Reasons for formation of stable intermediate layer water-in-oil emulsions in tanks

Abstract

The present paper describes the possible causes of a high stable intermediate layer emulsion in tanks. Detailed studies have revealed that the main ones are mixing of oil from different oil-bearing horizons, presence of mechanical impurities in oil emulsions, presence of refractory paraffin hydrocarbons with melting temperature up to 85 ° C in oil, use of oilfield chemistry reagents, long-term oil production technological chain according to the integrated well-to-settling tank approach, application of intensive hydrodynamic well production modes, dispersion in metering and pumping installations. It is therefore important to understand and appreciate the high stable emulsions formation involved in processing and disposing of oil waste.