Optimization of Demulsifier Effectiveness DMO86416 for Water Separation from Crude Oil

Crude oil, a vital natural resource composed of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, is essential for producing fuels like gasoline and diesel. However, the formation of oil-water emulsions presents significant challenges in oil production, particularly in Libya, leading to increased processing costs and equipment corrosion. This study focuses on a novel chemical demulsification approach implemented in the AMAL field of the Harouge company, utilising the demulsifier DMO86416 to effectively separate water from crude oil. Systematic adjustments in operational parameters, including temperature, mixing time, andchemical concentration, were optimized to enhance product quality and reduce costs. Notably, the application of DMO86416 resulted in a remarkable 46% reduction in chemical consumption at Station 3, decreasing from 1.12 barrels to 0.52 barrels per thousand barrels of oil. Improvements in separation efficiency were observed across multiple stations, underscoring the significance of this work in optimising oil production processes and minimizing environmental impact. Keywords: Crude oil, chemical demulsification, oil/water, DMO86416.