(365l) Electrocoalescence of Water in Oil Emulsion.

Abstract: The separation of water from crude oil emulsions is a critical step in the refining process,
with salts present in the water causing downstream issues. Desalting, the initial stage in
crude oil refining, employs various techniques for liquid–liquid phase separation. Among
these, electrocoalescence has proven to be the most efficient method. This process employs
an electric field to induce the coalescence of water droplets, aiding in their separation from
insulating oils like crude oil. This literature review explores key studies on
electrocoalescence, examining factors influencing the process, such as electric field type,
uniformity, and strength, oil viscosity, water droplet volume fraction, and droplet size
distribution. The review includes insights from studies on coalescence, partial coalescence,
and non-coalescence phenomena, providing a comprehensive understanding of the
electrocoalescence process. The project's problem statement focuses on investigating
electrocoalescence factors, including electric field strength, emulsion characteristics, and
surfactant additives. Objectives involve conducting electrocoalescence experiments using
different emulsions and surfactants in various setups. The methodology details sample
preparation for milliQ-oil and milliQ-crude oil emulsions, as well as SDS surfactant
samples. Experimental setups include perpendicular electro-coalescers and a portable
electrostatic dehydrator (PED). Findings from experimental observations, such as
coalescence behavior and separation efficiency, are discussed. The abstract concludes with
a summary of the project's insights, emphasizing the importance of electrocoalescence in
crude oil refining. Future work is suggested, including exploring advanced techniques and
scaling up the electrocoalescence process for industrial applications. In essence, this
project contributes to enhancing the efficiency of crude oil refining processes through a
comprehensive exploration of electrocoalescence, providing valuable insights for both
current and future applications in the industry.