DESCRIPTION

The formation of stable emulsions in both the production and refining of crude oil is one of the most persistent problems facing the petroleum industry. The emulsions produced from these processes do not easily resolve into neat crude and water phases, in fact a certain volume of the emulsion remains .

APPLICATIONS

Stable water in oil emulsions | Stable water in crude oil emulsions | Crude oil production | Petroleum refinery

ADVANTAGES

• Easily transportable pilot plan
• Sophisticated equipment or addition of chemicals (demulsifiers) are not required
• Low capital investment
• Recover of very good quality oil at low cost
• Eliminates the environmental risk of emulsion accumulation

DEVELOPMENT STATUS

An industrial prototype (50 m3/d) was built and operated. At present, a modular pilot unit (nominal flow rate:5 m3/d) is available for breaking emulsion tests.

RESEARCHERS

Jerónimo Merino, Marta Lacunza, Esteban A. Brignole