CA3014779A1

CA3014779A1 - A high-pressure phase-separation simulator and methods of high-pressure high-temperature phase-separation simulation

Info

Publication number: CA3014779A1
Application number: CA3014779A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Dingzheng Yang; Meng LUO; Song Gao
Original assignee: Ecolab USA Inc
Current assignee: Ecolab USA Inc
Priority date: 2018-08-21
Filing date: 2018-08-21
Publication date: 2020-02-21
Also published as: WO2020041239A1

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a high-pressure phase separation simulator and methods of use thereof The simulator comprises a thermally conductive block and at least two separation vessels, each separation vessel comprising a pressure tube with pellucid walls, a top cap, and a base cap. One or more test fluids can be disposed in the separation vessels. The contents of each separation vessel can be mixed. The separation vessels can be pressurized to pressures exceeding 200 psig. Further liquid materials can be added to or removed from each separation vessel. The separation vessels can be heated. The contents of each separation vessel can be viewed; and the effects of temperature, pressure, and addition of diluents and chemicals such as emulsion breakers and the like can be visually assessed.

Description

A HIGH-PRESSURE PHASE-SEPARATION SIMULATOR AND METHODS OF
HIGH-PRESSURE HIGH-TEMPERATURE PHASE-SEPARATION SIMULATION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for the small-scale simulation of oil-water separation such as occurs in steam-assisted gravity drainage plant operations. The present invention also relates to methods of small-scale simulation of such oil-water separations.
BACKGROUND

[0002] Oil sands, also known as tar sands or more technically bituminous sands, are a type of unconventional petroleum deposit. Oil sands are either loose sands or partially consolidated sandstone containing a naturally occurring mixture of sand, clay, and water, saturated with a dense and extremely viscous form of petroleum technically referred to as bitumen. Such natural bitumen deposits are found in many countries, and large reserves thereof are located in Canada, Kazakhstan, Venezuela, and Russia.

[0003] Oil produced from bitumen sands is often referred to as unconventional oil or crude bitumen, to distinguish it from liquid hydrocarbons produced from traditional oil wells. The crude bitumen contained in the Canadian oil sands is a highly viscous mixture of hydrocarbons heavier than pentanes which, in its natural state, is not usually recoverable at a commercial rate through a well because it is too thick to flow. Crude bitumen is a sticky viscous form of crude oil, so that it will not flow unless heated or diluted with lighter hydrocarbons such as light crude oil or natural-gas condensate.

[0004] Much new production of bitumen and/or heavy oil comes from Alberta's vast oil sands deposits. Two primary methods of oil sands recovery are strip mining and steam-injection methods such as steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). Strip mining is generally only suitable for recovery of bitumen from shallow deposits. However, steam-assisted gravity drainage is better suited to the much larger deep deposits that surround shallow deposits. Future growth in production of bitumen from oil sands by steam-injection techniques is predicted.

[0005] Steam-assisted oil recovery techniques such as steam-assisted gravity drainage and cyclic steam stimulation involve the injection of superheated steam into a subsurface oil reservoir containing highly viscous crude oil materials, i.e. oils that are highly viscous at the reservoir temperature. The injection of the steam raises the temperature of the crude oil in the reservoir, thereby lowering the viscosity of the oil and enabling the flow and recovery thereof.

[0006] In steam-assisted gravity drainage, a pair of substantially horizontal wells is drilled into an oil reservoir, one a few meters above the other. High pressure steam is continuously injected into the upper wellbore to heat the oil and reduce its viscosity. A
volume of elevated temperature called a "steam chamber" is formed around the upper wellbore, the volume extending outwards into the reservoir and causing the heated oil to drain under gravity into the lower wellbore. A mixture of oil and a produced water comprising water-oil emulsion and/or reverse emulsion discharges from the lower wellbore. The liquid mixture can be an emulsion and/or reverse emulsion comprising water and heavy crude oil. The emulsions and reverse emulsions must be separated into the oil and produced water in order to recover the valuable oil therefrom.

[0007] However, natural or synthetic emulsion stabilizers, such as asphaltenes, naphthenic acid salts, petroleum resins, bi-wet solids, drilling fluids, and the like, can keep the oil and water phases emulsified with each other.

[0008] Demulsifying, separating, and purifying these phases are necessary steps before further processing. These processes involve a variety of agitations and stratifications by fluid density for various lengths of time. A variety of diluents, wash fluids, and/or chemicals agents can be added to one or both of the water and oil phases in order to accelerate the separation process or improve the quality of the processed fluids. High voltage electric fields can be applied to the oil phase to accelerate and improve dehydration. Secondary filtration can be applied to the water phase to accelerate and improve clarification.
Concentrated emulsion can be withdrawn from the stratified mesophase between the two phases in a separator and centrifuged to accelerate and improve the separation. In all these processes, heat is generally added to raise the temperature of the fluids and reduce the viscosity of the fluids. For heavy crudes, oils and bitumens, the temperature is often raised above the boiling point of the water or of the light ends in a diluent added to the oil. This requires elevated pressures to keep the fluids liquid.

[0009] Chemical agents may be added to treat oil, water, and/or water-oil mixtures such as demulsifiers, emulsion breakers (EB), reverse emulsion breakers (REB), dehydrators, water droppers, solids wetters, dehazers, water clarifiers, deoilers, flocculants, coagulants, oil coalescers, solids wetters, sluggers, slop treaters, interface clarifiers, dispersants, deposit inhibiters, or antifoulants.

[0010] New chemical agents are typically selected and developed using a simple apparatus, such as a set of glass bottles or tubes, and a process referred to as "bottle testing". In a simple embodiment, emulsion samples and chemical agents are added to the bottles and shaken. The temperature is limited to about 90 C and atmospheric pressure to keep the water from boiling.
The rate of oil-water separation is monitored as a function of time by observing the amount of "free" water that collects at the bottom of the bottle and/or the amount of "free" oil that collects at the top of the bottle, monitoring the "clarity" of the water phase, and the amount, phase continuity, and coarseness of the emulsion between the free water and the free oil. Because of the large number of possible chemical agents and combinations of these chemical agents that must be tested to find an appropriate treatment solution, and because of the unstable nature of the fresh emulsion samples used, the bottle testing needs to be carried out a number of samples at one time.

[0011] The foregoing bottle testing method has proven useful, but does not adequately simulate what happens at the higher temperatures and pressures used to process heavy crudes and bitumens. Surface active agents used for phase separation, as well as those native to the produced oil and water, can behave differently at different temperatures and pressures.

[0012] The process of steam enhanced oil recovery or steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) of bitumen is particularly difficult and important to simulate. In a SAGD process, steam is injected into an underground reservoir at temperatures up to 260 C.
The steam heats the oil as it condenses to high temperature water and carries the oil or bitumen out of the reservoir as an emulsion at temperatures up to 160 C under pressures from 100 to 300 psig or greater. A pressure of at least 75 psig is needed to keep water liquid at 160 C. The oil and water mix in highly turbulent flow at this temperature for several minutes to a few hours, then, after cooling to about 130 C, are separated in a series of vessels in which hydrocarbon diluent is added and water is removed. A variety of chemical separation aids are added at various places along oil/gas field production lines and ahead of equipment and vessels.

[0013] More sophisticated testing methods using high-pressure metal vessels have been used to simulate the temperature and pressure of the separation process, but standard metal vessels do not allow critical visual observations to be made as the fluids separate.

[0014] A glass jar with a lid threadably coupled to the glass body can be used for testing at elevated pressure, but in general these cannot withstand pressures in excess of 100 psig with a safety factor of 10 (i.e. jar will explode at about 1,000 psig or less). They are therefore unsuitable for simulation of pressures over 100 psig, such as the 120 psig to 300 psig or even greater encountered in plant separation processes. Therefore, while useful they cannot be safely employed to simulate the higher range of pressures and temperatures encountered in plant separation processes.

[0015] Therefore, there is a need to provide a high-pressure high-temperature phase separation simulator and simulation processes that can simulate temperatures higher of 130 C
or higher and pressures in excess of 100 psig with a safety factor of 10 or greater, and allow for visual observations to be made of a number of comparable separation processes simultaneously.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] A high-pressure phase-separation simulator is disclosed.

[0017] The simulator comprises a thermally conductive block. In embodiments, the block defines a cuboid or substantially cuboid shape with a top, bottom, back, front, and first and second sides. In embodiments, the block comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of aluminum.

[0018] The block defines an array of tube bores. In embodiments, the block defines a linear array of tube bores. In embodiments, the block defines a linear array of cylindrical or substantially cylindrical tube bores. In embodiments, the block defines two or more tube bores.
In some such embodiments, the block defines two to thirty tube bores, in embodiments two to twenty tube bores, in embodiments two to ten tube bores, or in embodiments, the block defines five tube bores.

[0019] The block further defines an array of viewing apertures. The block is configured whereby each viewing aperture intersects with a tube bore and each tube bore is intersected by a viewing aperture. The viewing apertures are equal in number to the number of tube bores defined by the block. Each viewing aperture is designed and adapted to provide line of sight to a tube bore.

[0020] In embodiments, the block defines an array of base bores. The block is configured whereby each base bore is adapted and designed to mate with a protruding portion of a base cap.

[0021] The simulator comprises two or more separation vessels. In some such embodiments, the simulator comprises two to thirty separation vessels, in embodiments two to twenty separation vessels, in embodiments two to ten separation vessels, or in embodiments, the simulator comprises five separation vessels.

[0022] Each separation vessel comprises a hollow pellucid pressure tube, a top cap, and a base cap. After assembly of the separation vessel, the pressure tube, top cap, and base cap define an interior of the separation vessel. In embodiments, the pellucid pressure tube defines a hollow-cylindrical or substantially hollow-cylindrical shape and a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical interior. In embodiments, the base cap comprises a protruding portion and the top cap comprises a plate-locating portion.

[0023] Each top cap includes a first flange portion and a first tube-locating portion. Each base cap includes a second flange portion and a second tube-locating portion.
In an assembled separation vessel; the first flange portion abuts a first end of the pressure tube and the second flange portion abuts a second end of the pressure tube, and the first and second tube-locating portions are disposed within the interior of the pressure tube.

[0024] In embodiments, the pressure tube is hollow and defines a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical interior. In an assembled separation vessel, first and second tube-locating portions are disposed within the substantially cylindrical interior.

[0025] Each pressure tube of each separation vessel is disposed within a tube bore, one pressure tube per bore. Each pressure tube is in thermal communication with the block.

[0026] The simulator comprises one or more pressure plates. In embodiments, the one or more pressure plates defines at least one top-locating hole per separation vessel. In embodiments, the number of pressure plates is equal to the number of tube bores defined by the block. In some such embodiments, each pressure plate defines one top-locating hole. In such embodiments, each plate-locating portion of each top cap of each separation vessel is mated with a top-locating hole, one plate-locating portion per top-locating hole.

[0027] In embodiments, the simulator further comprises a plurality of thermal insulation panels. In embodiments, the simulator comprises a top thermal insulation panel contiguous with the top of the block, a front thermal insulation panel contiguous with the front of the block, a rear thermal insulation panel contiguous with the back of the block, and two side thermal insulation panels, one contiguous with the first end of the block and a second side thermal insulation panel contiguous with the second end of the block.

[0028] In embodiments, the top thermal insulation panel comprises or consists of two halves. In embodiments, the two halves of the top thermal insulation panel are identical or substantially the same with regard to size, shape, composition, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the top thermal insulation panel defines a rectangular or substantially rectangular top and bottom surfaces, each of the top and bottom surfaces including a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges. In some such embodiments, the top insulation panel is divided into the two halves, wherein the division is along a line parallel to or substantially parallel to the front edge and the rear edge. In some such embodiments, the line is equidistant or substantially equidistant to the front and rear edges.

[0029] In embodiments, each thermal insulation panel is fixed to the block, except the top thermal insulation panel.

[0030] In embodiments, the simulator further comprises a first and a second support beam.
At least one surface of each support beam is contiguous with the bottom of the block. In embodiments, the simulator further comprises a multi-position stirring plate disposed between the first and second support beams, wherein one stirring position is proximal to each base bore.
In some such embodiments, each base cap defines a stirrer well, and a magnetic stirrer bar is disposed in each stirrer well. The simulator comprising the multi-position stirring plate is adapted and designed, whereby each stirrer bar can be urged by a magnetic field and/or magnetic vortex generated by the stirring plate, thereby causing each stirrer bar to rotate.

