Preparation and evaluation of demulsifiers agents for Basra crude oil

The present study relates to the preparation of demulsifiers from caster oil for dehydration (desalting) of Basra crude oil and water emulsions. It is an empirical application study. Two emulsifiers were compared, RP/6000, which is commercially available and ammonium castor oil sulfonate that was prepared. The general physical properties and IR spectra were measured for the demulsifiers. The demulsification studies were performed at 50 °C, using a water–oil emulsion containing 15 vol% water and 3 wt% NaCl in the water. Parameters that were studied include demulsification time, demulsifier dose and the effect of pH. The best water separation was obtained at highest pH and demulsifier dose.