Abstract: The invention includes a method for dewatering and/or desalting a water-in-oil emulsion comprising introducing a plurality of streams of the emulsion into the electrostatic field under opposed flow whereby the water coalescence is enhanced. The invention also includes an improved electrostatic apparatus for dewatering and/or desalting a water-in-oil emulsion comprising a plurality of horizontally directed nozzles positioned to introduce a plurality of streams of the emulsion into the electrostatic field under opposed flow conditions.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for dewatering and/or desalting a water-in-oil emulsion comprising introducing a plurality of streams of the emulsion into the electrostatic field under opposed flow whereby the water coalescence is enhanced. The invention also includes an improved electrostatic apparatus for dewatering and/or desalting a water-in-oil emulsion comprising a plurality of horizontally directed nozzles positioned to introduce a plurality of streams of the emulsion into the electrostatic field under opposed flow conditions.

Abstract: A profile of the emulsion pad, the oil continuous and the water continuous phases present in a coalescer, such as a crude oil dehydrater or desalter, which contains sample withdrawing means such as trycocks or a swing arm sampler for withdrawing liquid samples from a plurality of known vertical positions inside the unit, is readily obtained by withdrawing samples from a plurality of known vertical positions inside the unit and passing the samples to a receiver outside the unit which contains means for measuring an electrical property determinative of the type of phase being measured and its water content. The measured electrical property may be the energy absorption of the sample, such as RF energy absorption.

Abstract: The interzone mixing device of the present invention is positioned in a multi-zoned vessel for flow of fluid generally vertically therethrough. The interzone mixing device includes a horizontally disposed first plate that has a central opening in it and a cylindrical cap extending upwardly from the first plate and sized and positioned to cover the central opening therein. The cap has a plurality of angular slots in the side wall to direct the flow of fluid passing therethrough in a swirling direction toward the central opening in the first plate. The interzone mixing device also includes a horizontally disposed second plate which has a plurality of openings in an annular ring around the periphery of the second plate. Additionally, a horizontally disposed circular table is positioned on the second plate and is aligned with the central opening in the first plate.