[0031] In preferred embodiments, the simulator further comprises a cover.
In embodiments, at least a portion of the cover is transparent. In embodiments, the cover defines a cuboid or substantially cuboid shape with an open side, thereby defining an interior of the cover whereby the block, separation vessels, pressure plates, and any thermal insulation panels are disposed within the interior of the cover. In embodiments, the cover defines side access ports, providing access to a control panel of the multi-position stirring plate.

[0032] In embodiments, the simulator comprises means for pressurizing one or more separation vessels. In embodiments, the means for pressurizing comprises a container of pressurized nitrogen in fluid communication with one or more, or in embodiments all, of the separation vessels.

[0033] In embodiments, the simulator comprises means for heating the block.
In embodiments, the means for heating the block comprises one or more heater rods, wherein the block defines on or more heater receptacles, at least part of each of the one or more heater rods is disposed within a heater receptacle, and each heater rod is in thermal communication with the block.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG. lA is a perspective view of a thermally conductive block of a simulator.

[0035] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the thermally conductive block of FIG. 1A.

=

[0036] FIG. 1C is a different cross-sectional view of the thermally conductive block of FIG. 1A.

[0037] FIG. 2A is a schematic exploded side-view of a separation vessel.

[0038] FIG. 2B is a schematic side-view of an assembled separation vessel.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a thermally conductive block of a simulator indicating the arrangement of simulator components relative to the block.

[0040] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of an assembled separation vessel, a thermally conductive block of a simulator, and the assembled separation vessel arranged within the block.

[0041] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a thermally conductive block showing arranged simulator components including five separation vessels and five pressure plates.

[0042] FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of a pressure plate of FIG. 5A.

[0043] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a thermally conductive block showing arranged simulator components including five separation vessels, thermal insulation panels, and two support beams.

[0044] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the thermally conductive block of FIG. 6A
showing a separation vessel.

[0045] FIG. 6C is a different cross-sectional view of the thermally conductive block of FIG. 6A, showing the separation vessel of FIG. 6B.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a view of a front thermal insulation panel.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a view of a rear thermal insulation panel.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of two halves of a top thermal insulation panel in juxtaposition.

[0049] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a side thermal insulation panel.

[0050] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a simulator cover.

[0051] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a simulator showing assembled simulator components including five separation vessels, thermal insulation panels, a multi-position stirring plate, and a cover.

[0052] FIG. 12B is a perspective and schematic view of the multi-position stirring plate of FIG. 12A separated from the thermally conductive block.

[0053] FIG. 13 depicts a cross-sectional view of a fully assembled separation vessel, a thermally conductive block of a simulator, and the fully assembled separation vessel arranged within the block.

[0054] FIG. 14 is a schematic side-view of an assembled separation vessel;
and a sample-introducing line, a pressurizing line, and sample thieving line connected therewith.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Although the present disclosure provides references to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

[0056] Definitions

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

[0058] As used herein, the term "produced water" means any water obtained as a byproduct in any crude oil recovery process.

[0059] As used herein, the term "crude oil" includes crude oil irrespective of density and viscosity, and includes heavy crude oils and bitumens.

[0060] As used herein, the term "heavy oil" or "heavy crude oil" means any crude petroleum with an American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity less than 22.3 and greater than 120.

[0061] As used herein, "bitumen" means asphalt or a crude oil having an API
gravity less than or equal to 12 .

[0062] As used herein, the term "molecular weight" in regard to polymers, unless otherwise specified, refers to the weight average molecular weight (Mw).

[0063] Unless otherwise specified, all concentrations disclosed are weight by weight of composition: for example a 50% aqueous solution of a scale inhibitor contains 5 grams of scale inhibitor per 10 grams of the aqueous solution.

[0064] As used herein, "mated with" refers to a first and a second part slidingly engaged with each other, wherein the first part defines a cavity, bore, or hole designed, shaped, and sized to receive at least a portion of the first part; and at least a portion of the second part is disposed within the cavity, bore, or hole, wherein the at least the portion fits snugly within the cavity, bore, or hole with no gap or substantially no gap between the at least the portion and the first part.

[0065] As used herein, "failure pressure" of a container refers to the minimum pressure differential between inside and outside of the container that is required to cause damage to the container. In this context, damage to the container includes, but is not limited to: bursting of the container, cracking or warping of any part of the container, and separation of any part of the container from any other part of the container (such as for example the separation of a lid from a glass jar).

[0066] As used herein, "safety factor" refers to the factor by which the failure pressure of a container exceeds the pressure differential between inside and outside of the container. For example, a container pressurized to an internal pressure of 100 psig and having a failure pressure of 1,000 psig is being used or operated with a safety factor of 10.

[0067] The terms "comprise(s)," "include(s)," "having," "has," "can,"
"contain(s)," and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that do not necessarily but may preclude the possibility of additional acts or structures.
The singular forms "a," "and," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The present disclosure also contemplates other embodiments "comprising,"
"consisting of," and "consisting essentially of," the embodiments or elements presented herein, whether explicitly set forth or not. Generally and as determined by context, the term "includes," as used in the specification, may be interpreted to mean any of "comprising,"
"consisting of," or "consisting essentially of."

[0068] As used herein, the term "optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may but need not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not.

[0069] As used herein, the term "about" modifying, for example, the quantity of an ingredient in a composition, concentration, volume, process temperature, process time, yield, flow rate, pressure, and like values, and ranges thereof, employed in describing the embodiments of the disclosure, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can occur, for example, through typical measuring and handling procedures used for making compounds, compositions, concentrates or use formulations; through inadvertent error in these procedures;
through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of starting materials or ingredients used to carry out the methods, and like proximate considerations. The term "about" also encompasses amounts that differ due to aging of a formulation with a particular initial concentration or mixture, and amounts that differ due to mixing or processing a formulation with a particular initial concentration or mixture. Where modified by the term "about" the claims appended hereto include equivalents to these quantities.

[0070] As used herein, the word "substantially" modifying, for example, the type or quantity of an ingredient in a composition, a property, a measurable quantity, a method, a position, a value, or a range, employed in describing the embodiments of the disclosure, refers to a variation that does not affect the overall recited composition, property, quantity, method, position, value, or range thereof in a manner that negates an intended composition, property, quantity, method, position, value, or range. Examples of intended properties include, solely by way of non-limiting examples thereof, flexibility, partition coefficient, rate, solubility, temperature, and the like; intended values include thickness, yield, weight, concentration, length, shape, and the like. The effect on methods that are modified by "substantially" include the effects caused by variations in type or amount of materials used in a process, variability in machine settings, the effects of ambient conditions on a process, and the like wherein the manner or degree of the effect does not negate one or more intended properties or results; and like proximate considerations. Where modified by the term "substantially" the claims appended hereto include equivalents to these types and amounts of materials.

[0071] General Discussion

[0072] The invention is an apparatus and methods directed to small-scale batch simulation of oil-water separation processes and the like at elevated temperatures and/or elevated pressures such as pressures from 100 psig to 300 psig or even higher.

[0073] The disclosed apparatus provides the ability to test and simultaneously view a number of comparable separation processes. For example, a variety of chemical agents can be added to samples of an oil-water emulsion for comparison; a single chemical agent can be added at a variety of concentrations to samples of an oil-water emulsion, and the like, to determine formulations providing the most effective separation at a given pressure and temperature.

[0074] Advantageously, the simulator allows for independent variation of pressure, including pressures higher than autogenic pressures at a given temperature, e.g. the apparatus is not limited to autogenic generation of pressure by heating one or more sealed vessels.
Pressures can be increased or decreased at a given temperature.

[0075] The simulator allows an array of separation vessels to be heated to the same or substantially the same temperature. Test liquids may be disposed within the separation vessels and mixed therein. Each vessel can be pressurized to a given pressure individually or the same or substantially the same pressure can be applied to the whole array of separation vessels.
Advantageously, the pressure can be increased above the autogenic pressure of the contents of the vessels.

[0076] Because the array of separation vessels is a linear array, an unexpected benefit of the simulator is that the vessels may be simultaneously or nearly simultaneously viewed from the same viewing direction at approximately the same distance to each separation vessel, thereby providing a simultaneous or nearly simultaneous real-time observation of the contents of any two or more vessels by a human observer.

[0077] A camera may be provided, one camera per separation vessel, to record the appearance of the contents of each separation vessel simultaneously over time.
The vessels and the contents associated therewith may be individually or collectively lit to provide clearer observations of the contents of the vessels.

[0078] Test materials may be disposed within the vessels before the vessels are assembled and/or after assembly of the separation vessels.

[0079] Advantageously, the simulator is easily disassembled for transport, e.g. to on-site testing facilities, and can be provided with wheels for easy transport within testing facilities. It can be used with commercial magnetic stirring plates such as multi-position stirring hotplates.

[0080] The simulator includes a thermally conductive block capable of being heated, the block defining a linear array of tube bores and an array of viewing apertures that are designed and adapted to provide a view of each tube bore. The simulator comprises at least two separation vessels. Each separation vessel comprises a top cap, a base cap, and a pellucid pressure tube. The simulator further comprises one or more pressure plates affixed to the block.
In embodiments, the one or more pressure plates are equal in number to the number of tube bores defined by the block. Each pressure plate of the one or more pressure plates defines at least one top-locating hole. The pressure tube and first and second flanges of each separation vessel are disposed in a tube bore, one separation vessel per bore, whereby the pressure tube, the base cap, and part of the top cap are disposed within the block. Part of the base cap of each separation vessel is mated with a base bore defined by the block. Each top cap comprises a plate-locating portion that is configured to protrude from a tube bore, and to mate with a top-locating hole of a pressure plate.

[0081] Each of the two or more separation vessels defines an interior capable of being pressure-sealed against fluid ingress or egress. Test liquids may be disposed within the interior of the separation vessels. In embodiments, the simulator comprises means for heating the block, and/or means for measuring the temperature within the separation vessels. The transparent walls of the pressure tubes of the separation vessels are in thermal communication with the block, whereby heating the block heats the separation vessels.

[0082] In embodiments, the simulator comprises means of pressurizing one or more separation vessels. Each separation vessel can be individually pressurized, or all the separation vessels in the simulator can be pressurized to the same or substantially the same pressure.
Advantageously, the pressure within each separation vessel can be adjusted independently of temperature, whereby the pressure in the separation vessels can be adjusted to a desired value exceeding the autogenic pressure of any contents within the separation vessel.
Put differently, pressures of interiors of separation vessels are not necessarily autogenic. In some embodiments, the autogenic pressure is the vapor pressure of a liquid disposed within the interior of the separation vessel.

[0083] In embodiments, the means of pressurizing comprises or consists of one or more containers of pressurized gas, the pressurized gas being in fluid communication with the interior of at least one of the two or more separation vessels via a pressure regulator and/or valve. In some embodiments, the simulator includes an adjustable valve for releasing pressure, wherein the valve is in fluid communication with the interior of each of the one or more of the separation vessels.

[0084] In embodiments, the simulator comprises a multi-position stirring plate. Liquid contents of each separation vessel can be stirred using a magnetic stirrer bar magnetically coupled to a magnetic vortex generated by the multi-position stirring plate.

[0085] Advantageously, in embodiments the simulator comprises thermal insulation panels, which assist in providing even temperature distribution within the block and equal or substantially equal temperatures in each of the separation vessels.

[0086] Detailed discussion

[0087] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, including preferred embodiments.

[0088] Block

[0089] FIG. lA is a perspective view of a block 10.

[0090] With reference to FIG. 1A: The high-pressure phase separation simulator comprises a thermally conductive block 10.

[0091] In embodiments, block 10 comprises a single piece or in embodiments two or more pieces. The pieces are fixed together by means for joining to form a single block.

[0092] In the embodiments shown in FIG. 1A, the block comprises or consists of two sub-blocks fixed together at joint 20 by a means for joining to form single block 10, wherein the sub-blocks are contiguous at joint 20. In embodiments, the two sub-blocks are bolted together to provide block 10.

[0093] In embodiments shown in the Figure 1A, thermally conductive block 10 has or defines top 30, bottom 80, front 40, back 50, first end 60, and second end 70.
In some such embodiments, thermally conductive block 10 has or defines a cuboid or substantially cuboid shape. In some such embodiments, front 40, back 50, first end 60, and second end 70 together circumscribe a rectangular or substantially rectangular perimeter. In embodiments, each of top 30, front 40, back 50, first end 60, second end 70, and/or bottom 80 is planar or substantially planar.

