Case Study 05
Demulsifier Optimization for Multiple Crude Oil Streams
Challenge
An offshore production facility in the Russia processed crude oil from platform wells and subsea satellite wells. Changes in crude composition introduced challenges associated with asphaltenes, wax, and high total acid number.
The incumbent demulsifier could not separate water quickly enough in the first-stage separator, placing additional pressure on downstream processing. The operator also needed to reduce oil contamination in produced water.
Solution
Bottle tests were conducted to identify the most suitable raw materials, followed by full-scale system trials to verify performance under actual operating conditions. Based on the test results, a customized demulsifier formulation was developed to accommodate variations in crude oil characteristics.
The selected formulation was then evaluated on an offshore installation over a one-month period to assess its demulsification efficiency and suitability for continuous operation.
Results
The one-month offshore evaluation reported:
WATER IN OIL
−25%
0.44% → 0.33%
OIL IN PRODUCED WATER
−53%
34 → 16 mg/L
DEMULSIFIER DOSAGE
−52.8%
18 → 8.5 ppm