Process analysis of crude oil desalting - water uses optimization. / Análise do processo de dessalgação de petróleo - otimização do uso de água.

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2009

RESUMO

The aim of this work is the study of the reduction of water consumption in petroleum desalting processes. The study of the attraction forces acting on the droplets was necessary to know how the emulsion water/oil is separated. A mathematical model based upon these forces was built to calculate the time between each droplets collision and to establish criteria for their coalescence. This model was applied to a system developed based on cellular automata, which allows to follow the process micro and macroscopically. Computations were carried out to the ensemble of droplets and the visual progression, from the start of droplets separation of the continuous phase to the end of the process could be visualized. Laboratory experiments, in which optical equipment was used to measure the light intensity transmitted or scattered by the droplets, allowed to evaluate the influence of the type of mixing water in the separation time of the emulsions. Tests in the industrial unity allowed evaluating the performance of the desalting units at different operating conditions. Conclusions of the laboratory experiments and the results of the mathematical model were compared with results of the industrial tests, showing coherence between them. The work shows that it is possible to simulate the effect of the operating variables and to alter schemes of water use in desalting units, increasing the water recycling rate, allowing optimization of fresh water consumption in this process and reducing the total water consumption in the refinery.

ASSUNTO(S)

Água (uso; otimização) crude oil desalting emulsions petróleo (processos químicos) economia de água water uses optimization

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