(21b) Solids Handling in Crude Oil

Solid particulates contained in crude oil can have a significant impact on refinery operation. Solids can contribute to fouling of atmospheric distillation pre-heat trains or furnaces. They can drive refinery products off spec, particularly the residual streams and coke product. Difficulty with desalter operation can result from solids stabilizing emulsions or accumulating in the bottom of the desalter. Thus, the refiner needs to effectively deal with crude oil solids.

Crude oil has been found to contain four major types of solids. They may be found individually or in combination. Characterization of these solids will be presented through chemical analysis, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Strategies for effectively dealing with the general types of solids will be reviewed. Chemical treatments can be utilized in the desalter to assist in the delivery of the solids to the desired oil or water phase, or used to diminish the stabilization of the interfacial layer in a desalter. Mudwash strategies can be used to improve desalter performance.

Results from a refinery application will be presented that demonstrates the effective control of solids. Routine high rates of solids removal resulted in meeting the refiner's objectives for product quality and desalter operation