Optimization of separation of oil from oil-in-water emulsion by demulsification using different demulsifiers

Abstract

Separation of oil from oil-in-water emulsion is a major challenge in petroleum industries during the producing and refining process. The authors investigated characterization of oil-in-water emulsion and subsequently separation of oil from emulsion using different chemical dimulsifiers. The effect of settling time, pH, temperature, and demulsifier dosage on oil separation efficiency has been studied. It was observed that as time, temperature, and chemical dosage increased oil separation efficiency increased. Droplet size distribution of emulsions illustrated that the demulsifier could lead to the breakup of crude oil-in-water emulsions by flocculation and coalescence. More than 98% oil separations were observed with some demulsifiers under optimum operating conditions.