| abstract |
A desalter/dehydrator having a plurality of electrified coalescing stages in a single vessel, wherein the stages are isolated hydraulically to allow parallel or serial stage operations. In one embodiment, several electrical stages, each separately energized, are operated in parallel to proportionately increase vessel throughput capacity. In another embodiment, series operation is employed, wherein each successive stage receives the product from the preceding stage as feed, with fresh water being added. Placement of electrodes, distributors, collectors, etc. are determined by the type of operation to be performed in the vessel. |