| abstract |
The present invention provides methods and systems for processing crude oil, which may include adding water to the crude oil (e.g., in a desalter) to produce hydrocarbons and brines, and oil-water boundary layer emulsions that may include hydrocarbons and brines and solids. The emulsion can be modified to include, for example, one or more of additional hydrocarbons and deemulsifiers, reverse deemulsifiers, coagulants, and flocculants added to the mixer. The modified emulsion can be directed through a dead-end filter assembly to remove solids. |