Demulsifiers

A demulsifier is recommended to break oil field oil/water emulsions and aid in solids removal from liquids providing a high quality produced crude and clean effluent water. These emulsion breakers work by attacking the droplet interface causing the droplets to disperse or gather into larger droplets. This action causes a density change making it easier for separation to occur. Factors that influence the type of demulsifier selected include the type of emulsion, either oil-in-water or water-in-oil, and the API gravity of the crude. Evaluation of the rate of water drop, sharpness of oil/water interface, and cleanliness of the water are included in analyzing for the proper demulsifier.

In oil production systems, water is often present in the reservoir and is co-produced with the oil. Due to the presence of emulsifying agents, such as:

• Naturally occurring surfactants in the oil / water
• Silts, fine solids, drilling mud, and clays
• Shearing effects resulting from turbulent flow and pumps, these fluids combine to form an emulsion
• Water and steam floods.

Water clarifiers or reverse demulsifiers are also available for aid in removing oil and solids from oil field and industrial waters.

A Chemjet representative will work with you to increase the rate of oil and water separation in your application. Chemjet produces a full line of demulsifiers to meet your production needs.