Study on Demulsification of a Demulsifier at Low Temperature and Its Field Application

The demulsification performance of a demulsifier at low temperature has been investigated. Bottle testing method was used to study the effect of water content, temperature, and demulsifier concentration on the demulsification performance. Interfacial rheological method was used to understand the demulsification mechanisms. Finally, a field test was carried out using the demulsifier in an oil-water treatment centre of Fuyu oilfield. It was found that this demulsifier has excellent demulsification performance when its concentration is about 100 mg/L and the demulsification temperature can be reduced by more than 15°C. This technology can be used to greatly reduce the energy consumption, and thus to reduce the production cost.