[0094] In embodiments, the block 10 has a thermal conductivity at 200 C of about 100 to about 200 W-m-I-Kl, in embodiments about 125 to about 175 W-m-1-K-1, in embodiments about 135 to about 150 W-m-1-K-1, in embodiments about 140 to about 150 W-m-1-K-1, or in embodiments about 144 W-m-1-K-1.

[0095] In embodiments, the block 10 has a density at 20 C of about 1.5 to about 5.0 g/cm3, in embodiments about 2.0 to about 4 g/cm3, in embodiments about 2.0 to about 3.0 g/cm3, in embodiments about 2.5 to about 3.0 g/cm3, or in embodiments about 2.7 g/cm3.

[0096] In embodiments, the block 10 comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a metal and/or metal alloy. In embodiments the block 10 comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of aluminum.

[0097] Block 10 defines one or more tube bores, in embodiments two or more tube bores 100. In embodiments, the block defines two to thirty tube bores, in embodiments two to twenty tube bores, in embodiments two to ten tube bores, in embodiments, two to seven tube bores, in embodiments ten tube bores, in embodiments nine tube bores, in embodiments eight tube bores, in embodiments seven tube bores, in embodiments six tube bores, in embodiments five tube bores, in embodiments four tube bores, in embodiments three tube bores, or in embodiments two tube bores.

[0098] The number of tube bores is not particularly limited providing that the block is of sufficient size to define the number of bores. Each tube bore is designed and adapted to slidingly engage with one separation vessel (further described herein below).
When the block defines N tube bores, the simulator includes from one to N separation vessels, in embodiments from two to N separation vessels. The maximum number of separation vessels and tube bores with which to accommodate them can be limited by the number of operators available to attend to the separation vessels when the simulator is in use. In embodiments, the block defines two or more tube bores. In some such embodiments, the block defines two to thirty tube bores, in embodiments two to twenty tube bores, in embodiments two to ten tube bores, or in embodiments two to five tube bores. In some such embodiments, the block defines five tube bores.

[0099] The arrangement of the tube bores is not particularly limited. Thus, the tube bores may extend from the top of the block towards the bottom of the block and be disposed in two or more lines. However, in preferred embodiments, the block defines a single linear array of tube bores, wherein the distance of every axis defined by every tube bore to the front of the block is the same or substantially the same.

[0100] In the embodiments shown in FIG. 1A, block 10 defines a linear array 90 of five tube bores 100, wherein each of the two or more tube bores 100 is right-cylindrical or substantially right-cylindrical and each tube bore defines an axis 110 parallel to or substantially parallel to the front 40 of the thermally conductive block 10. In some such embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1A, each tube bore 100 is the same or substantially the same with regard to dimensions and shape. In this context, a linear array means that the axis 110 of each tube bore intersects with a straight line parallel to or substantially parallel to the front 40 of block 10, the back 50 of block 10, the top 30 of block 10, and the bottom 80 of block 10;
and the straight line or substantially straight line is perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the first end 60 and the second end 70. In such embodiments, axis 110 of each tube bore 100 is the same distance or substantially the same distance from front 40 of block 10.
Such a linear array is advantageous in unexpectedly providing a single viewpoint of a plurality of separation vessels 170 (described below) and contents thereof, when each separation vessel 170 is slidingly engaged with a tube bore 100. In some such embodiments, axes 110 of the bores are evenly distributed along the straight line defined by the tube bores.

[0101] In some such embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1A, the block defines a circular or substantially circular hole 120 in top 30 of block 10, where tube bore 100 intersects with top 30 of block 10.

[0102] FIG. 1B shows a cross-section of the block of FIG. IA.

[0103] With reference to FIG. 1B: In embodiments, tube bore 100 is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical in shape. In such embodiments, the block defines a tube bore diameter or average diameter 470 and axis 110.

[0104] In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1B, tube bore 100 is right-cylindrical or substantially right-cylindrical and has depth 970, diameter or average diameter 470, and interior surface 480. Where tube bore 100 intersects top 30 of block 10, block defines circular or substantially circular hole 120.

[0105] Base bores

[0106] With further reference to FIG. 1B: Block 10 further defines an array of base bores equal in number to the number of the tube bores defined by the block. Each base bore 140 extends from the bottom 80 of block 10 to a tube bore 100. Stated differently, each tube bore 100 terminates in one base bore 140 and each base bore 140 opens into one tube bore 100. In embodiments, each base bore 140 is substantially disc-shaped or cylindrical, thereby defining an axis. In some such embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1B, the axis 110 defined by a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical tube bore 100 is coincident with the axis defined by the corresponding base bore. In embodiments, the base bore 140 and the tube bore are circular or substantially circular in a cross-sectional plane parallel to the top 30 of block 10 and the bottom 80 of block 10, and as shown in FIG. 1B the tube bore 100 defines a diameter 470 that is greater than a diameter defined by the base bore 140.

[0107] Viewing apertures

[0108] With reference to FIG. 1A: Block 10 further defines an array 180 of viewing apertures equal in number to the number of the tube bores defined by the block.

[0109] FIG. 1C shows a cross-section of the block of FIG. 1A.

[0110] With reference to FIG. 1C, the block is configured whereby each viewing aperture 190 extends from front 40 of block 10 towards back 50 of block 10. The block is configured, whereby each viewing aperture 190 intersects with a separate tube bore 100, i.e. each viewing aperture 190 intersects one tube bore 100 and each tube bore 100 is intersected by one viewing aperture 190. (This is further shown in FIG. 6C, further described herein below.)

[0111] Each viewing aperture 190 defines one opening in the front 30 of block 10 and an opening in one tube bore 100. The shape of the opening in the front 30 of block 10 is not particularly limited. In the embodiments shown in FIG. 1A, block 10 defines a stadium-shaped hole where viewing aperture 190 intersects front 30 of block 10.

[0112] In embodiments, block is configured whereby each of the viewing apertures 190 is symmetrical or substantially symmetrical about a plane parallel to or substantially parallel to the first end 60 of block 10 and the second end 70 of block 10; whereby the plane intersects the axis 110 of a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical tube bore 100.

[0113] Lighting apertures

[0114] In embodiments, thermally conductive block 10 defines an array 200 of lighting apertures 210. In embodiments, block 10 defines an array 200 of five lighting apertures 210.

[0115] With reference to FIG. 1C: Block is configured whereby each lighting aperture 210 extends from back 50 of block 10 towards a tube bore 100, and intersects therewith, i.e. each lighting aperture 210 intersects one tube bore 100 and each tube bore 100 is intersected by one lighting aperture 210.

[0116] In embodiments, the number of lighting apertures 210 equals the number of viewing apertures 190 defined by block 10.

[0117] Block 10 defines one opening in back 50 thereof where each lighting aperture 210 intersects back 50. In embodiments, each opening in the back 50 of the block 10 has or defines a stadium shape or substantially stadium shape.

[0118] Further, block 10 defines an opening in each tube bore 100 where each lighting aperture 210 intersects the tube bore 100. In embodiments, the size and shape of each lighting aperture 210 is the same or substantially the same as the size and shape of each viewing aperture 190.

[0119] In embodiments, each lighting apertures 210 is symmetrical or substantially symmetrical about a plane parallel to or substantially parallel to the first end of block 10 and the second end of block 10; whereby the plane intersects the axis of a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical tube bore.

[0120] Each lighting aperture 190 is designed and adapted to facilitate a viewer viewing a separation vessel 170 disposed within tube bore 100. In embodiments, simulator 5 includes one or more light sources disposed whereby each light source shines light through, in order, a lighting aperture 210, a pressure tube 260 of a separation vessel 170, and through a viewing aperture 190. In such embodiments, the block is designed and adapted to provide a line-of-sight through each viewing aperture, thence through one tube bore, and thence through one lighting aperture.

[0121] Each lighting aperture 210 enables a light shone therethrough to illuminate and/or backlight liquid materials disposed within separation vessel 170 within interior 490.

[0122] Separation vessel

[0123] The simulator 5 comprises two or more separation vessels 170. In embodiments, the simulator comprises two to thirty separation vessels, in embodiments two to twenty separation vessels, in embodiments two to ten separation vessels, in embodiments two to five separation vessels, or in embodiments five separation vessels. The number of separation vessels is equal to or less than the number of tube bores defined by the block.

[0124] FIG. 2A shows a schematic exploded side-view of a separation vessel 170.

[0125] In embodiments, the block 10 defines five tube bores, as shown in FIG. 1A, wherein the five tube bores are in a linear array and evenly spaced from each other.
In some such embodiments, the simulator comprises two separation vessels 170, in embodiments three separation vessels 170, in embodiments four separation vessels 170, or in embodiments five separation vessels 170.

[0126] FIG. 2B shows a schematic side-view of an assembled separation vessel 170.

[0127] With reference to FIG. 2B: Each separation vessel 170 comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of top cap 360, base cap 160, and pressure tube 260.

[0128] As further described herein below, means for pressurizing the interior 490 of each assembled separation vessel 170 is provided, whereby the pressure within each separation vessel can be raised to about 5 psig (1378951 pascals) to about 2000 psig ( 13789515 pascals).

[0129] Each separation vessel 170 will now be describe with regard to constituent parts.

[0130] Pressure tube

[0131] With reference to FIG. 2A: Each separation vessel 170 comprises pressure tube 260. Pressure tube 260 comprises an exterior surface 300, an interior surface 310, first end 320 defining first opening 340, and second end 330 defining a second opening 350.

[0132] In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2A (and FIG. 2B and FIG. 3) pressure tube 260 has or defines a hollow-cylindrical shape or a substantially hollow-cylindrical shape, and defines inner diameter 270 and outer diameter 280. Pressure tube 260 defines an interior.

[0133] Pressure tube 260 is pellucid, i.e. transparent or translucent. In embodiments, the pressure tube comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of glass. In embodiments the glass is selected from the group consisting of tempered Pyrex , Schott glass, or a combination thereof

[0134] In embodiments wherein pressure tube 260 has a hollow-cylindrical or substantially hollow-cylindrical shape, pressure tube 260 defines outer diameter 280 and inner diameter 270.
In such embodiments, inner diameter 270 is the diameter of first opening 340 and of second opening 350. As shown in FIG. 2B, top cap 360, base cap 160, and pressure tube of each assembled separation vessel 170 define interior 490.

[0135] In some such embodiments, outer diameter 280 or average outer diameter is about 6 inches (15.24 cm) to about 1 inch (2.54 cm), in embodiments about 5 inches (12.70 cm) to about 2 inches (5.08 cm), in embodiments about 4 inches (10.16 cm) to about 2 inches (5.08 cm), in embodiments about 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) to about 2.5 inches (6.35 cm), in embodiments about 3 inches (7.62 cm) to about 2.5 inches (6.35 cm), in embodiments about 4 inches (10.16 cm) to about 3.5 inches (8.89 cm), in embodiments about 7 inches (17.78 cm) to about 5 inches (12.7 cm), or in embodiments about 1 inch (2.54 cm), in embodiments about 2 inches (5.08 cm), in embodiments about 3 inches (7.62 cm), in embodiments about 4 inches (10.16 cm), in embodiments about 5 inches (12.7 cm), in embodiments about 6 inches (15.24 cm), or in embodiments about 7 inches (17.78 cm). In embodiments, inner diameter or average inner diameter 270 is about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) to about 3.5 inches (8.89 cm), in embodiments about 1 inch (2.54 cm) to about 4 inches (10.16 cm), in embodiments about 2 inches (5.08 cm) to about 5 inches (12.7 cm), in embodiments about 1 inch (2.54 cm) to about 2 inches (5.08 cm), in embodiments about 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) to about 2 inches (5.08 cm), in embodiments about 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) to about 2.5 inches (6.35 cm), in embodiments about 2 inches (5.08 cm) to about 3 inches (7.62 cm), in embodiments about 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) to about 3.5 inches (8.89 cm). The invention contemplates any combination of the aforementioned outer and inner diameters, with the proviso that the outer diameter or average outer diameter is greater than the inner diameter or average inner diameter.

[0136] In embodiments, pressure tube 260 has a thickness of about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) to about 1 inch (2.54 cm), in embodiments about 1 inch (2.54 cm) to about 2 inches (5.08 cm), in embodiments about 2 inches (5.08 cm) to about 3 inches (7.62 cm), or in embodiments about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) to about 5 inches (12.7 cm).

