Abstract: An apparatus includes a vessel configured to be pressurized and heated at a well site to match desired process conditions at which a demulsifier is to break an emulsion of crude oil. The vessel includes a first end, a second end, an inlet pipe, and an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe receives crude oil and a demulsifier and mixes the crude oil and the demulsifier to form a mixture. The apparatus includes a heater surrounding at least a portion of the vessel. The heater is configured to provide heat to the mixture. The apparatus includes a guided wave radar configured to generate a reference pulse of microwave energy and detect a surface echo reflected from the mixture.

Abstract: A separation vessel containing a multi-phase mixture comprising oil and water comprises a buoyant thermal energy transfer device. The buoyant thermal energy transfer device further comprises a thermally conductive body and an internal heating element. The buoyant thermal energy transfer device defines a collective specific gravity between about 0.7 and about 1.2, which may be accomplished by adding positioning floats to the buoyant thermal energy transfer device. With such a collective specific gravity, the buoyant thermal energy transfer device is situated in the emulsion layer of the multi-phase mixture, with the internal heating element applying heat to emulsion layer, aiding in the breakage of emulsions. Demulsified oil and water may then be removed from the separation vessel.

Abstract: A separation vessel containing a multi-phase mixture comprising oil and water comprises a buoyant thermal energy transfer device. The buoyant thermal energy transfer device further comprises a thermally conductive body and an internal heating element. The buoyant thermal energy transfer device defines a collective specific gravity between about 0.7 and about 1.2, which may be accomplished by adding positioning floats to the buoyant thermal energy transfer device. With such a collective specific gravity, the buoyant thermal energy transfer device is situated in the emulsion layer of the multi-phase mixture, with the internal heating element applying heat to emulsion layer, aiding in the breakage of emulsions. Demulsified oil and water may then be removed from the separation vessel.