1.1 Definition and importance

Demulsifiers are a class of chemicals used to destroy emulsions, especially oil-in-water emulsions. In the petroleum industry, the presence of emulsions can adversely affect production processes and equipment, such as increasing transmission resistance, clogging equipment, and reducing oil quality. The use of reverse demulsifier can effectively separate the emulsion into two phases of oil and water, thereby improving the efficiency of oil treatment, reducing costs and protecting equipment.

1.2 Classification of reverse demulsifiers

Reverse demulsifiers can be classified according to different criteria, mainly including the following:

1. ** Classification by chemical composition ** :

• Non-ionic reverse demulsifier: such as polyoxyethylene ether, polyoxyel ether, etc.
• Anionic reverse demulsifier : such as sulfates, sulfonates, etc.
• Cationic reverse demulsifier : such as quaternary ammonium salts, amines, etc.

1. Classification by application field :

• Reverse demulsifier for petroleum industry : Used to demulsify emulsions in petroleum extraction, transportation and refining.
• Reverse demulsifier for wastewater treatment : Used for demulsification of emulsified oil in industrial wastewater treatment.
• Reverse demulsifier for food industry : Used for demulsifier of emulsions in food processing.

Mechanism of action of reverse demulsifier

2.1 Overview of the demulsification process

The demulsification process is through the addition of reverse demulsifier, which makes the emulsifier in the emulsion ineffective, so that the oil and water are separated. The demulsification process consists of the following steps:

1. Adsorption of reverse demulsifier : Reverse demulsifier molecules are first adsorbed on the oil-water interface of the emulsion, replacing emulsifier molecules.
2. Destruction of emulsion film : Reverse demulsifier molecules interact with emulsifier molecules to destroy the stable film formed by emulsifier.
3. Oil droplet aggregation : After the emulsion film is destroyed, the oil droplet gathers with each other to form a larger oil droplet.
4. oil-water separation : The larger oil droplets float up under the action of gravity and separate from the water phase.

2.2 Molecular structure and properties of reverse demulsifier

The molecular structure of reverse demulsifier has an important effect on its demulsification performance. Common reverse demulsifier molecular structures include:

1. Balance of hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups : reverse demulsifier molecules usually have hydrophilic groups and hydrophobic groups, which are adsorbed in the water phase through the hydrophilic group and adsorbed in the oil phase through the hydrophobic group, so as to achieve the demulsification effect.
2. Length of molecular chain : The length of molecular chain affects the interfacial activity and demulsification effect of reverse demulsifier. Longer molecular chains usually have a better demulsification effect, but they also increase the difficulty of dissolution.
3. Type and location of functional groups : The type and location of functional groups in reverse demulsifier molecules affect their interaction with emulsifier molecules, thus affecting the demulsification effect.

Reverse demulsifier application field

3.1 Applications in the petroleum industry

Reverse demulsifier is widely used in the petroleum industry, mainly including the following aspects:

1. crude oil dehydration : crude oil usually contains a lot of water in the mining process, by adding reverse demulsifier, the water in the crude oil can be effectively separated and the quality of crude oil can be improved.
2. Demulsification in the refining process : In the refining process, reverse demulsification agent is used to separate water and impurities in the oil product to improve refining efficiency and product quality.
3. Oilfield water injection : In the process of oilfield water injection, reverse demulsifier is used to break the emulsion in the water injection system to prevent pipeline blockage and equipment corrosion.

3.2 Applications in wastewater treatment

Reverse demulsifiers are used to break emulsified oil in wastewater treatment, and the main applications include:

1. Industrial wastewater treatment : The wastewater produced in the industrial production process often contains emulsified oil, by adding reverse demulsifier, can effectively separate the emulsified oil in the wastewater, improve the wastewater treatment effect.
2. Municipal sewage treatment : In municipal sewage treatment, reverse demulsifier is used to break the emulsified oil in sewage and reduce the load of sewage treatment facilities.

3.3 Applications in the food industry

The application of reverse demulsifier in the food industry mainly includes:

1. Food processing wastewater treatment : The wastewater produced in the food processing process often contains emulsified oil, by adding reverse demulsifier, can effectively separate the emulsified oil in the wastewater, improve the wastewater treatment effect.
2. Dairy production : In the production process of dairy products, reverse demulsifier is used to control the degree of emulsification and optimize product quality.