[0137] Base cap

[0138] With further reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B: Each separation vessel 170 comprises base cap 160. Base cap 160 comprises, in order: protruding portion 150; second flange portion 430; and second tube-locating portion 440. With reference FIG.
2B, in assembled separation vessel 170, second tube-locating portion 440 is disposed within second opening 350 of pressure tube 260, whereby second flange portion 430 abuts second end 330 of pressure tube 260.

[0139] In embodiments, second tube-locating portion 440 is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical in shape, and the second flange portion 430 is disc shaped or substantially disc shaped. In embodiments, the second flange portion defines a second flange diameter, wherein the second flange diameter is greater than inner diameter 270 of pressure tube 260 and less than or equal to the outer diameter 280 pressure tube 260. The second flange diameter is less than or substantially equal to diameter 470 of tube bore 100.

[0140] Second tube-locating portion 440 defines a maximum diameter less than or equal to inner diameter 270 of pressure tube 260.

[0141] In embodiments shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, second flange portion 430 has or defines a diameter greater than a diameter of second tube-locating portion 440.

[0142] Second tube-locating portion 440 defines an exterior surface 990 and second perimetric groove 450 in exterior surface 990. In embodiments as shown in FIG.
2A, perimetric groove 450 defines a plane of reflection, wherein the plane is parallel or substantially parallel to a major surface of second flange portion 430 and parallel or substantially parallel to second end 330 of pressure tube 260 in assembled separation vessel 170.

[0143] In embodiments, protruding portion 150, second flange portion 430, and second tube-locating portion 440 consist of a single piece, in some such embodiments a single piece of metal.

[0144] In embodiments, base cap 160 includes second 0-ring 460. In assembled separation vessel 170, second 0-ring 460 is disposed in second perimetric groove 450 between second tube-locating portion 440 and interior surface 310 of pressure tube 260, and is adapted to form a seal against fluid egress from interior 490 into surroundings.

[0145] Second tube-locating portion 440 defines stirrer well 500 in fluid communication with interior 490. In embodiments, second tube-locating portion 440 defines a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical stirrer well 500. In such embodiments, stirrer well 500 is a bore extending from top end 920 of second tube-locating portion 440 towards, but not as far as end surface 1060 of protruding portion.

[0146] In embodiments, magnetic stirrer bar 650 is disposed within stirrer well 500 before assembly of separation vessel 170.

[0147] Top cap

[0148] With further reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B: Each separation vessel comprises a top cop 360. Top cap 360 comprises or defines a first flange portion 380 and first tube-locating portion 390. In embodiments, top cap 360, first flange portion 380, and first tube-locating portion 390 have or define a circular or substantially circular cross-section.

[0149] In embodiments, the pressure tube 260 has or defines a hollow-cylindrical or substantially hollow cylindrical shape, first tube-locating portion 390 is substantially cylindrical in shape, and first flange portion 380 is disc shaped or substantially disc shaped. In embodiments, first flange portion 380 defines a first flange diameter, wherein the first flange diameter is greater than inner diameter 270 of pressure tube 260 and less than or equal to outer diameter 280 of pressure tube 260.

[0150] First tube-locating portion 390 has or defines bottom end 900 of top cap 360.

[0151] After assembly of separation vessel 170, as shown in FIG. 2B, first flange portion 380 abuts first end 320 of pressure tube 260 and first tube-locating portion 390 is disposed within first opening 340 of pressure tube 260 and within the interior of the pressure tube. First tube-locating portion 390 defines a maximum diameter less than or equal to inner diameter 270 of pressure tube 260. In embodiments, first tube-locating portion 390 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a maximum diameter equal to or approximately equal to inner diameter 270 of the pressure tube.

[0152] In embodiments, first flange portion 380 has or defines a diameter greater than a diameter of first tube-locating portion 390.

[0153] First tube-locating portion 390 defines exterior surface 980 and first perimetric groove 400 in exterior surface 980. In embodiments, perimetric groove 400 defines a plane of reflection, wherein the plane is parallel or substantially parallel to a major surface of first flange portion 380 and parallel to or substantially parallel to first end 320 of pressure tube 260 in assembled separation vessel 170.

[0154] In embodiments, top cap 360 comprises, in order: plate-locating portion 370, first flange portion 380, and first tube-locating portion 390. In embodiments, plate-locating portion 370, first flange portion 380, and first tube-locating portion 390 constitute a single piece, e.g.
a single piece of metal.

[0155] Plate-locating portion 370 has or defines top end 640. In embodiments, plate-locating portion 370 defines or has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape. In such embodiments, top end 640 has or defines a circular or substantially circular shape (as shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5A, 5A, and FIG. 12A, further described below).

[0156] In embodiments, top cap 360 includes first 0-ring 410. With further reference to FIG. 2B: First 0-ring 410 is disposed in first perimetric groove 400 between first tube-locating portion 390 and interior surface 310 of pressure tube 260, and is adapted to form a seal against fluid egress from interior 490 into surroundings.

[0157] In embodiments, length 290 is about 4.5 inches (11.43 cm) to about 5.5 inches (13.97 cm), in embodiments about 5.5 inches (13.97 cm) to about 6.5 inches (16.51 cm), in embodiments about 6.5 inches (16.51 cm) to about 7.5 inches (19.05 cm), in embodiments about 7.5 inches (19.05 cm) to about 8.5 inches (21.59 cm), in embodiments about 8.5 inches (21.59 cm)to about 9.5 inches (24.13 cm), in embodiments about 9.5 inches (24.13 cm) to about 10.5 inches (26.67 cm), or in embodiments about 4.5 inches (11.43 cm) to about 20 inches (50.8 cm) or in embodiments about 5 inches (12.7 cm) to about 15 inches (38.1 cm).

[0158] In embodiments, an outer (maximum) diameter of first tube-locating portion 390 is about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) to about 1 inch (2.54 cm), in embodiments about 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) to about 2 inches (5.08 cm), in embodiments about 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) to about 3 inches (7.62 cm), or in embodiments about 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) to about 4 inches (10.16 cm). In embodiments, an outer (maximum) diameter of second tube-locating portion 440 is about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) to about 1 inch (2.54 cm), in embodiments about 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) to about 2 inches (5.08 cm), in embodiments about 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) to about 3 inches (7.62 cm), or in embodiments about 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) to about 4 inches (10.16 cm). In embodiments, the outer diameter of the first tube-locating portion is the same or substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second tube-locating portion.

[0159] In embodiments, the diameter or average diameter of stirrer well 490 is about 1 inch (2.54 cm) to about 3 inches (7.62 cm), or in embodiments about 1 inch (2.54 cm) to about 1.5 inches (3.81 cm).

[0160] In embodiments, outer diameter of first flange portion 380 is about 1 inch (2.54 cm) to about 4 inches (10.16 cm), in embodiments about 2 inches (5.08 cm) to about 5 inches (12.7 cm), in embodiments about 2 inches (5.08 cm), in embodiments about 3 inches (7.62 cm), in embodiments about 4 inches (10.16 cm), or in embodiments about 5 inches (12.7 cm).

[0161] In embodiments, outer diameter of second flange portion 430 is about 1 inch (2.54 cm) to about 4 inches (10.16 cm), in embodiments about 2 inches (5.08 cm) to about 5 inches (12.7 cm), in embodiments about 2 inches (5.08 cm), in embodiments about 3 inches (7.62 cm), in embodiments about 4 inches (10.16 cm), or in embodiments about 5 inches (12.7 cm). In some such embodiments, the outer diameter of the first and second flange portions are equal or substantially equal to each other.

[0162] With reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B: In embodiments, separation vessel 170 is assembled by insertion of second tube-locating portion 440 of base cap 160 including second 0-ring 460 through second opening 350 and slidingly engaging second tube-locating portion 440 with pressure tube 260, whereby second flange portion 430 abuts second end 330 of pressure tube 260. In some embodiments wherein stirring of contents of separation vessel 170 will be required, magnetic stirrer bar 650 is next inserted in pressure tube 260 via first opening 340. Then assembly of separation vessel is completed by addition of top cap by insertion of first tube-locating portion 390 (including first 0-ring 410) through first opening 340 and slidingly engaging first tube-locating portion 390 with pressure tube 260, whereby first flange portion 380 abuts first end 320 of pressure tube 260.

[0163] Access bores

[0164] In embodiments, top cap 360 defines one or more access bores 510. In embodiments, each top cap defines one access bore, in embodiments two access bores, in embodiments three access bores, in embodiments four access bores, or in embodiments five access bores.

[0165] With reference to FIG. 2A and 2B: In embodiments each top cap 360 defines five access bores 510. The five access bores 510 per separation vessel 170 enable the use of a temperature-measurement device 250, a pressurizing line 560, a venting line 550, a sample-thieving line 530, and injection line 520 without losing pressure in interior 490, as described further herein below.

[0166] In embodiments, each of pressurizing line 560, venting line 550, sample-thieving line 530, injection line 520, temperature measurement device 250, or any combination thereof is attached to top cap by a pressure-fitting, as is known in the art, whereby each of pressurizing line 560, venting line 550, sample-thieving line 530, and/or injection line 520 is in fluid communication with interior 490, and whereby the combination of top cap 360, all pressure fittings, pressurizing line 560, venting line 550, sample-thieving line 530, injection line 520, and/or temperature measurement device 250 is configured to provide a seal against egress of fluid (such as gaseous and/or liquid contents within the separation vessel at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure) from interior 490 except via pressurizing line 560, venting line 550, sample-thieving line 530, and/or injection line 520. In embodiments, pressure fitting 1150 comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a pressure tube ferrule set. Suitable fittings are available for example from Swagelok, Inc. of Solon, Ohio, USA.

[0167] With reference to FIG. 2A and 2B: Each access bore 510 extends from top end 640 of plate-locating portion 370 to the bottom end 900 of top cap 360. The access bores provide fluid communication with interior 490 of separation vessel 170. Such fluid communication enables disposition of liquids such as test materials into interior 490, the removal of liquids therefrom, the addition of pressurized gas thereto, and/or the venting of pressurized gas therefrom. Further, an access bore can provide for the egress of part of a temperature-measurement device 250 such as a thermocouple 540, or the egress of one or more electrical wires therefrom.

[0168] In embodiments, each top cap 360 defines at least two access bores 510, a first access bore adapted to receive a pressurizing line and a second access bore adapted to receive a venting line.

[0169] In embodiments, each top cap 360 of each separation vessel 170 defines a first access bore, a second access bore, a third access bore, a fourth access bore, and a fifth access bore (as shown for example in FIG. 3, FIG. 5A, FIG. 6A, and FIG. 12A.). In embodiments, the first access bore is adapted to receive an end section of pressurizing line 560, the second access bore is adapted to receive an end section of a venting line 550, the third access bore is adapted to receive an end section of a sample-introducing line 910, the fourth access bore is adapted to receive an end section of a sample-thieving line 530, and the fifth access bore is adapted to receive a temperature-measurement device 250 such as a thermocouple.

[0170] In FIG. 2B, for clarity only three of the five access bores 510 are shown¨an access bore adapted to receive end section of sample-introducing line 910, an access bore adapted to receive an end section of pressurizing line 560, and an access bore adapted to receive an end section of a sample-thieving line 530.

[0171] In FIG. 13, described further herein below, a cross-sectional view, three of the five access bores 510 are visible, an access bore adapted to receive a venting line 550, an access bore adapted to receive a pressurizing line 560, and an access bore adapted to receive a thermocouple 540. The number and position of access bores per top cap can vary.

[0172] Heater receptacles

[0173] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a thermally conductive block, wherein the block defines heater receptacles.

[0174] With reference to FIG. 3, in embodiments, block 10 defines one or more heater receptacles 220. Each heater receptacle 220 is adapted to receive a means for heating, wherein the means for heating or a part of the means for heating is disposed within the heater bore and the means for heating is in thermal communication with the block.

[0175] In embodiments, the means for heating comprises or consists of a heater rod 230.
In embodiments, the means for heating comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of heater rods selected from cartridge heaters, ceramic heating elements, and alumina metallic ceramic heating elements. In embodiments, an exterior surface of heater rod 230 is in thermal communication with block 10. In embodiments, a maximum width of heater rod 230 is equal to or substantially equal to a diameter of heater receptacle 220, wherein heater receptacle is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical.

[0176] Each of heater rods 230 is connected to and in electrical communication with an electrical power supply, such as a temperature controller 240. Temperature controller 240 is configured to provide electrical power to one or more heater rods 230. In embodiments, temperature controller 240 is also in electrical communication with one or more temperature-measurement devices 250 such as thermocouples.

