Crude Oil Refining: Desalter and Desalting Process

Crude Oil Refining: Desalter and Desalting of Crude Oil

Desalter:

• A desalter is a critical unit in the crude oil refining process that removes salt, water, and other contaminants from crude oil.
• The desalter is typically located at the beginning of the refining process, after crude oil reception and before crude oil fractionation.
• The desalter's primary function is to remove impurities that can:
  • Corrode equipment and pipes
  • Interfere with catalytic processes
  • Affect product quality

Desalting of Crude Oil:

• Desalting is the process of removing salt and other contaminants from crude oil using a desalter.
• The desalting process involves:
  1. Mixing crude oil with water and a demulsifier (a chemical that breaks the emulsion between oil and water)
  2. Heating the mixture to create a separation between the oil and water phases
  3. Separating the salt and water from the crude oil using gravity or electrostatic forces
• Desalting is essential because:
  • Salt can cause corrosion and fouling of equipment, leading to costly maintenance and downtime
  • Salt can also affect the performance of catalysts used in downstream processes, leading to reduced product quality and yield
  • Removing salt and water improves the overall quality of the crude oil, making it suitable for further refining and processing