Patent ID: 7705058
Filing Date: 2010-04-27
Classification: B01D,C10G

Abstract:
1. A method for the microwave treatment of water-in-oil emulsions/dispersions (W/O), wherein said method comprises the steps of: a) determining in the laboratory, for a W/O emulsion/dispersion prepared from a crude oil stream b) utilizing such information for the initial adjustment of application conditions of the method in phase separation units c) running on line and laboratory tests of the variables of step a) and of the process response in the effluent streams from said phase separation units, this response being the water content and salt content measurements, so as to feedback the information to the best adjustment of the process conditions for microwave application; and d) utilizing additionally said on line tests on the effect of the method as a tool for monitoring the efficiency of the treatment for the breaking of said W/O emulsion/dispersion.