Effect of Electric Field Nonuniformity on the Processes of Creation and Destruction of Water-Oil Emulsions During Crude Oil Desalting

Abstract

The effect of electric field nonuniformity on the processes of creation and destruction of water-oil emulsions during crude oil desalting was investigated. It is shown that electrodemulsification of crude oil in a uniform electric field is ineffective. To increase the efficiency of electro-desalination, it is proposed to provide in the apparatus three contact stages with various hydrodynamics of the emulsion flow and electric field strength. It is suggested to place electrodes in the horizontal body of the apparatus. For this, one electrode is executed in the form of vertical injectors for “dry” and/or initial emulsion, and the second – in the form of a flat Venturi channel. Any productivity can be achieved by increasing the length of the apparatus, and electric field nonuniformity and strength adjustments make it possible to obtain three stages of separation of the emulsion.