Method for breaking emulsions in a crude oil desalting system

Patent 5256305 Issued on October 26, 1993. Estimated Expiration Date:

August 24, 2012. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

Use of hydrocarbon polymers in demulsification
Patent #: 4175054
Issued on: 11/20/1979
Inventor: Tait , et al.

Brine monitor
Patent #: 4947885
Issued on: 08/14/1990
Inventor: Hart

Methods for removing iron from crude oil in a two-stage desalting system Patent #: 5080779
Issued on: 01/14/1992
Inventor: Awbrey, et al.

Inventor

Hart, Paul R.

Assignee

Betz Laboratories, Inc.

Application

No. 934837 filed on 08/24/1992

US Classes:

210/708, Including emulsion breaking208/251R, Metal contaminant removal208/311, Liquid extraction with solvents210/732, Synthetic polymer210/737, Including temperature change516/161, The compound contains nitrogen, except if present solely as NH4+ (e.g., nitroso phenol)516/164, The compound contains polymer of substituted or unsubstituted phenol and substituted or unsubstituted aldehyde516/181, The compound contains oxygen (e.g., cresylic acid)516/183, The compound contains polymer of substituted or unsubstituted phenol and substituted or unsubstituted aldehyde516/185, The compound contains carboxylic acid ester group (e.g., lactone, natural (glyceride) oil, oxyalkylated `blown fatty acid`*)516/191The compound contains ether group (e.g., polyethylene oxide)

Examiners

Primary: Hruskoci, Peter A.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Ricci; Alexander D., Boyd; Steven D.

International Class

B01D 017/04

Abstract

Method of breaking the desalter emulsion in a crude oil desalting system in which oil based demulsifiers are added to the wash water stream and mixed prior to contacting the crude oil. The method is effective for crude oils which form reverse (oil-in-water) emulsions when mixed with the wash water at the process temperature.