Multivariate evaluation from electrocoalescence to Brazilian crude oils in pilot plant scale

Abstract

A multivariate evaluation of the electrocoalescence process for crude oil dehydration is presented in this study. The objective is to assess the impact of operational variables and their combined effects on the final water content. To achieve this, a pilot plant unit was constructed for the evaluation of five operational variables in a steady-state regime. The statistical analysis, conducted using results obtained through a factorial experimental design for three types of crude oil, illustrates how the influence of cross-effects impacts dehydration. Different responses from each type of crude oil depend on the combined variables. The findings highlight that a combination of factors, not always immediately apparent, contributes to a reduction in the final water content. Furthermore, the combination of operating factors appears to be more crucial than individual variables. This suggests an opportunity for the optimization of electrocoalescers by simply adjusting field parameters.