Abstract: A petroleum desalting process in which the role played by the oil/bulk-resolved-water interface in the dehydration of the stabilized emulsion which forms in the desalter is recognized. The desalting process is improved by introducing the demulsifier and chemical high voltage electrodes. Water droplets in the mixture coalesce and settle towards the bottom of the vessel. A stabilized emulsion layer formed from the oil and the water with additives into the water phase and/or injecting chemical additives directly in the vicinity of the water/oil interface. This improved methodology that makes the rapid and effective delivery of chemical demulsifiers to the rag layer and/or oil/bulk-resolved-water interface possible. In operation, the desalting is carried out by mixing a crude oil to be desalted with water and passing the mixture of oil and water to the desalter vessel.

Abstract: A petroleum desalting process in which the role played by the oil/bulk-resolved-water interface in the dehydration of the stabilized emulsion which forms in the desalter is recognized. The desalting process is improved by introducing the demulsifier and chemical high voltage electrodes. Water droplets in the mixture coalesce and settle towards the bottom of the vessel. A stabilized emulsion layer formed from the oil and the water with additives into the water phase and/or injecting chemical additives directly in the vicinity of the water/oil interface. This improved methodology that makes the rapid and effective delivery of chemical demulsifiers to the rag layer and/or oil/bulk-resolved-water interface possible. In operation, the desalting is carried out by mixing a crude oil to be desalted with water and passing the mixture of oil and water to the desalter vessel.

Abstract: A petroleum desalting process in which fluid from interfacial boundary layer between the settled water layer and the settled oil layer or emulsion-water layer in the vessel is withdrawn from the desalter and recycled to the crude oil inlet of the desalter to improve separation of the oil and water phases.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for detecting the presence of water in a current of liquid hydrocarbons. The apparatus comprises at least one pair of electrodes for detecting the presence of water in a sample zone in the current of liquid hydrocarbons located therebetween; alternating current generating circuitry for generating an alternating current between the electrodes; measuring circuitry for measuring the electrical impedance of the current of liquid hydrocarbons between the electrodes; and a processor for collecting data from the measuring circuitry, processing the data and outputting the data for use in detecting the presence of water in the current of liquid hydrocarbons. A method is provided for detecting the presence of water in a current of liquid hydrocarbons and for quantifying the amount of free water present in a current of liquid hydrocarbons. An apparatus is provided for quantifying the amount of free water present in a current of liquid hydrocarbons.