You must log in to edit PetroWiki. Help with editing
Content of PetroWiki is intended for personal use only and to supplement, not replace, engineering judgment. SPE disclaims any and all liability for your use of such content. More information
mNo edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
Separating a crude-oil/water emulsion into its bulk phases of oil and water usually involves three basic steps: | Separating a crude-oil/water emulsion into its bulk phases of oil and water usually involves three basic steps: | ||
=== | ===Destabilization=== | ||
(Coagulation). Counteracting the stabilizing effect of the emulsifier destabilizes an emulsion. To increase the probability of coalescence of dispersed water droplets on contact, the tough skin or film surrounding the dispersed water droplets must be weakened and broken. This usually is accomplished by adding heat and/or a properly selected, interfacially active chemical compound to the emulsion. (This primarily is the task of the chemical treatment program.) | (Coagulation). Counteracting the stabilizing effect of the emulsifier destabilizes an emulsion. To increase the probability of coalescence of dispersed water droplets on contact, the tough skin or film surrounding the dispersed water droplets must be weakened and broken. This usually is accomplished by adding heat and/or a properly selected, interfacially active chemical compound to the emulsion. (This primarily is the task of the chemical treatment program.) | ||
edits