Desalting machine
Manufactured by FLUXO in Brazil with license from NEET Process
A desalter is an electrostatic treater used to remove water, salt and other contaminants present in crude oil.
How the process works
Upon entering the pressure vessel, the emulsion is subjected to a high-voltage electrostatic field (14,000 - 15,000 volts) applied to the vessel's internal electrodes, which are energized by alternating current transformers. This electrostatic field induces the coalescence of brine droplets (larger droplets attract each other) and, due to the difference in density, promotes the separation of oil and water. The separation process occurs in a few seconds (residence time). At the end, the oil is drained from the upper part of the vessel and the water (loaded with salt and other contaminants) from the lower part.
Industrial applications
Desalters are widely used in:
- Oil refineries: pre-treatment of crude oil before atmospheric distillation, preventing corrosion and clogging.
- Offshore platforms: primary processing of oil while still at sea, reducing transportation and subsequent treatment costs.
Technical specifications and performance
- Operating voltage: 16 kV to 30 kV (adjustable according to oil viscosity).
- Internal pressure: 5 bar to 15 bar, depending on model and application.
- Working temperature: between 90°C and 150°C to optimize separation.
- Efficiency: removes up to 99% of salts and 90% of free water, ensuring oil suitable for subsequent processes.
- Processing capacity: can vary from 50,000 to 500,000 barrels per day, depending on the plant's needs.
Advantages of the electrostatic desalter
- Fast process: residence time of just a few seconds;
- Cost reduction: minimizes corrosion damage and increases equipment lifespan;
- Flexibility: can be adapted to different types of oil (light, heavy or extra-heavy);
- Environmental compliance: helps meet regulations on effluent disposal.
Certifications and compliance
To ensure safety and performance, desalters follow strict international standards, including:
- ASME VIII - certification for pressure vessels;
- ATEX/IECEx/INMETRO - guidelines for operation in potentially explosive atmospheres;
- ISO 9001 - quality and environmental management.
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Contact
Do you need an efficient solution for treating crude oil? Our electrostatic desalters combine advanced technology, high capacity and compliance with the most demanding standards. Contact us at unees@fluxo.si and find out the best option for your operation.