MODERN METHODS FOR BREAKING AND SEPARATING WATER–OIL EMULSIONS

Abstract

At present, the high water content of production at a significant portion of developed oil fields remains one of the main and most common problems in the oil industry. This characteristic complicates the processes of extraction, transportation, and preliminary preparation of oil, creating additional technological and operational challenges. Therefore, ensuring rapid and efficient separation of water–oil emulsions has become particularly relevant and is considered one of the key stages in preparing oil for processing.

The primary aim of this article is to study the features of various methods for dehydrating water–oil emulsions aimed at obtaining commercial-grade oil, as well as to evaluate their effectiveness and ability to achieve maximum water removal. In addition, the levels of technological complexity of the methods and equipment used are considered, and an analysis of the economic efficiency of the selected processes is conducted.