Elucidate the Separation Mechanisms of Continuous Microwave Radiation Systems (CMWRS) Using Crude Oil Emulsions

The crude oil is an indispensable source of energy. During the transportation, lifting and processing of oil, water-oil emulsions are frequently created. The traditional methods of eliminating these emulsions are based on utilization of high heat, chemicals, and electrical energy to force the emulsion to separate into water and hydrocarbon phases are disadvantages from both economic and environmental perspectives. In this work, a continuous microwave radiation system was developed and applied successfully for separation of heavy crude oil emulsions. In this study, a continuous microwave demulsification method was utilized in a 50-50%, and 20-80% of water-in-oil emulsions with varied microwave exposure time. Temperature profiles of water-in-oil emulsions inside a cylindrical container were measured. The temperature rise at a given location was linear. The rate of temperature increase of emulsions decreased at higher temperature due to decreasing dielectric loss of water. Due to its fast, volumetric, and selective heating, microwave heating can be used an alternative demulsification method