[0177] The heater receptacles 220 are bores defined by block 10, wherein the heater receptacles extend from the front 40, the back 50, the top 30, the first end 60, and/or second end 70 of block 10.

[0178] In embodiments, block 10 defines cylindrical or substantially cylindrical heater receptacles 220.

[0179] In the embodiments shown in FIG. 3, each heater receptacle 220 is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical and extends from top 30 toward bottom 80, and block 10 defines four heater receptacles 220 per tube bore 100, whereby block 10 defines five tube bores 100 and twenty heater receptacles 220.

[0180] In embodiments, the block defines five to ten, in embodiments ten to twenty, in embodiments fifteen to twenty, or in embodiments one to five heater receptacles 220. In embodiments, the simulator comprises five to ten, in embodiments ten to twenty, in embodiments fifteen to twenty, or in embodiments one to five heater rods 230, wherein each rod 230 is in thermal communication with block 10 and wherein each heater rod or part of each heater rod is disposed within a heater receptacle 220, whereby when electrical power is supplied to heater rod 230, heat is transferred to block 10, and temperature of block 10 rises.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 3, in embodiments, block 10 defines a plurality of heater receptacles 220 extending from top 30 of block 10 towards the bottom of block 10. In some such embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, block 10 defines four heater receptacles 220 per tube bore 100, wherein the plurality of heater receptacles is disposed in two linear arrays of heater receptacles, each linear array being parallel to or substantially parallel to the front 40 and back 50 of block 10. In some such embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the block defines five tube bores 100 and twenty heater receptacles 220. We have found that such an arrangement advantageously provides even heating for five separation vessels 170, each separation vessel disposed within a separate tube bore 100.

[0182] In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, block 10 defines a linear array 90 five tube bores 100 and twenty heater receptacles 220. In such embodiments, the simulator comprises 1-20 heater rods 230, in embodiments, 1-10 heater rods, in embodiments 5-15 heater rods, in embodiments 10-20 heater rods, in embodiments 5-10 heater rods, in embodiments heater rods, or in embodiments 20 heater rods, wherein each heater rod 230 or a part thereof is individually disposed within a heater receptacle 220. In some such embodiments, the simulator comprises twenty heater rods 230.

[0183] Separation vessels within block

[0184] With reference to FIG. 3, separation vessel 170 is inserted through hole 120 into tube bore 100.

[0185] FIG. 4 shows an assembled separation vessel 170 disposed within a tube bore 100.

[0186] With reference to FIG. 4: In embodiments, protruding portion 150 of the base cap 160 of separation vessel 170 is snugly slidingly engaged with a base bore 140 and disposed therein; the pressure tube 260 is disposed within tube bore 100 and is in thermal communication with block 10, the first and second flanges are disposed within tube bore 100, a surface of the first flange portion lies within or substantially within a plane defined by top 30 of block 10, the plate-locating portion 370 of top cap 360 protrudes from tube bore 100, and end surface 1060 of the protruding portion 150 lies within or substantially within a plane defined by bottom 80 of block 10.

[0187] Protruding portion 150 is mated with one of the base bores 140.
Stated differently, each base bore 140 is adapted to snugly receive protruding portion 150 of base cap 160 of one of the separation vessels 170. Protruding portion 150 defines a shape identical or substantially the same as base bore 140.

[0188] In embodiments protruding portion 150 and base bore 140 are cylindrical or substantially cylindrical in shape; diameter 1030 of protruding portion 150 is equal to or approximately equal to diameter 1040 of base bore 140, and height 1050 defined by protruding portion 150 equals or is approximately equal to depth 420 of a base bore 140.
This arrangement is advantageous because it is easier to seat separation vessel 170 within tube bore 100 without rotating the tube bore and/or base cap 160 to dispose protruding portion 150 in base bore 140.

[0189] FIG. 4 shows separation vessel 170 after disposal into tube bore 100. Plate-locating portion 370 of top cap 360 protrudes from block 10.

[0190] Each pressure tube 260 is in thermal communication with the block 10, i.e. when the temperature of block 10 rises above the temperature of separation vessel 170, heat flows from the block into the separation vessel 170, thereby warming any contents disposed within interior 490.

[0191] In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, separation vessel 170 comprises a pressure tube 260 defining outer diameter 280, whereby outer diameter 280 is equal to or substantially equal to diameter 470 of tube bore 100, whereby exterior surface 300 of pressure tube 260 contacts block 10. In embodiments, exterior surface 300 of pressure tube 260 is contiguous or substantially contiguous with the interior surface 480 of tube bore 100.

[0192] Pressure plates

[0193] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a simulator including a thermally conductive block, five pressure plates bolted to the block, and five separation vessels disposed within five tube bores.

[0194] With reference to FIG. 5A and 5B: Simulator 5 comprises one or more pressure plates 610. The one or more pressure plates are fastened to the top of the block 10. Each pressure plate has or defines an upper major surface 1070 and a lower major surface 1080, wherein the major surfaces are parallel to or substantially parallel to the top 30 of the block 10, and wherein the lower surface 1080 is contiguous or substantially contiguous with top 30 of block 10.

[0195] Each pressure plate 610 defines at least one top-locating hole 630 therein designed and adapted to receive a plate-locating portion 370. Top-locating hole 630 is a bore that passes through the pressure plate and extends from the upper surface 1070 of the plate 610 to the lower surface 1080 of the plate 610. Each and every plate-locating portion 370 of the simulator is slidingly engaged with and disposed within a top-locating hole 630. Each top-locating hole 630 is sized and shaped whereby plate-locating portion 370 of a top cap of one of the separation vessels fits snugly in hole 630. Each first flange portion 380 of each top cap 360 of every separation vessel 170 abuts a pressure plate 610 in the assembled simulator.
In embodiments, top-locating hole 630 is circular or substantially circular, first flange portion 380 is circular or substantially circular in a cross-section, and the diameter defined by top-locating hole 610 is less than a diameter defined by first flange portion 380.

[0196] In embodiments, a plurality of pressure plates 610 is fastened to the top 30 of block 10, wherein the number of pressure plates equals the number of separation vessels 170 that the simulator comprises. In some such embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5A, simulator 5 comprises five separation vessels 170, and five pressure plates 610 are fixed to top 30 of block 10. In such embodiments, each pressure plate 610 defines only one top-locating hole 630, in which one plate-locating portion 370 is disposed. In some such embodiments, each pressure plate is fastened to the top of block 10 by four bolts 620, a shown schematically in FIG. 5A. In such embodiments, the block 10 defines a plurality of threaded bolt holes, wherein each threaded hole is adapted to receive a threaded bolt whereby each bolt 620 is screwed into the block and thereby each pressure plate 610 is fixed to top 30 of block 10.

[0197] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5A, simulator 5 is configured whereby each plate-locating portion 370 protrudes through top-locating hole 630, whereby part of the plate-locating portion 370 extends away from the top 30 of block 10 and is proud of upper surface 1070 of pressure plate 610. In other embodiments, the top end 640 of each plate locating portion 370 lies flush with upper surface 1070 of each pressure-plate 610.

[0198] In embodiments, the pressure plates 610 are all the same size and shape or substantially the same size and shape (as each other).

[0199] Other arrangements are possible. For example, each top plate could define two or more top-locating holes, with the proviso that every plate-locating portion of every top cap of the simulator is slidingly engaged and disposed within a top locating hole, and that every pressure plate is fastened to the top of block 10.

[0200] Advantageously and unexpectedly, such one or more pressure plates 610 fastened to block 10 and in conjunction with separation vessels 170 disposed within tube bores 100 enable interiors of the separation vessels to be pressurized (i.e. the pressure of the contents within interiors to be increase above atmospheric pressure) to pressures in excess of 200 psig.
Pressures in excess of 200 psig are required to simulate the full range of pressures that chemical mixtures such as oil-water mixtures comprising emulsion breakers, reverse emulsion breakers, and the like can experience downhole and within plant containments during oil recovery and processing.

[0201] With reference to FIG. 1B and FIG. 2B; the total length defined by the pressure tube 260, first flange portion 380, and second flange portion 430 of a separation vessel 170 is flange-to-flange length 960 of an assembled separation vessel 170. Flange-to-flange length 960 is equal to or substantially equal to the depth 970 of tube bore 100. The pressure tube 260, first flange portion 380, and second flange portion 430 are disposed within the tube bore 100, as shown in FIG. 4. Thereby, when a separation vessel is pressurized, i.e. the pressure of contents of interior 490 are raised to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, the pressure plates 610, fixed to top 30 of block 10 as shown in FIG. 5A, prevent the pressurized contents of the separation vessel 170 forcing the top cap 360 and base cap 160 away from the interior 490 of separation vessel 170. At the same time, the top-locating hole 630 advantageously provides access to top end 640 of plate-locating portion 370 and any access bores 510 in the top cap 360, so that test materials can be disposed within the separation vessel 170, test materials can be removed from the separation vessel, the temperature of any contents in interior of separation vessel and/or stirrer well can be measured, the contents can of the separation vessels 170 can be pressurized, and/or the contents can be depressurized.

[0202] In embodiments, the simulator comprises one or more means for pressurizing one or more separation vessels 170 to a pressure of about 200 psig to about 2000 psig (1378951 pascals to 13789515 pascals). In some such embodiments, a pressurizing line 560 is disposed within a first access bore of each top cap 360, whereby the interior space of each separation vessel is in fluid communication with the means for pressurizing when any intervening valves are open.

[0203] In embodiments, when installed in tube bore 100 with associated pressure plate 610 fixed to the block 10, separation vessel 170 has a failure pressure of up to 2,000 psig (13789 kPa).

[0204] In embodiments, pressure within interior of assembled separation vessel is about 100 psi (about 689 kPa) to about 500 psi (about 3447 kPa), in embodiments about 150 psi (about 1034 kPa) to about 350 psi (about 2413 kPa), in embodiments about 150 psi (about 1034 kPa) to about 300 psi (about 2068 kPa), in embodiments about 200 psi (about 1379 kPa) to about 300 psi (about 2068 kPa), in embodiments about 150 psi (about 1034 kPa) to about 200 psi (about 1379 kPa), in embodiments about 150 psi (about 1034 kPa) to about 250 psi (about 1724 kPa), in embodiments about 200 psi (about 1379 kPa) to about 250 psi (about 1724 kPa), or in embodiments about 200 psi (about 1379 kPa).

[0205] In embodiments, the pressure differential between the interior of the assembled separation vessel and surrounding atmospheric pressure is about 100 psig (about 689 kPa) to about 500 psig (about 3447 kPa), in embodiments about 150 psig (about 1034 kPa) to about 350 psig (about 2413 kPa), in embodiments about 150 psig (about 1034 kPa) to about 300 psig (about 2068 kPa), in embodiments about 200 psig (about 1379 kPa) to about 300 psig (about 2068 kPa), in embodiments about 150 psig (about 1034 kPa) to about 200 psig (about 1379 kPa), in embodiments about 150 psig (about 1034 kPa) to about 250 psig (about 1724 kPa), in embodiments about 200 psig (about 1379 kPa) to about 250 psig (about 1724 kPa), or in embodiments about 200 psig (about 1379 kPa). In some such embodiments, the safety factor is 5 to 50, in embodiments 5 to 20, or in embodiments 10.

[0206] In embodiments, the failure pressure of the separation vessel is about 1,000 psig (6895 kPa) to about 3,000 psig (20684 kPa), or in embodiments about 1,500 psig (10342 kPa) to about 2,500 psig (17237 kPa), or in embodiments about 1,900 psig (13100 kPa) to about 2,100 psig (14479 kPa), or in embodiments about 2,000 psig (13790 kPa). In embodiments, the failure pressure of each separation vessel is about 1,900 psig (13100 kPa) to about 2,100 psig (14479 kPa) and the pressure within interior 490 is about 50 psig (345 kPa) to about 300 psig (2068 kPa), or in embodiments about 100 psig (689 kPa) to about 300 psig (2068 kPa), or in embodiments about 100 psig (689 kPa) to about 200 psig (1379 kPa).

[0207] Support beams

[0208] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a simulator that includes thermal insulation panels and support beams.

[0209] With reference to FIG. 6A: In embodiments, the simulator further comprises a first support beam and a second support beam, each beam 660 being contiguous with the bottom 80 of block 10 and being parallel or substantially parallel to front 40 and back 50 of block 10.

