Frames Separation Technologies separation@frames-group.com frames-group.com

4.3.2 Frames Electrical Equipment Frames applies an Alternating Current (AC) voltage on the grids, for two reasons.

First, AC forces droplets to change shape over time, weakening the emulsifier film layer around droplets which decreases coalescence rate.

Second, AC has proven to be a straight-forward, reliable and fit-for purpose system. From a physical point of view there is no proof of better separation for complex voltages vs. time profiles. AC voltage ensures a minimum number of required electrical components, enhancing the reliability of the system.

The high voltage from the oil-filled transformer is introduced in the vessel via the high voltage entrance bushing. The bushing is a critical part, as it has to withstand the temperature and pressure difference between inside the vessel and outside, and it has to isolate the high voltage connection. For this reason, Frames developed its own bushing, which proved to be fully capable of withstanding the harsh environment.

4.3.3 Frames Inlet Device The unique Frames inlet distributor has been specifically designed to ensure optimal distribution of the mixture just below the grid. This results in efficient use of the electrostatic area and therefore smaller vessels than for other more common distributors that are used. Other features of the Frames distributor are low pressure drop and low degassing values. The inlet device was developed using experimental measurements and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analyses, as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 4: High Voltage Power Unit (Transformer)

Figure 5: A typical comparison between the Frames distributor (left) and a traditional parallel pipe design (right) is shown in a CFD analysis. Under identical conditions the Frames distributor shows a more uniform

velocity distribution than the traditional design.

Frames Distributor Traditional Distributor