Water Wetting of Solids During theField Demulsification Process

摘要

Inorganic particles are a problem during oil/waterseparation of petroleum crude. The solids partiallyaccumulate at the interface and may fill separation andstorage tanks. In this paper anionic and nonionicsurfactants are used to help remove the solids at theinterface by water wetting the surface of the solids, andallowing them to settle to the bottom of the container.Careful observation during bottle testing was used toformulate a blend of demulsifier, anionic surfactant andnonionic surfactant, which facilitated the separation of thesolids from the interface without increasing the watercontent of the emulsion right above the interface.