[0210] Thermal insulation panels

[0211] With reference to FIG. 6A, 6B, and 6C: In embodiments, the simulator further comprises: a first side thermal insulation panel 700 contacting first end 60 of block 10, and a second side thermal insulation panel 700 contacting second end 70 of block 10;
a front thermal insulation panel 680 contacting front 40 of block 10, wherein front insulation panel 680 defines an array 740 of front apertures 730; a rear thermal insulation panel 690 contacting back 50 of block 10; one or more top thermal insulation panels 710 contacting the plurality of pressure plates 610, or any combination thereof. The thermal insulation panels slow heat loss from block 10 when block 10 is at elevated temperature, i.e. when block 10 is at temperatures higher than the temperature of surroundings of simulator 5.

[0212] In embodiments, the top thermal insulation panel 710 comprises or consists of two halves, a first half 1110 and a second half 1120. In embodiments, the first half 1110 is identical or substantially the same as second half 1120 with regard to size, shape, composition, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the top thermal insulation panel 710 defines a rectangular or substantially rectangular top 1130 surface and bottom 1140 surface, each of the top and bottom surfaces including a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges. In some such embodiments, the top insulation panel is divided into the two halves, wherein the division is along a line parallel to or substantially parallel to the front edge and the rear edge. In some such embodiments, the line is equidistant or substantially equidistant to the front and rear edges.

[0213] FIG. 7 shows a front view of front thermal insulation panel 680, FIG. 8 shows a view of a rear insulation panel 690, FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of two halves, first half 1110 and second half 1120, of a top thermal insulation panel 710 in juxtaposition, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a side thermal insulation panel 700.

[0214] In embodiments wherein block 10 defines array 200 of lighting apertures 210, rear thermal insulation panel 690 defines array of rear apertures 1020, as shown in FIG. 8. In some such embodiments, front thermal insulation panel 680 and rear thermal insulation panel 690 are the same as each other or substantially the same as each other with regard to size, shape, and constituent materials.

[0215] In embodiments, the one or more top thermal insulation panels 710 defines a plurality of access holes 720 equal in number to the number of the tube bores 100 defined by block 10. In some such embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6A, the plate locating portion 370 of each separation vessel 170 is disposed within an access hole 720, whereby the top end 640 of plate-locating portion 370 is flush with an upper major surface of the one or more top thermal insulation panels 710.

[0216] In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6A, simulator 5 comprises a single top thermal insulation panel 710 defining a plurality of access holes 720 equal in number to the number of tube bores 100 of simulator 5. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of such a top thermal insulation panel 710.

[0217] In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6A, a top thermal insulation panel 710 defines five access holes 720, block 10 defines five tube bores 100, simulator 5 comprises five separation vessels 170, plate-locating portion 370 of each top cap 360 is disposed within and protrudes from top-locating hole 630 in a pressure plate 610, plate-locating portion 370 of each top cap 360 is individually disposed within an access hole 720, and top end 640 of each top cap 360 is flush with or substantially flush with a top major surface of top thermal insulation panel 710. These embodiments are further illustrated in FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C.

[0218] In embodiments first and second side thermal insulation panels 700, front thermal insulation panel 680, rear thermal insulation panel 690, and the one or more top thermal insulation panels 710 each has a thermal conductivity of about 0.1 to about 0.35 W-m1-K-1.

[0219] In embodiments each of side thermal insulation panels 700, front thermal insulation panel 680, rear thermal insulation panel 690, and one or more top thermal insulation panels 710 comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyetherimide, an ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene polymer, a fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer, a nylon 6,6, a polyetheretherketone, and a polyethylene terephthalate.
In some such embodiments, the polymer has a deflection temperature at 0.45 MPa of 190 C to about 210 C.

[0220] In embodiments each of side thermal insulation panels 700, front thermal insulation panel 680, rear thermal insulation panel 690, and one or more top thermal insulation panels 710 comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a polyetherimide.

[0221] Cover

[0222] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of cover 750. In embodiments, simulator 5 further comprises a cover 750, as shown in FIG. 12A.

[0223] With reference to FIG. 11: Cover 750 defines an interior 870;
wherein the block 10, the separation vessels 170, the plurality of pressure plates 610, first and second side thermal insulation panels 700, front thermal insulation panel 680, rear thermal insulation panel 690, and the one or more top thermal insulation panels 710 are disposed within interior 870.

[0224] In embodiments, cover 750 defines a top access port 810, as shown in FIG. 11.
Cover 750 is designed whereby top access port 810 provides access to top end 640 of plate-locating portion 370 of each separation vessel 170.

[0225] In other embodiments, cover 750 defines an array of access ports equal in number to the number of tube bores, thereby providing individual access to each top end 640.

[0226] In embodiments, the cover 750 comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a polycarbonate.

[0227] In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11, cover 750 comprises a front panel 760, two side panels 770, a top panel 780, a rear panel 790, and a plurality of structural rails 800, each structural rail 800 being fastened to at least two of the panels. In some such embodiments, the panels comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of a pellucid polycarbonate. In some such embodiments, the structural rails comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of aluminum.

[0228] In embodiments, the cover 750 has or defines a substantially cuboid shape, as shown in FIG. 11 and 12A.

[0229] In embodiments, the panels comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of a polycarbonate. In embodiments, the polycarbonate is a glass-clear polycarbonate such as LexanTM. In embodiments, cover 750 comprises sixteen structural rails 800, as indicated in FIG. 11. The structural rails 800 are fixed to the panels and provide structural integrity to the box 750. Structural rails 800 are disposed at junctions of panels both on exterior of cover 750 and within interior 870. Each structural rail 800 is fastened to two of the panels, whereby each structural rail in interior 870 is fastened to one structural rail on an exterior of cover 750 through a panel of the cover.

[0230] In embodiments, each side panel defines side access port 820.

[0231] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a simulator including the cover of FIG. 11.

[0232] With reference to FIG. 12A: Cover 750 comprises four retaining buttons 840, two attached to front panel 760 and two attached to rear panel 790. Other numbers and arrangements are possible. In such embodiments, each of support beams 660 defines two slots, each slot 850 sized and positioned to receive one of the four retaining buttons 840.

[0233] Cover 750 defines open bottom 830 and interior 870, whereby the cover can be disposed over block 10 and the thermal insulation panels, and whereby the retaining buttons 840 slidingly engage with slots 850, as shown in FIG. 12A.

[0234] Cover 750 is disposed over the thermal insulation panels, whereby block 10 and thermal insulation panels 680, 690, 700, and 710 are disposed within interior 870, and whereby the retaining buttons 840 are slidingly engaged in slots 850, as shown in FIG.
12A. Top ends 640 of plate-locating portions are accessible through top access port 810.

[0235] Means for stirring

[0236] With reference to FIG. 6A: In embodiments, the simulator further comprises a first support beam and a second support beam, each beam 660 being contiguous with the bottom 80 of block 10 and being parallel or substantially parallel to front 40 and back 50 of block 10.

[0237] In such embodiments a magnetic stirrer bar 650 is disposed within the stirrer well 500 of at least one separation vessel 170, in embodiments one magnetic stirrer bar 650 in each separation vessel 170 of five separation vessels.

[0238] With reference to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B: Multi-position stirring plate 670 (shown in FIG. 12B) is disposed between the first and second support beams 660 as shown in FIG.
12A. In embodiments, the multi-position stirring plate is a multi-position stirrer hotplate.

[0239] The multi-position stirring plate 670 includes a plurality of stirring positions 890, wherein each stirring position 890 includes means to generate a magnetic vortex capable of causing one of the magnetic stirrer bars 650 to rotate. The stirring plate 670, when activated, causes the stirrer bar 650 in one or more stirrer wells 500 to rotate, thereby stirring liquid contents of one or more separation vessels 170.

[0240] In embodiments, the number of stirring positions of the multi-position magnetic stirring plate equals the number of tube bores.

[0241] In embodiments, multi-position stirring plate 670 is a five-position magnetic stirring plate, i.e. comprises five stirring positions 890, as shown in FIG. 12B, and block 10 defines five tube bores 100, and simulator 5 comprises two to five separation vessels 170, wherein at least one of the two to five separation vessels further includes a magnetic stirrer bar 650. In some such embodiments, each of the two to five separation vessels 170 includes a stirrer bar disposed in the stirrer well thereof. In some such embodiments, simulator 5 comprises five separation vessels 170, as shown in FIG. 5A, FIG. 6A, and FIG. 12A.

[0242] Multi-position stirring plates are available commercially. One example of a suitable stirring plate is an IKA 3690601 RT 5 Position Stirring Hot Plate, available from Cole-Parmer of Vernon Hills, Illinois, USA.

[0243] In embodiments, the simulator comprises at least four wheels instead of or in addition to the support beams. The wheels may be attached to the bottom of block 10 and/or to first and second support beams.

[0244] Simulator 5, including cover 750 and multi-position stirring plate 670, is configured whereby control panel 880 of multi-position stirring plate protrudes through side access port 820 as shown in FIG. 12A, and is thereby operator-accessible. Stirring plate 670 comprises a plate having a plurality of stirring positions, each position 890 being capable of providing a magnetic vortex and rotating a magnetic stirrer bar disposed within said vortex. The rotation speed of stirring of any one position of the plurality of positions can be individually controlled by operator interaction with controls on control panel 880. Each separation vessel is located in a tube bore, whereby the pressure tube and the tube bore are axially aligned with one stirring position, and whereby a magnetic vortex generated at the stirring position proximal to the separation vessel turns a magnetic stirrer bar when said bar is disposed within stirrer well in communication with interior of the separation vessel. In this manner, liquid contents disposed in each separation vessel of the simulator can be stirred at a rate controlled from the control panel of the magnetic stirring plate.

[0245] Means for pressurizing

[0246] FIG. 13 depicts a cross-sectional view of an assembled separation vessel 170 disposed within a tube bore 100 of a thermally conductive block 10. FIG. 13 further includes a schematic representation of a pressurizing line 560 disposed in a first access bore 510, a venting line 550 disposed within a second access bore 510, and temperature-measurement device 250 disposed within a fifth access bore 510. The cross-sectional view only shows three of the five access bores 510.

[0247] In embodiments shown in FIG. 13, pressurizing line 560 includes, in order; source of pressurized gas 590, first (or upstream) pressure gauge 930, pressure regulator 600, second (or downstream) pressure gauge 940, and optional valve 950. Upstream pressure gauge 930 measures pressure of pressurized gas. Downstream pressure gauge 940 measuring gas pressure in interior 490). Pressurizing line is configured to provide fluid communication between the interior 490 of at least one, and in embodiments every, separation vessel 170 and source 590.
In embodiments, means for pressurizing comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a container of pressurized gas. In embodiments, the pressurized gas is pressurized nitrogen gas.
In this context, "pressurized" means having a pressure greater than 101 kilopascals (about 14.65 psi). In embodiments, the pressurized gas has a pressure of about 200 psi (1378951 pascals) to about 2,000 psi (13789515 pascals), in embodiments about 200 psi (1378951 pascals) to about 1,000 psi (6894757 pascals), in embodiments about 100 psi (689475.7 pascals) to about 500 psi (3447379 pascals), or in embodiments about 200 psi (1378951 pascals) to about 350 psi (2413165 pascals).

[0248] Pressure in one or more interiors 490 can be increased by opening the pressure regulator 600, whereby gas flows from source 590 through the pressurizing line 560 and into the interior 490 when adjustable valve 570 is closed.

[0249] In some embodiments, pressurizing lines 560 can be individually assigned to each separation vessel 170, whereby the pressure within each separation vessel is individually adjustable. However, in other embodiments at least a portion of one pressurizing line 560 is in fluid communication with interior 490 of every separation vessel 170, and the interiors of all separation vessels are at the same or substantially the same pressure.

[0250] In embodiments, simulator 5 comprises a venting line 550 including an end thereof in fluid communication with interior 490 of at least one separation vessel 170, in embodiments every separation vessel 170 comprised by simulator 5. Venting line 550 includes at least one venting valve 570. Venting line 550 is configured to provide egress of gas and/or vapor from interior 490, when the gas and/or vapor in interior 490 is at a higher pressure than the pressure of the atmosphere surrounding simulator 5 and when venting valve 570 is open.
Therefore, in embodiments, pressure in each interior 490 can be reduced by opening adjustable valve 570, thereby allowing egress of gas/vapor from interior 490.

[0251] In embodiments, simulator 5 comprises temperature-measurement device 250. In embodiments, temperature measurement device 250 is a thermocouple 540 in electrical communication with temperature controller 240, with display device to report temperature in interior 490, and/or with a recording device such as a computer, whereby the temperature in interior 490 can be recorded as a function of time.

