WASH-WATER + DEMULSIFIER DOSING
Water ratio, injection location, and demulsifier dosage are selected from crude salt, water, and emulsion behavior.
PROCESS
FROM SALT WASHING TO PHASE SEPARATION
The process is defined from crude properties and downstream feed requirements, then integrates heating, water and chemical dosing, controlled mixing, electrostatic coalescence, settling, interface control, and brine discharge.↓
01 / SYSTEM SCOPE
CONTROLLED MIXING + SALT TRANSFER
A static mixer or mixing valve creates the required dispersion so salts enter the water phase without excessive emulsification.
TWO-STAGE COALESCENCE + SETTLING
Fine water droplets polarize, collide, and grow in the electric field before settling by density difference.
INTERFACE, DRAINAGE + PROTECTION
Temperature, pressure, current, and interface are monitored while separated brine is routed to recycle or downstream treatment.
02 / PROCESS CHAIN
HEAT, INJECT, MIX, COALESCE, SETTLE
Crude is heated into a suitable treatment window and contacted with wash water and, where required, demulsifier. Mixing disperses the water phase and transfers salts before the stream enters the desalter, where electric-field and gravity forces complete the separation.
- The operating window depends on viscosity, conductivity, and emulsion behavior
- A second stage can further reduce residual salt and water
- Drainage recycle and bypasses are arranged around the project water system
03 / VESSEL INTERNALS
FOUR FUNCTIONAL ZONES SUPPORT SEPARATION
The vessel can be understood as a water zone, emulsion and weak-field zone, strong-field coalescence zone, and clean-oil zone. Inlet distributors, electrodes, clean-oil collectors, and bottom drainage maintain the flow field and provide space for droplet growth and settling.
- Inlet distribution limits local momentum and short-circuit flow
- Electrodes and high-voltage feedthroughs are engineered for the project
- Collection, drainage, and flushing provisions support operations and maintenance
04 / POWER + CONTROL
HIGH-VOLTAGE POWER, INSTRUMENTS + INTERLOCKS
The electrical system combines power, regulation and protection, electrodes, and high-voltage feedthroughs. Process controls cover flow, temperature, pressure, interface, voltage, and current, with logic intended to stabilize separation and protect the package.
- Abnormal current, interface, or pressure trends initiate alarms and protection
- Water, chemical, and drainage loops can be coordinated
- Control interfaces, instrument class, and hazardous-area requirements follow the project
05 / PROJECT INPUTS
CONFIRM THE DUTY BEFORE SETTING EQUIPMENT PARAMETERS
Selection requires crude properties, throughput, inlet and outlet salt and water targets, pressure and temperature range, wash-water quality, available power, plot constraints, and control boundaries. During operation, trends help distinguish a mixing and mass-transfer problem from an electric-field, interface, or drainage problem.
- Performance values follow the project data sheet and technical agreement
- Single-stage and both-stage upsets require different diagnostic paths
- Sampling, draining, flushing, and maintenance changeover should be provided