VERTICAL 3-PHASE SEPARATOR WITH A DOWNCOMER AND SPREADER
A downcomer sends the liquid through the oil-water interface to keep from disturbing the fluid in the vessel.mThe downcomer outlet, or spreader, is located at the oil-water interface.
Water, being heavier than oil, will separate and settle to the bottom of the vessel. The interface level controller will open the water dump valve when the interface level rises.
The lighter oil will separate out and rest on top of the water. The weir height determines the oil level. Oil flows over the weir and into the oil bucket. This oil level in the bucket is then controlled by a level controller, which opens the oil dump valve when the level increases.
The gas exits through a mist extractor to a back pressure control valve, which maintains constant vessel pressure.