels and water is re-circulated into the vessel inlet from beneath the oil layer. This allows only oil to flow from the compartment to the Oil Trough in the API Pit. Should an upset condition in the flotation cell occur, level switches in each of the oil compartment and the water outlet provide signals for high level alarms which annunciate in the Operators shed. Additionally a low level switch in the water outlet compartment shuts down the re-circulating pump if the level in the flotation cell is lost.

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Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

SUMMARY

Improves separation of oil droplets from the water continuous phase Accomplished by increasing the difference in density Micro-fine gas bubbles adhere to the oil droplets Thus reducing vessel retention time and consequently vessel size Designed for 30,000 BPD Inlet water: 200-350 ppm oil Effluent water quality: <48 ppm oil Tank farm standard: 25 ppm

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Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

THERMAL HEATERS
The Tank Farm process utilizes four (4) Thermal Heaters. One (1) Heater Treater for slop oil processing, one (1) for production tank bottoms and two (2) Direct Fired Heaters for the wash tanks. The heaters are employed in different areas of the process and vary slightly in design, but fundamentally, perform the same function. They are all used to promote oil/water separation and oil viscosity reduction in areas where problematic oil/water emulsions (mixture of oil, water, solids and contaminants) are encountered. Intense heat (> 150 Degrees Fahrenheit) is applied to the crude oil via the principle of heat transfer (via Conduction, Convection and Radiation), combined with chemical treatment (demulsifiers), to achieve oil/water separation.

The slop oil Heater Treater is a cylindrical vessel 30ft. long and 8ft. in diameter with an 18-inch diameter fire tube which provides the heating medium to the crude. Operating temperature ranges between 150 to 220 Degrees Fahrenheit and fluctuates with the volume of crude being processed. There are two (2) burners and two (2) stacks at the end of the fire tube. The gas to the burners is controlled and regulated to ensure safe working operation. The Heater Treater is equipped with all safety devices to ensure safe operation. Operating pressure is approximately 50 psi and Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) is 75psi.

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Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

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Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

NEW PROCESS EQUIPMENT

VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM
During storage, light hydrocarbons dissolved in the crude oilincluding hydrogen sulphide, sulfur dioxide, methane and other volatile organic compounds (VOC), natural gas liquids (NGLs), hazardous air pollutants (HAP), and some inert gasesvaporize or "flash out" and collect in the space between the liquid and the fixed roof of the tank. As the liquid level in the tank fluctuates, these vapors are often vented to the atmosphere. To prevent emissions of these light hydrocarbon vapors a Vapor Recovery System has been interfaced with the existing process equipment and installed on oil storage tanks and process vessels. Vapor Recovery Systems are relatively simple systems that can capture as much as 95 percent of emitted vapors.

DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING A STANDARD STOCK TANK VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM

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Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

All recovered vapors/emissions will ultimately be piped to a Stack/Vent, situated adjacent to Wash Tank # 10.The Stack is to be utilized as part of the Vapor Recovery System to facilitate venting of the vapors/gaseous emissions collected from the connected storage tanks and process vessels.

DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING A TYPICAL STACK

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Petrotrin Trinmar Operations, Point Fortin, Trinidad

OIL/WATER SEPERATOR
Production tanks are prepared via bleeding of off-spec (>2.0% BS&W) bottom liquids (water and slop oil) through the API Skimmer Pits. These pits are open to atmosphere and consequently are a source of hazardous gaseous emissions (H2S, SO2, VOCs). Oil/Water Separators will ultimately replace the existing API skimmer pits at the Trinmar Tank Farm Facility. The main benefits to be derived from their use are, ideally, the elimination of hazardous gaseous emissions to the surrounding environments, derived from production tank bleeding/ preparation activities, as well as more controlled processing and management of effluent water and slop oil generated as a result of these activities.

DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING A SIMPLE OIL/WATER SEPERATOR

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