[0252] In embodiments, each top cap 360 of each separation vessel 170 defines five access bores 510: a first access bore, a second access bore, a third access bore, a fourth access bore, and a fifth access bore, as shown for example in FIG. 3, FIG. 5A, FIG. 6A, and FIG. 12A. In embodiments, the first access bore is adapted to receive an end portion of a pressurizing line 560, the second access bore is adapted to receive an end portion of a venting line 550, the third access bore is adapted to receive an end portion of a sample-introducing line 910, the fourth access bore is adapted to receive an end portion of a sample-thieving line 530, and the fifth access bore is adapted to receive a temperature-measurement device 240. In such embodiments, simulator 5 comprises sample-thieving line 530, venting line 550, pressurizing line 560, sample-introducing line 910, and temperature-measurement device 250.

[0253] The lines comprise tubes for providing fluid communication with interior 490 of separation vessel 170. Any of the lines may include one or more shutoff valves such as needle valves, one or more pressure gauges, or any combination thereof

[0254] FIG. 14 is a schematic side-view of a separation vessel, pressurizing line, sample-thieving line, and sample-introducing line.

[0255] With reference to FIG. 14: Sample-thieving line 530 includes at least one valve 1090 (schematically represented in FIG. 14). Part of sample thieving line 530 extends from top cap 360 to a position proximal to or within stirrer well 500. Sample-thieving 530 line is configured to receive liquid contents of separation vessel 170 when; (i) valve 1090 is open, (ii) when a liquid contents are disposed within the interior 490 and/or within stirrer well 500 wherein the end of the sample-thieving line is immersed in the liquid contents, and (iii) when the liquid contents are at elevated pressure (i.e. at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure external to the separation vessel). Under such conditions, opening valve 1090 allows elevated pressure of contents within interior 490 to push liquid contents through sample thieving line 530 and thence to a receiver vessel for testing, observation, analysis, and/or the like.

[0256] Assembly of a simulator

[0257] With reference to the drawings: In embodiments, the assembly of a simulator comprises, in order: (1) providing thermally conductive block 10; (2) assembling at least two separation vessels 170, wherein the assembling comprises (i) inserting second tube-locating portion 440 of base cap 160 into second opening 350 of pellucid pressure tube 260, and (ii) inserting first tube-locating portion 390 of top cap 360 into first opening 340 of the pressure tube to provide a separation vessel 170, whereby first 380 and second flange 430 portions abut first end 320 and second end 330 of pressure tube 260 respectively after said insertions; (3) inserting each of the two or more separation vessels 170 individually into a tube bore 100, wherein a protruding portion 150 of each base cap 160 mates with a base bore 140 in block 10 and wherein each pressure tube 260 is in thermal communication with the block;
(4) providing a plurality of pressure plates, each pressure plate 610 defining a top-locating hole 630; (5) sliding one pressure plate 610 over the plate-locating portion 370 of each top cap 360, wherein top-locating hole 630 is mated with plate-locating portion 370; and (6) bolting each pressure plate 610 to top 30 of block.

[0258] In embodiments, the assembly further comprises: (7) attaching thermal insulation panels to the block.

[0259] In embodiments, the assembly further comprises (8) disposing the cover 750 over the block and thermal insulation panels so that block 10; separation vessels 170; pressure plates 610 fastened to top 30 of block 10; front thermal insulation panel 680, rear thermal insulation panel 690, two side insulation panels 700, and top thermal insulation panel or panels 710 are within interior 870 of cover 750.

[0260] Methods of simulating high-pressure liquid separations

[0261] In embodiments, there is provided a method of simulating a high-pressure and/or high-temperature simulation, the method comprising: providing the simulator of any of the embodiments described herein; and disposing a test liquid in at least two separation vessels.

[0262] In embodiments, the method comprises pressurizing at least one separation vessel containing the test liquid to a pressure of about 200 to about 300 psi.

[0263] In embodiments, the method comprises heating the block.

[0264] In embodiments, the at least two separation vessels are two separation vessels, in embodiments, the at least two separation vessels are three separation vessels, in embodiments, the at least two separation vessels are four separation vessels, in embodiments the at least two separation vessels are five separation vessels.

[0265] In embodiments, the method comprises pressurizing one separation vessel containing the test liquid, in embodiments the method comprises pressurizing two separation vessels containing the test liquid; in embodiments the method comprises containing the test liquid. In embodiments the method comprises pressurizing four separation vessels containing the test liquid. In embodiments the method comprises pressurizing five separation vessels containing the test liquid.

[0266] In the context of the methods described herein, "pressurizing a separation vessel"
means performing one or more actions, whereby the pressure within an interior of the separation vessel increases.

[0267] In embodiments, the quantity of test liquid is the same in every separation vessel.

[0268] In embodiments, heating the block comprises applying a voltage to one or more heater rods, wherein each of the one or more heater rods is in thermal communication with the block, and applying voltage to the one or more heater rods causes the temperature of the one or more heater rods to rise, and thereby heat flows from the one or more heater rods to the block and the temperature of block rises.

[0269] In some embodiments, pressurizing comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of heating the block. In this manner, the temperature of the interiors of the separation vessels increases and thereby the pressure in the interiors increases. In embodiments, the pressure in the interior of the separation vessels containing the test liquid is the vapor pressure of the test liquid.

[0270] In other embodiments, pressurizing the at least one separation vessel comprises connecting the interior of the at least one separation vessel to a source of pressurized gas, whereby the interior of the at least one separation vessel is in fluid communication with the pressurized gas. In embodiments, the source of pressurized gas is selected from the group consisting of a compressor and a container of pressurized gas. In some such embodiments, the source of pressurized gas is a container of pressurized nitrogen. In these embodiments, the pressure of the interior of each of the at least one separation vessel can be increased to greater than the autogenic pressure of the contents within the interior thereof.

[0271] In some embodiments, each separation vessel of the at least one separation vessel is individually pressurized by a separate source of pressurized gas. In these embodiments, the pressure of each separation vessel can be individually set to a desired pressure, for example to examine the effect of pressure on a separation within the first liquid component.

[0272] In other embodiments, a single source of pressurized gas is in fluid communication with the interior of every separation vessel, whereby a pressure in the interior of every separation vessel is the same or about the same.

[0273] In embodiments, the pressurizing comprises or consists of pressurizing every separation vessel to about 100 psi (about 689 kPa) to about 500 psi (about 3447 kPa), in embodiments about 150 psi (about 1034 kPa) to about 350 psi (about 2413 kPa), in embodiments about 150 psi (about 1034 kPa) to about 300 psi (about 2068 kPa), in embodiments about 200 psi (about 1379 kPa) to about 300 psi (about 2068 kPa), in embodiments about 150 psi (about 1034 kPa) to about 200 psi (about 1379 kPa), in embodiments about 150 psi (about 1034 kPa) to about 250 psi (about 1724 kPa), in embodiments about 200 psi (about 1379 kPa) to about 250 psi (about 1724 kPa), or in embodiments about 200 psi (about 1379 kPa).

[0274] In embodiments, the test liquid comprises a first liquid component and a second liquid component.

[0275] In embodiments, the first liquid component comprises oil and water.
In embodiments, the first liquid component comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of an emulsion selected from the group consisting of an oil-in-water emulsion, a water-in-oil emulsion, a complex emulsion, and any combination thereof. In embodiments, the complex emulsion is selected from the group consisting of a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion, an oil-in-water-in-oil emulsion, and a combination thereof

[0276] In embodiments, the first liquid component comprises an oil phase, a water phase, or both an oil phase and a water phase. In embodiments, the water phase comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a high-solids produced water.

[0277] In embodiments, the second liquid component comprises a diluent, an emulsion breaker, a reverse emulsion breaker, or any combination thereof

[0278] In embodiments, the method comprises disposing the test liquid in a receiving vessel before addition of the top cap to complete the separation vessel.

[0279] In other embodiments, different components of the test fluid can be introduced into the interior of a separation vessel piecemeal.

[0280] Therefore in embodiments, disposing the test liquid in the at least two separation vessels comprises, in order: disposing a first liquid component in the at least two separation vessels, and disposing a second liquid component in each of the at least two separation vessels, wherein the test liquid comprises the first liquid component and a second liquid component. In embodiments, the second liquid component is different for each separation vessel in quantity and/or in chemical composition.

[0281] In embodiments, the second liquid component introduced to each separation vessel is unique to the particular separation vessel into which it is introduced, i.e. the second liquid component is different for each separation vessel. In some such embodiments, each second liquid component comprises the same components as the other second liquid components but in different proportions from the other second liquid components. In other such embodiments, each second liquid component has a unique chemical composition. In still other such embodiments, each second liquid component consists of or consists essentially of the same components in the same proportions, but a different amount of the second liquid component is added to each separation vessel.

[0282] In embodiments, each of the second liquid components comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a diluent, an emulsion breaker, a reverse emulsion breaker, water, or any combination thereof.

[0283] In embodiments, the first liquid component and the second liquid component are mixed by a rotating magnetic stirrer bar to form the test liquid.

[0284] In embodiments, the method further comprises observing the contents of each separation vessel, wherein the contents within the interior of each separation vessel comprise the first liquid component and the second liquid component. The effect of combining the second liquid component and the first liquid component under elevated pressure and/or elevated temperature can be visually assessed. In embodiments, the method comprises observing the contents of two, in embodiments three, in embodiments four, or in embodiments five separation vessels.

[0285] In embodiments, the method comprises observing contents of two to five separation vessels. In some such embodiments, the method comprises disposing a light source in alignment with each lighting aperture, whereby light shines through the lighting aperture, through each pellucid pressure tube, and out of each viewing aperture. In some such embodiments, the method comprises recording the appearance of the contents of each separation vessel. In embodiments, a still or movie camera is disposed in front of each viewing aperture, and the appearance of the contents of each separation vessel is photographically recorded over time.

[0286] In embodiments, the method further comprises introducing a third liquid component into each separation vessel after introducing the second liquid component to the separation vessel.

[0287] In embodiments, the third liquid component comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of an oil diluent, an emulsion breaker, a reverse emulsion breaker, water, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, for each separation vessel the third liquid component is different from the second liquid component.

[0288] In embodiments, the effect of sequential addition of the second liquid component and the third liquid component can be observed and/or recorded.

[0289] In some embodiments, the second liquid component comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of an emulsion breaker and the third liquid component comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a reverse emulsion breaker. In other embodiments, the second liquid component comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a reverse emulsion breaker and the second liquid component comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of an emulsion breaker.

[0290] In embodiments, the first liquid component is disposed within each interior defined by each receiving vessel, before a top cap is added to the receiving vessel and a second liquid component is subsequently disposed within each separation vessel via a sample-introducing line. The sample-introducing line passes through an access bore defined by the top cap.
Advantageously, in this manner any number of additional components can be added to each separation vessel after the assembly thereof, and samples can be taken from any separation vessel via a thieving line at any time.

[0291] In embodiments, the method further comprises digitally recording each separation vessel.
EXAMPLES

[0292] Emulsion was collected from a steam-assisted gravity drainage plant of a major oil-producer of Alberta, Canada. The emulsion comprised about 30 weight-percent bitumen and about 70 weight-percent water, with trace amounts of solids (less than 0.1%).

[0293] The simulator such as that shown in FIG. 12A was assembled, wherein each of three separation vessels contained a known volume of the emulsion. The failure pressure of each separation vessel was about 2,000 psi (about 13790 kPa). To each of the three separation vessels were attached a venting line, a thermocouple, a sample-thieving line, a pressurizing line, and a sample-introducing line, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14. The pressurizing line included a pressurized nitrogen cylinder.

[0294] The simulator included a plurality of heater rods disposed within an equal number of heater receptacles.

[0295] The separation vessels were heated to 130 C by supplying electrical current to the heater rods.

[0296] One separation vessel was pressurized to an internal pressure of 80 psi, one to 100 psi, and one to 130 psi. The contents of each separation vessel was stirred at about 500 rpm, i.e. the magnetic stirrer bar rotated at approximately 500 rpm.

[0297] To the emulsion in each separation vessel were added, in sequence, an emulsion breaker, a reverse emulsion breaker, and a diluent comprising mostly aliphatic hydrocarbons.
After addition, the diluent made up 11% by volume of the mixture in each separation vessel.

[0298] Then stirring was discontinued, and each separation vessel allowed to remain quiescent for one hour, during which separation of oil and water occurred, providing an oil layer on top of a water layer. The separation was be observed through the viewing aperture associated with each separation vessel, and the percentage of water separated from oil was estimated. Results are shown in TABLE 1.

