The X20 disc stack centrifuge system is specially designed to provide the oil industry with a highly efficient way to remove water and solids from heavy crude oil.     Interest in exploiting reserves of heavy crude oil is accelerating worldwide. However, processing such crude so it meets with pipeline specifications has traditionally been a costly, time-consuming process featuring extremely large, static vessels and the use of lots of heat and chemical demulsifiers. The X20 disc stack centrifuge system is designed to provide a rapid, highly efficient way to remove water and solids from heavy crude oil in order to deliver consistent, refinery-spec oil downstream. Achieving such separation using centrifugal force rather than heat energy provides key benefits in terms of environmental profile and CO2 emissions. Removing as much water as possible before the oil is transported also paves the way to substantial logistics savings. This fully functional modular installation is delivered on an offshore skid complete with all the necessary equipment, piping, instruments, valves and controls. This innovative solution is equally effective for both onshore and offshore installations, including drilling platforms and FPSOs. However, the high throughput and space-saving design of the X20 system provide particular benefits for offshore facilities, where space and weight are at a premium. The design configuration features only a minimum of components as well as extensive use of abrasion-resistant materials. This helps minimize downtime, as well as greatly reducing inventory requirements and maintenance costs. The X20 centrifuge system can process a wide spectrum of crude oil types (with specifications down to 11.5 API) as well as considerable variations in composition. X20 systems can be configured to comply with Zone 1/Class 1 Div 1 specifications and also with ATEX Zone 1 and 2 regulations. A conversion kit is also available so the same equipment can also be used for removing oil and solids from contaminated water, ensuring that it can be discharged responsibly.