Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for automated real-time monitoring and controlling desalting in a crude distillation unit. Crude oil and wash water are mixed by a pressure drop across a mix valve, thereby forming a crude oil/water phase stream. The crude oil/water phase stream is supplied into a desalter vessel, whereupon an emulsion forms at an interface between the crude oil and the water phase. The crude oil/water phase stream is contacted with a dosage of an emulsion breaker in an applied electric field. At least one property associated with the emulsion is measured using an emulsion level indicator. A total chlorine and a water percentage of the crude oil are measured. At least one of the pressure drop and the dosage of the emulsion breaker is adjusted substantially in real time in response to at least one of the measured properties, total chlorine, and water percentage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for automated real-time monitoring and controlling desalting in a crude distillation unit. Crude oil and wash water are mixed by a pressure drop across a mix valve, thereby forming a crude oil/water phase stream. The crude oil/water phase stream is supplied into a desalter vessel, whereupon an emulsion forms at an interface between the crude oil and the water phase. The crude oil/water phase stream is contacted with a dosage of an emulsion breaker in an applied electric field. At least one property associated with the emulsion is measured using an emulsion level indicator. A total chlorine and a water percentage of the crude oil are measured. At least one of the pressure drop and the dosage of the emulsion breaker is adjusted substantially in real time in response to at least one of the measured properties, total chlorine, and water percentage.