DROP SIZE AND CONCENTRATION PROFILE DETERMINATION IN PETROLEUM EMULSION SEPARATION

Stable emulsions of brine in crude oil were destabilized using a polym eric surfactant demulsifier and were studied during mixing and settlin g. After emulsion preparation and aging, demulsifier was added and the drop growth was measured using photomicroscopy. Phase separation was monitored using gamma-ray absorption. Aged emulsions exhibited less dr op growth during mixing and slow separation; however, the age of an em ulsion cannot always be controlled. Increased demulsifier concentratio n and longer mixing time after demulsifier addition both lead to a lar ger final drop size and faster separation. Optimizing the mixing condi tions under which demulsifier is added to an emulsion could reduce the separation time, although these conditions would be system-specific. The drop size after demulsifier addition was an important indicator of subsequent emulsion separation behaviour.