Abstract: There is provided a process for the formulation of an oil-in-water emulsion from a produced hydrocarbon crude which includes a water-in-oil emulsion. A substantially oil insoluble nonyl phenol emulsifier is added with agitation to the crude when such crude is at a temperature of from about 100.degree. to about 200.degree. F., in a quantity sufficient to formulate and then sustain an oil-in-water emulsion at pipeline conditions of temperature and shear. Water-content is from about 15 percent to about 35 percent by weight. Viscosity is sufficiently low for pipeline transportation. Any excess water is separated from the formed oil-in-water emulsion prior to pipelining. The oil-in-water emulsion is one that can easily be dewatered and desalted to the necessary marketing specifications at the downstream end of the pipeline, using known technology.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the formulation of an oil-in-water emulsion from a produced hydrocarbon crude which includes a water-in-oil emulsion. A surface-active chemical system is added with agitation to the crude when such crude is at a temperature of from about 100.degree. to about 200.degree. F., in a quantity sufficient to formulate and then sustain an oil-in-water emulsion at pipeline conditions of temperature and shear. Water-content is from about 15 percent to about 35 percent by weight. Viscosity is sufficiently low for pipeline transportation. Any excess water is separated from the formed oil-in-water emulsion prior to pipelining. The oil-in-water emulsion is one that can easily be dewatered and desalted to the necessary marketing specifications at the downsteam end of the pipeline, using known technology.