Abstract: A process for removing even tightly emulsified oil, water and solid emulsions by the application of a shear force sufficient to break the emulsion. In one particular application, a tank bottom sludge produced in the petroleum industry is treated with the shear force of a ball or roller mill until the emulsion is broken. Simultaneous reduction in the particle size of the solid occurs. This process produces commercial grade oil, water and an aqueous slurry of solids devoid of oily compounds. The oil-free solid phase produced thereby is suited for use in a coker quench stream. The demulsification process described may be used to demulsify used oil to recover and recycle the oil constituent of the used oil. The demulsification process of the present invention may be used to demulsify waste products for the later production of a liquid fuel from the oil of the waste product.

Abstract: A process for resolving even tightly emulsified oil, water and solid emulsions by the application of a sheer force sufficient to break the emulsion. In one particular application, a tank bottom sludge produced in the petroleum industry is treated with the shear force of a bal or roller mill into the emulsion is broken. Simultaneous reduction in the particle size of the solids occurs. This process produces a commercial grade oil, water and an aqueous slurry of solids devoid of oily compounds. The oil-free solid phase produced thereby is suited for use in a coker quench stream.