Effect of Demulsifiers on Dilatational Properties of Crude Oil-Water Interfaces

The dilatational properties of polyether demulsifiers PEA, PEB, PEC, PED, PEF, and PEG at the decane-water interface were investigated. Meanwhile, the effect of demulsifiers with different structures on interfacial dilatational modulus of diluted crude oil also was explored. The properties of demulsifiers are compared and analyzed in combine with the dilatational parameters at decane-water interface and at 5% crude oil-water interface. The results show that interfacial dilatational viscoelasticity could characterize the interfacial behavior of demulsifiers. The demulsifiers, which have different kinds or structures, have different effects on destroying the interfacial film of crude oil with increasing bulk concentration. Therefore, the dosage of demulsifier is a very important role in controlling nature of crude oil film.