Background
Process description
Demulsifiers are compounds that dispersed in very small amounts into the emulsion during injection that diffuse into the oil-water interface and function as stabilizers. They have a multitude of action mechanisms:
- Reduction or prevention of electrostatic charges, which are responsible for the repulsion between the individual drops
- Change of the wettability of the solids absorbed in the interface
- Change of the viscoelasticity of the interface film
Description of the demulsification process:
The demulsifier concentrates on the surface of the small water drops and "collects" them. The drops form an increasing concentration of water. The water drops which refract the light, are removed. The visible effect is the brightening of the oil layer. The water droplets finally combine and are separated.
Why is the demulsifier a mixture?
Demulsifiers normally offer a combination of effects as:
- Flocculent
- Droplet separator
- Wetting agents
A single substance cannot offer these combined properties, thus commercial demulsifier mixtures consist of several substances.
The most widely used methods are demulsifier injection systems at the bore hole and at collection points.
Bore hole injection is recommended:
- The pumps used there are smaller and therefore less expensive.
- The earlier in the process the water is removed, the less corrosion occurs (lower maintenance costs)
Considerable cost reduction due to demulsifying crude oil:
- Easier transport and lower pressure loss due to viscosity reduction
- Simple steel alloys can be used for pipelines and fittings instead of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, and in addition the cross-section can be reduced.
- The corrosive portions in the crude oil are minimized and reduce corrosion in the production equipment
- Longer operating times are possible
