Method of Breaking Aqueous Heavy Crude Emulsions by Adding Polar Solvents
OwnerJean-Francois Argillier, Isabelle Henaut +2inventors
InventorsJean-Francois Argillier, Isabelle Henaut, Charlotte Desquesnes, Martin Fessard
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a method of breaking an oil-in-water emulsion, the oil essentially consisting of a heavy hydrocarbon, i.e. having a viscosity above approximately 100 centipoise at ambient temperature. According to the invention, at least one solvent defined by: a polar coefficient according to the Hansen classification above 5, a “hydrogen” coefficient according to the Hansen classification below 16, is added to the emulsion.
Claims12
A method of breaking an oil-in-water emulsion, said oil essentially consisting of a heavy hydrocarbon, i.e. having a viscosity above approximately 100 centipoise at ambient temperature, characterized in that at least one solvent defined by:
- a polar coefficient according to the Hansen classification above 5,
- a “hydrogen” coefficient according to the Hansen classification below 16, is added to said emulsion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.