Selection and use of reverse demulsifier

4.1 Selection principles

When choosing reverse demulsifier, the following aspects need to be considered:

1. Demulsification efficiency : reverse demulsifier should have an efficient demulsification effect and can effectively destroy the stability of the emulsion.
2. Safety : Reverse demulsifier should be friendly to the human body and the environment, and does not produce harmful by-products after use.
3. Stability : reverse demulsifier should have good stability under different environmental conditions and is not easy to decompose and fail.
4. Economic : reverse demulsifier should have a good cost performance, and can provide good demulsification effect while controlling costs.

4.2 Usage

The use of reverse demulsifier mainly includes the following steps:

1. Preparation solution : According to the instructions for the use of reverse demulsifier, prepare a solution of appropriate concentration.
2. Uniform addition : Evenly add the reverse demulsifier solution to the emulsion to ensure full mixing.
3. Maintain action time : Maintain a certain action time to ensure that the reverse demulsifier fully plays its role.
4. Separation treatment : By gravity separation, centrifugal separation or filtration, the oil and water after breaking the milk are separated.

Development trend and prospect of reverse demulsifier

5.1 Research and development of new reverse demulsifier

With the development of science and technology, the research and development of new reverse demulsifiers have made continuous progress. In recent years, green and environment-friendly reverse demulsifier has become a research hotspot, including bio-based reverse demulsifier and natural extract reverse demulsifier. These new reverse demulsifiers not only have good demulsification effect, but also are environmentally friendly and meet the requirements of sustainable development.

5.2 Intelligent application of reverse demulsifier

With the development of industrial automation and intelligence, the application of reverse demulsifier has gradually developed in the direction of intelligence. Through on-line monitoring and control system, real-time monitoring effect of reverse demulsifier, automatic adjustment of reverse demulsifier dosage, to ensure the stable operation of the system. At the same time, big data and artificial intelligence technology are used to analyze the monitoring data, optimize the use of reverse demulsifier, and improve the use efficiency of reverse demulsifier.

5.3 Comprehensive protection system for reverse demulsifier

In order to improve the demulsification effect, the use of reverse demulsifier has gradually developed in the direction of comprehensive protection system. Through the use of other protective measures (such as physical filtration, environmental control, etc.), the formation of multiple protection, improve the demulsification effect. At the same time, by optimizing the process flow and improving the use conditions, the demulsification effect is further improved.

Economic analysis of reverse demulsifier

6.1 Cost of reverse demulsifier

The cost of reverse demulsifier mainly includes the following aspects:

1. Raw material cost : procurement cost of main components and auxiliary materials of reverse demulsifier.
2. Production cost : Equipment, energy and labor costs required in the production process of reverse demulsifier.
3. Transportation and storage costs : Transportation and storage costs of reverse demulsifier from production to use.
4. Use cost : dosage, frequency of use and maintenance cost of reverse demulsifier during use.

6.2 Benefits of reverse demulsifier

The benefits of reverse demulsifier mainly include the following aspects:

1. Environmental benefits : By reducing emulsified oil emissions, improve environmental quality, reduce water pollution and soil pollution.
2. Economic benefits : By improving the efficiency of oil-water separation, reduce energy consumption and equipment maintenance costs in the production process, improve production efficiency and economic benefits.
3. Social benefits : By improving public health, reducing the harm of emulsified oil to human health and improving the overall quality of life in society.

6.3 Cost-effectiveness of reverse demulsifiers

analyze

Through comprehensive analysis of the cost and benefit of reverse demulsifier, its economy can be evaluated. Commonly used analysis methods include cost-benefit analysis, life cycle analysis and so on. Through these analyses, the optimal use of reverse demulsifier can be determined to maximize economic and environmental benefits.

Environmental effects and countermeasures of reverse demulsifier

7.1 Environmental impact of reverse demulsifier

Reverse demulsifier may have a certain impact on the environment during use, mainly including the following aspects:

1. Water pollution : The discharge of reverse demulsifier may lead to water pollution, affecting aquatic organisms and ecological environment.
2. Soil pollution : Reverse demulsifier leakage or improper disposal of waste may lead to soil pollution, affecting soil quality and crop growth.
3. Air pollution : The volatile components of reverse demulsifier may cause air pollution, affecting air quality and human health.

