Q & A > Question Details
In desalting, does the wash water added to dilute the crude get emulsified with the crude after mixing across a mixing valve or does this remain as free water?
Does this wash water have to be considered while we determine the grid KVA requirement i.e. for separation of emulsified water from the crude?
Do we always have to add de-emulsifier chemicals in a desalter or can we operate without them?
 
Answers
02/04/2012 A: sam lordo, Becht Engineering, salordo@comcast.net
1) if the mixing energy is proper then an emulsion is formed which is resolved in the desalter
2) water is a parameter as it is the water that necessitated the need of electrostatic grids
3) Most desalters require demulsifiers, however, if the desalter is over-sized it is possible to run without demulsifier