Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating a crude oil containing water. An inlet introduces a flow of the crude oil into the apparatus, wherein at least a portion of the water is a vapor. A first separator disrupts the crude oil flow in order to separate at least a portion of the vapor from the crude oil to produce a treated oil. A heater heats the treated oil to produce a heated treated oil. Means for recycling a first amount of the heated treated oil from the heater to the inlet are provided. The first amount is at least sufficient to heat the crude oil to a temperature such that at least a portion of the water forms the vapor. At least one oil outlet removes the treated oil and at least one vapor outlet removes the vapor. Finally, means are provided for producing the flow of the crude oil. The process is preferably conducted using the apparatus.