7.2 Development and application of environmentally friendly reverse demulsifier

In order to reduce the impact of reverse demulsifier on the environment, the development and application of environmentally friendly reverse demulsifier has become a research hotspot. Environmentally friendly reverse demulsifier mainly includes the following categories:

1. Plant extract reverse demulsifier : The use of plant extract as reverse demulsifier has good demulsifier effect and biodegradability, and is environmentally friendly.
2. Biodegradable reverse demulsifier : The use of biodegradable materials as reverse demulsifier can be rapidly degraded after use without long-term pollution to the environment.
3. Low toxicity and low residue reverse demulsifier : Develop low toxicity and low residue reverse demulsifier to reduce pollution to water, soil and air.

7.3 Reverse demulsifier wastewater treatment

Wastewater treatment after the use of reverse demulsifier is an important measure to reduce the environmental impact. Common wastewater treatment methods include:

1. Physical treatment : removal of suspended matter and particulate matter in wastewater by physical methods such as precipitation and filtration.
2. Chemical treatment : Through neutralization, REDOX and other chemical methods to remove harmful substances and heavy metals in wastewater.
3. Biological treatment : biological methods such as microbial degradation to remove organic matter and toxic substances in wastewater.

Research and development of reverse demulsifier

8.1 Research direction of reverse demulsifier

The research direction of reverse demulsifier mainly includes the following aspects:

1. Development of new reverse demulsifier : Development of new reverse demulsifier with higher demulsifier effect, better compatibility and lower environmental impact.
2. Research on demulsification mechanism : Study the mechanism of action of reverse demulsifier in the system, and reveal the demulsification process and mechanism of reverse demulsifier.
3. Optimized formula of reverse demulsifier : Optimize the formula of reverse demulsifier to improve its demulsifier effect and efficiency.
4. Reverse demulsifier Application technology : Study the application technology and method of reverse demulsifier to improve the use effect and economic benefits of reverse demulsifier.

8.2 Development method of reverse demulsifier

The development method of reverse demulsifier mainly includes the following steps:

1. Formula design : According to the use requirements and target performance of reverse demulsifier, design the formula of reverse demulsifier and determine the main ingredients and auxiliary materials.
2. Experimental verification : Through experiments to verify the demulsification effect and performance of reverse demulsifier, optimize the formula and process conditions.
3. Pilot scale : On the basis of laboratory research, pilot scale is carried out to verify the industrial application effect of reverse demulsifier.
4. Product promotion : Promote the application of reverse demulsifier through market promotion and application demonstration to improve its market share and economic benefits.

8.3 Evaluation index of reverse demulsifier

The evaluation indicators of reverse demulsifier mainly include the following aspects:

1. Demulsification effect : The demulsification effect of reverse demulsification agent under actual use conditions, including demulsification rate, stability, etc.
2. Safety ** : Safety of reverse demulsifier on human body and environment, including toxicity, sensitization, etc.
3. Compatibility : Compatibility of reverse demulsifier with other chemicals and system materials, without adverse reactions.
4. Economic : The use cost and economic benefits of reverse demulsifier, including raw material cost, production cost, use cost, etc.

Conclusion

Reverse demulsifier plays an important role in petroleum, wastewater treatment and food industry, and its rational use can effectively reduce emulsified oil emissions and protect the environment and equipment. With the development of science and technology, the research and development of new reverse demulsifier continues to make progress, and the application of green environmental protection reverse demulsifier, intelligent reverse demulsifier and comprehensive protection system will become the future development trend. Through reasonable selection and use of reverse demulsifier, scientific monitoring and control of the concentration and effect of reverse demulsifier can achieve long-term stable operation of various application systems, and provide reliable technical support for environmental protection and economic development.

References

1. Oilfield Chemicals Handbook , Petroleum Industry Press, 2005.
2. Application of Reverse demulsifier in Chemical Industry , Chemical Industry Press, 2010.
3. Research Progress of environmentally friendly reverse demulsifier , Journal of Chemical Progress, No.7, 2018.
4. Development and Application of Reverse demulsifier , Science Press, 2015.
5. Oil-Water Separation Technology and Application , China Machine Press, 2012.