Extraction of hydrocarbons from oil emulsions with the use of a supercritical fluid extraction process with propane-butane extractant

AbstractCurrent paper represents the results of the study on extraction of hydrocarbons from oil emulsions using liquid and supercritical extraction processes. High-viscosity oil from Ashalchinskoye accumulation has been taken as a base for the emulsions with subsequent addition of water (0.5–30% wt.). A mixture of propane and butane has been applied as an extractant. The investigations have been carried out at temperatures 85–140 °C and pressures 10–15 MPa. The achieved output of light hydrocarbons is 93% of the total mass of hydrocarbons in emulsion. In parallel with the extraction, deasphaltizing has also been carried out.