A study of the effects of phenolic de-emulsifier solutions in xylene on the de-emulsification of a Nigerian crude oil emulsion

Abstract

The research and development of de-emulsifiers for separating water from crude oil emulsions usually result in varying degrees of success, depending on the location and the type of crude being treated. This makes de-emulsifiers crude oil specific and thus gives rise to the continuous search for more and effective de-emulsifiers that can meet the specific needs of each locality. In this study, base-catalyzed phenol formaldehyde resins were formulated at varying formaldehyde to phenol ratios (1.2:1-1.8:1); the assessment was carried out by the bottle test method at varied de-emulsifier concentrations (vol/vol) in xylene acting as solvent diluent. The bottle test was carried out at an optimum temperature of 70 • C, dosage of 50 ppm and residence times of 10 and 20 min. A factorial design was done to determine the best combination of the de-emulsification conditions for the resolution of the Nigerian crude oil emulsion. The results were analyzed and optimized using Minitab 16 utilizing a Pareto chart, normal effects, main effects and interaction plots. From the analysis carried out, it was found that the most effective formulated de-emulsifier was obtained at formaldehyde to phenol (F:P) mole ratio of 1.8:1, 80% de-emulsifier concentration in xylene and residence time of 20 min. This de-emulsifier obtained a water separation efficiency of 79% compared to the commercial de-emulsifier which gave 71% efficiency. Thus the solution of P:F de-emulsifiers in xylene enhances the de-emulsification of the Nigerian crude oil emulsions.

Prediction Model between Emulsified Water Fractions and Physicochemical Properties of Crude Oil Based on the Exergy Loss Rate

“…During the process of crude oil exploitation, gathering, and transportation, the crude oil–water mixture is easy to form an emulsion. The formation of the emulsion has a significant influence on the flow pattern and pressure drop of pipelines. , Crude oil contains various natural surfactants, including asphaltenes, resins, wax particles, etc. These natural surfactants can be aggregated and adsorbed at the oil–aqueous interface, decreasing the interfacial tension and forming a strong interfacial film, thus forming and stabilizing the emulsion.…”