OCTCO USA

This course is designed for oilfield professionals who are interested in understanding the basics of oilfield oil-in-water emulsions and dehydration process. Factors related to stabilizing and destabilizing oilfield emulsions will be discussed. Field emulsion evaluation using centrifugation method to break total water down to water at various phases in oilfield emulsions is explained in detail. This course also touches base on some oilfield dehydration vessels and demulsifier mechanism.

Course Format:

Online presentation with audio, 35 slides

Course Topics:

What are emulsions

Emulsion Types

Regular Emulsions 

Reverse Emulsions

Complex Emulsions

Field Tests to Determine Emulsion Type

Causes of Emulsions

Agitation

Emulsifying Agents

Other Factors

Oil/water ratio

Fluid densities/Viscosities

Temperature   

Emulsion Stability

Solids content

Shear

Size of internal droplets

Amount and type of emulsifying agent

% Volume of internal phase

Field emulsion evaluation

Type of Centrifuges

Centrifugation Basics

Free Water

“Held up” Water

BS

Secondary BS

Various measures to break emulsions

Physical

Heat

Settling Time

Electricity

Mechanical Coalescers

Chemical

Solvents, reduce viscosity and lowers density

Emulsion Breakers (Demulsifiers)

Demulsifier mechanisms

STOKES’ LAW

Demulsifier Failure / Overtreatment Overview