Evaluation of a sulfanilic acid based surfactant in crude oil demulsification: an experimental study

Abstract

In this study, 2-Amino-5-Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid (ADBSA) surfactant has been prepared and tested as crude oil emulsions demulsifier. Electrical conductivity method was used to obtain the critical micelle concentration of surfactant. A critical micelle concentration value of 0.225 wt.%. Bottle testing measurements were conducted to investigate the effect of several parameters including temperature, water content, salinity, demulsifier dosage and type of crude oil (composition) on the demulsification efficiency in presence of new synthetic demulsifier. A reduction of emulsion stability was observed with increasing water content or demulsifier dosage decrease. A water separation index of 98% was recorded at 60 °C.