New techniques in handling heavy California crude oil in refineries

The authors have used some fundamental surface chemistry studies into the basic properties of heavy California crude oil-water emulsions in surfactant contaminated process waters together with some new analytical techniques involving Zeta potentials, methylene blue activated substances, and naphthenic acids determinations. These techniques have allowed us to go into a refinery to track down the source of the trouble, correct the emulsion problem by either or both chemistry or process equipment changes. The results of several projects with refineries are illustrated. The authors show typical diagnostic results and how these were used to achieve significant improvements in refinery performance even under conditions where the California crude was increased further in the crude feedstock slate. Less oil was lost from the refinery and had to be hauled away by expensive hazardous waste contractors. Increased reliability of desalter operation and refinery wastewater treatment plant was achieved. And large reductions in operating costs of chemical treatment and emulsion handling were realized.