(55c) New Control Technology for Desalter Optimisation

NEW CONTROL TECHNOLOGY FOR DESALTER OPTIMISATION

Within many refineries there is a growing tendency to process heavier crude or blend these into lighter feedstocks. During crude oil refining it is advantageous to optimise the blend to reduce overall feedstock costs whilst at the same time ensuring the final mix can be adequately processed with minimal upset.

One of the fundamental needs is the efficient separation of wastewater from the crude using a desalter vessel after water washing the feedstock to reduce chloride levels.

Upon a request from a major oil refiner, Tracerco has redesigned its' Tracerco ProfilerTM instrument that is commonly used within three phase separation devices within the oil and gas industry to withstand the elevated operating temperatures typically experienced within a desalter vessel.

This paper offers information on the development of an instrument that offers phase density measurement vertically throughout a desalter vessel to 1? resolution allowing the position and extent of oil, emulsion, water and solids to be measured within the control room in real time.