[0299] Samples of the oil layer were collected from each separation vessel via the thieving line. For each oil layer sample, the density and the water content (weight percent of the separated oil that is water) was measured. Results are shown in TABLE 1.

[0300] Table 1: Effect of pressure on separation performance Density of oil Water drop, Oil layer Test # Pressure, psi layer sample, water content, %
kg/m3 wt%
1 80 961 80 7.3 2 100 945 85 2.7 3 130 913 83 0.6

[0301] As can be seen from TABLE 1, increase in pressure influenced oil separation, with higher pressure producing oil with lower water content and lower density.

[0302] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises"
and/ or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof The terms "preferably," "preferred,"
"prefer," "optionally,"
"may," and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the invention. The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or steps plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but it not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A high-pressure phase separation simulator comprising:
(a) a thermally conductive block having a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, a first end, and a second end, the block defining (I) a linear array of two or more tube bores, each of the two or more tube bores extending from the top towards the bottom, (II) an array of base bores equal in number to a number of the two or more tube bores, each base bore extending from the bottom to a separate tube bore, and (III) an array of viewing apertures equal in number to the number of the two or more tube bores, wherein each viewing aperture extends from the front of the block and intersects with a separate tube bore;
(b) two or more separation vessels, each of the two or more separation vessels comprising a top cap having a bottom end, a hollow pellucid pressure tube, and a base cap, wherein (I) the top cap, pressure tube, and base cap define an interior, (II) each hollow pressure tube is disposed within a separate tube bore and comprises an exterior surface, an interior surface, a first end defining a first opening, and a second end defining a second opening, (III) each top cap comprises, in order, (i) a plate-locating portion having a top end, (ii) a first flange portion abutting the first end of the pressure tube, and (iii) a first tube-locating portion disposed within the first opening, wherein the first tube-locating portion defines a first perimetric groove on an exterior surface of the first tube-locating portion, and (iv) a first O-ring disposed within the first perimetric groove between the first tube-locating portion and the pressure tube, wherein the first O-ring is adapted to form a seal against fluid egress from the interior, and (IV) each base cap comprises, in order, (i) a protruding portion mated with one of the base bores, (ii) a second flange portion abutting the second end of the pressure tube, (iii) a second tube-locating portion disposed within the second opening, wherein the second tube-locating portion defines a second perimetric groove on an exterior surface of the second tube-locating portion, and wherein the second tube-locating portion defines a stirrer well in fluid communication with the interior space, and (iv) a second 0-ring disposed within the second perimetric groove between the second tube-locating portion and the interior surface of the pressure tube, wherein the second 0-ring is adapted to form a seal against egress; and (c) a plurality of pressure plates fastened to the block, each pressure plate defining a top-locating hole therein, wherein each of the plate-locating portions is disposed within and slidingly engaged with a different top-locating hole and each first flange portion abuts a separate pressure plate.

2. The simulator of claim 1, wherein the block comprises a metal.

3. The simulator of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the block comprises aluminum.

4. The simulator of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the block consists essentially of aluminum.

5. The simulator of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the block consists of aluminum.

6. The simulator of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the block defines five tube bores and the simulator comprises two to five separation vessels.

7. The simulator of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the pressure tube, the first flange, and the second flange of each separation vessel is disposed within a tube bore.

8. The simulator of any one of claims 1-7, wherein each base bore is circular or substantially circular in a cross-section parallel to the top of the block.

9. The simulator of any one of claims 1-8, wherein each tube bore has an axis parallel or substantially parallel to the front of the block.

10. The simulator of any one of claims 1-9, wherein each tube bore is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical and defines a tube bore diameter.

11. The simulator of any one of claims 1-10, wherein each hollow pressure tube has a hollow cylindrical or substantially hollow cylindrical shape.

12. The simulator of claim 11, wherein the pressure tube of each separation vessel has a thickness of 1 inch (2.54 cm) to about 2 inches (5.08 cm)

13. The simulator of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the exterior surface of the pressure tube contacts the block.

14. The simulator of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the length of each tube bore defines a length approximately equal to the combined length of a pressure tube, a first flange, and a second flange.

15. The simulator of any one of claims 1-14, wherein each pressure plate is fastened to the block with four bolts.

16. The simulator of any one of claims 1-15, wherein each tube bore is axially aligned with a base bore.

17. The simulator of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the pressure tube is pellucid.

18. The simulator of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the pressure tube comprises glass.

19. The simulator of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the pressure tube consists essentially of glass.

20. The simulator of any one of claims 1-19, wherein the pressure tube consists of glass.

21. The simulator of any one of claims 18-20, wherein the glass is selected from the group consisting of tempered Pyrex, Schott glass, and a combination thereof.

22. The simulator of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the block defines one or more heater receptacles, the simulator further comprising one or more heater rods disposed in the one or more heater receptacles.

23. The simulator of any one of claims 1-22, the simulator further comprising:
(f) a first support beam and a second support beam, each beam being contiguous with the bottom of the block and substantially parallel to the front and back of the block;

(g) a magnetic stirrer bar disposed within the stirrer well of each separation vessel;
and (h) a multi-position magnetic stirring plate disposed between the first and second beams.

24. The simulator of any one of claims 1-23, wherein the block defines two to thirty tube bores and the simulator comprises two to thirty separation vessels.

25. The simulator of any one of claims 1-24, wherein the block defines two to twenty tube bores and the simulator comprises two to twenty separation vessels.

26. The simulator of any one of claims 1-25, wherein the block defines two to ten tube bores and the simulator comprises two to ten separation vessels.

27. The simulator of any one of claims 1-26, wherein the block defines five tube bores and five viewing apertures, and the simulator comprises two to five separation vessels.

28. The simulator of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the simulator comprises five separation vessels.

29. The simulator of any one of claims 1-28, wherein the block further defines an array of lighting apertures equal in number to a number of the viewing apertures, wherein each lighting aperture extends from the back of the block and intersects with one of the tube bores and is adapted to facilitate a viewer viewing the pressure tube disposed within the tube bore.

30. The simulator of any one of claims 1-29, the simulator further comprising:
(j) a first side thermal insulation panel contacting the first end of the block and a second side thermal insulation panel contacting the second end of the block;
(k) a front thermal insulation panel contacting the front of the block, the front thermal insulation panel defining an array of front apertures;
(I) a rear thermal insulation panel contacting the back of the block, wherein the rear thermal insulation panel defines an array of rear apertures; and (m) one or more top thermal insulation panels defining a plurality of access holes equal in number to the number of the bores, wherein the one or more top thermal insulation panels contacts the plurality of pressure plates and each access hole is aligned with a separate top-locating hole of a pressure plate.

31. The simulator of claim 30, wherein the first side thermal insulation panel, the second side thermal insulation panel, the front thermal insulation panel, the rear thermal insulation panel, and the one or more top thermal insulation panels have a thermal conductivity of about 0.1 to about 0.35 W-m-1-K-1.

32. The simulator of claim 30 or claim 31, wherein the first side thermal insulation panel, the second side thermal insulation panel, the front thermal insulation panel, the rear thermal insulation panel, and the one or more top thermal insulation panels comprise a polyetherimide, an ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene polymer, a fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer, a nylon 6,6, a polyetheretherketone, or a polyethylene terephthalate.

33. The simulator of any one of claims 30-32, wherein the first side thermal insulation panel, the second side thermal insulation panel, the front thermal insulation panel, the rear thermal insulation panel, and the one or more top thermal insulation panels comprise a polyetherimide.

34. The simulator of any one of claims 30-33, wherein the first side thermal insulation panel, the second side thermal insulation panel, the front thermal insulation panel, the rear thermal insulation panel, and the one or more top thermal insulation panels consist essentially of a polyetherimide.

35. The simulator of any one of claims 30-34, the simulator further comprising a cover defining an interior space, wherein the block, the separation vessels, the plurality of pressure plates, the first side thermal insulation panel, the second side thermal insulation panel, the front thermal insulation panel, the rear thermal insulation panel, and the one or more top thermal insulation panels are disposed within the interior space of the cover.

36. The simulator of claim 35, wherein the cover defines an access port sized and shaped to provide access to the top end of the plate-locating portion of each separation vessel.

37. The simulator of claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the cover comprises a polycarbonate.

38. The simulator of any one of claims 35-37, wherein the cover comprises a front panel, two side panels, a top panel, a rear panel, and a plurality of structural rails, each structural rail being fastened to at least two of the panels.

39. The simulator of claim 38, wherein the panels comprise a polycarbonate.

40. The simulator of claim 38 or claim 39, wherein the panels consist essentially of a polycarbonate.

41. The simulator of any one of claims 38-40, wherein the structural rails comprise aluminum.

42. The simulator of any one of claims 1-41, the simulator comprising: (d) means for pressurizing each separation vessel to a pressure of 200 psig to 2,000 psig.

43. The simulator of any one of claims 1-42, wherein a pressure within the interior of each separation vessel is 200 psi to 2,000 psi.

44. The simulator of any one of claims 1-43, wherein the interior of each separation vessel is in fluid communication with a container of gas having a pressure of 200 psi to 2,000 psi.

45. The simulator of claim 44, wherein the gas is nitrogen.

46. The simulator of any one of claims 1-45, wherein a pressure within the interior of each separation vessel is 200 psi to 350 psi.

47. The simulator of any one of claims 1-46, wherein the interior of each separation vessel is in fluid communication with a container of gas having a pressure of 200 psi to 350 psi.

48. The simulator of claim 47, wherein the gas is nitrogen.

49. The simulator of any one of claims 1-48, wherein the top cap defines a first access bore and a second access bore, wherein each access bore extends from the top end to the bottom end.

50. The simulator of claim 49, wherein the first access bore is adapted to receive a pressurizing line, and the second access bore is adapted to receive a venting line.

51. The simulator of any one of claims 1-50, wherein the top cap of each separation vessel defines a first access bore, a second access bore, a third access bore, a fourth access bore, and a fifth access bore, and wherein each access bore extends from the top end to the bottom end.

52. The simulator of claim 51, wherein the first access bore is adapted to receive an end section of a pressurizing line, the second access bore is adapted to receive an end section of a venting line, the third access bore is adapted to receive an end section of a sample-introducing line, the fourth access bore is adapted to receive an end section of a sample-thieving line, and the fifth access bore is adapted to receive a temperature-measurement device.

53. The simulator of any one of claims 1-52, wherein a failure pressure of each separation vessel is about 1,900 psig to about 2,100 psig.

54. A method of visually assessing a separation, the method comprising:
(a) disposing a test liquid in at least two separation vessels of the simulator of any one of claims 1-50;
(b) pressurizing at least one separation vessel containing the test fluid to a pressure of 200 to 350 psig; and (c) viewing the test liquid.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein each separation vessel contains a test liquid having a different chemical composition.

56. The method of claim 54 or claim 55, the method comprising heating the block.

57. The method of any one of claims 54-56, wherein the pressurizing comprises fluidly connecting a source of pressurized gas to at least one separation vessel.

58. The method of any one of claims 54-57, wherein the pressurizing comprises fluidly connecting an enclosed container containing a pressurized gas to the two or more separation vessels, wherein the interior of the two or more separation vessels is in fluid communication with the enclosed container.

59. The method of any one of claims 54-58, wherein the test liquid comprises a first liquid component and a second liquid component, further wherein the disposing comprises, in order:
(i) disposing a first liquid component in the at least two separation vessels;
and (ii) disposing a second liquid component in the at least two separation vessels.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein the first liquid component comprises a petroleum oil and a produced water and the second liquid component comprises a diluent, an emulsion breaker, a reverse emulsion breaker, or any combination thereof.

61. The method of claim 59 or claim 60, wherein the first liquid component comprises an emulsion selected from the group consisting of a water-in-oil emulsion, an oil-in-water emulsion, a complex emulsion, and any combination thereof.

62. The method of any one of claims 59-61, wherein the first liquid component comprises a complex emulsion selected from the group consisting of a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion, an oil-in-water-in oil emulsion, and a combination thereof.

63. The method of any one of claims 59-62, wherein the test liquid further comprises a third liquid component, further wherein the disposing further comprises (iii) disposing a third liquid component in the at least two separation vessels after the disposing the second liquid component in the at least two separation vessels.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the second liquid component comprises an emulsion breaker and the third liquid component comprises a reverse emulsion breaker, or wherein the second liquid component comprises a reverse emulsion breaker and the third liquid component comprises an emulsion breaker.