Abstract:

This paper presents the calculation of an electrostatic desalting unit intended for crude oil treatment prior to further processing. Based on the specified initial data for a unit capacity of 170 m³/h, material balances of the process and equipment were performed, the required wash water flow rate was determined, and a hydrodynamic analysis of water droplet settling in the oil emulsion was carried out. The main process equipment was selected, including electrostatic dehydrators, a heat exchanger, and a pump. The thermal duty of the heat exchanger and the hydraulic parameters of the pump were calculated. The results show that the designed unit ensures a reduction of water content from 1.0 to 0.2 wt.% and salt concentration from 1000 to 5 g/m³, meeting the quality requirements for treated crude oil. The obtained results confirm the engineering feasibility and technological validity of the proposed electrostatic desalting unit.

Keywords: Electrostatic desalting; crude oil treatment; electrostatic desalter; electrostatic dehydrator; oil–water emulsion; material balance; hydrodynamic calculation; heat exchanger; pump.