Demulsification of Crude Oil - Rimpro India

For the demulsification of crude oil, it is necessary to reduce the interfacial tension of water droplets and thereby reduce the surface area. The process is characterized by the use of chemical demulsifiers. These substances are commonly used in chemical manufacturing, but the exact mechanism of demulsification is not fully understood. However, the destabilizing effects of these compounds on emulsions have been the subject of intensive research.

The process of demulsification is based on the interaction of the oil droplets with water. In addition to reducing the density of the oil drops, they also increase the rate of coalescence. In the process of separating emulsions, various parameters need to be taken into account, including the temperature of the treatment, the type of inorganic solids, the type of contaminant, and the treating-vessel capabilities.

The chemical agents are used for demulsification of crude oil. Flocculants are compounds that help water droplets to stick together and coalesce. To choose the most suitable chemical, it is necessary to conduct detailed tests of the crude oil and its composition. The process involves characterizing the crude oil, its composition, and the types of inorganic solids, salts, and contaminants. It also requires evaluating various operational data, including production rates, treatment vessel capacities, operating pressures, and chemical dosage equipment.

The chemical composition of emulsions can be modified by altering the amount of asphaltene. The oil type affects the viscosity of emulsions, so it is essential to choose the right demulsifier for the particular oil. The choice of chemical depends on the properties of crude oil, including the rate of dewatering, the type of processing terminal, and the temperature and pressures of the processing unit.

The properties of crude oil emulsions are extremely complex. The rate of chemical injection, the nature of the water and the amount of aqueous phase all affect the viscosity of the emulsion. In addition to its viscosity, oil emulsions are often difficult to separate in pipelines and can cause damage to the pipelines. For this reason, dehydration is a necessary step before refining.

For a suitable demulsifier, it is necessary to carefully characterize crude oil. The crude oil sample is classified according to the type and composition, and its composition is influenced by the temperature and the rate of chemical injection. The BS&W of an emulsion is influenced by the amount of diluent injected. As the diluent volume increases, the BS&W of a crude oil emulsion decreases.

The selection of the demulsifier is important for both commercial and environmental reasons. In order to ensure a high quality product, it is essential to reduce the amount of impurities in the crude oil. Besides, an emulsion should be free from impurities. In other words, it should not be free of any particles. It should not be diluted by water. In other words, it should be free from any impurities.