System to reduce interface emulsion layer formation in an electrostatic dehydrator or desalter vessel through use of a low voltage electrostatic interface emulsion treatment system inside the vessel

A method of separating an oil/water mixture, comprising:

• disposing a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly in a separator vessel, the first electrode assembly at a first level and the second electrode assembly at a second level below the first level;
• orienting at least one of the first and second electrode assemblies vertically within the separator vessel;
• providing an oil/water mixture to the separator vessel;
• coupling a first voltage that varies between 5 kV and 60 kV to the first electrode assembly;
• coupling a second voltage that varies at less than 5 kV to the second electrode assembly;
• separating the oil/water mixture into an oil layer, an emulsion layer, and a water layer;
• maintaining the first electrode assembly in the oil layer;
• and
• maintaining the second electrode assembly below the oil layer, with at least a portion of the second electrode assembly in the emulsion layer.

A method of separating an oil/water mixture, comprising:

• disposing a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly in a separator vessel, with the second electrode assembly entirely below the first electrode assembly;
• orienting at least one of the first and second electrode assemblies vertically within the separator vessel;
• providing an oil/water mixture to the separator vessel;
• coupling a first voltage that varies between 5 kV and 60 kV to the first electrode assembly;
• coupling a second voltage that varies at less than 5 kV to the second electrode assembly;
• separating the oil/water mixture into an oil layer, an emulsion layer, and a water layer;
• maintaining the first electrode assembly within the oil layer;
• and
• maintaining the second electrode assembly within the emulsion layer.