TITLE:
Evaluation of the Effects of Alcohol on De-Emulsification of Niger Delta Crude Oil Using Commercial De-Emulsifiers
AUTHORS:
K. C. Igwilo, S. T. A. Okolie, P. A. L. Anawe, Ogbudu Roland, Jude Odo
KEYWORDS:
De-Emulsification, Niger Delta Crude Oil, RP6000, Chimec 2439, Methanol, Ethanol, Separation Efficiency
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Yangtze Oil and Gas,
Vol.2 No.3,
July
14,
2017
ABSTRACT: This research work evaluates the effects of alcohol on de-emulsification of Niger Delta crude oil using RP6000 and Chimec 2439 as de-emulsifiers. The laboratory measurements were carried out as per API standard. Stable emulsion was prepared using brine. The samples were de-emulsified. Methanol and ethanol were added respectively, with water and without water as modifiers. The measurements of the effect of adding alcohols on water separation efficiency were carried out using methanol to water ratio, M = 4:1 and ethanol water ratio, E = 4:1. The results show that solubility with alcohol is greater in emulsion than the solubility of alcohol without water. Some comparisons were also made based on the plots on percent water separation versus time for the two modifiers and de-emulsifiers. The maximum separation efficiency of 61% was obtained at concentration of 25% methanol, 75% RP6000, 20 ppm and Chimec 2439 gave maximum separation efficiency of 56.6% at concentration of 75%, 20 ppm at 120 minutes. Based on the results, methanol therefore gave larger effect on water separation efficiency than ethanol.