COURSE OVERVIEW:

Emulsion Treatment and Crude Dehydration Optimization is a technical program dedicated to the science of separating water from oil to meet export quality specifications. In almost all oil production environments, water is co-produced with hydrocarbons, often forming stable emulsions that are difficult to break. This course provides a deep understanding of the chemical and physical forces that stabilize these mixtures and the specific technologies required to resolve them efficiently.

The scope of this training includes the study of various emulsion types—water-in-oil, oil-in-water, and complex multiple emulsions. Participants will explore the role of natural emulsifiers such as asphaltenes, resins, and fine solids in creating stable "tight" emulsions. The curriculum covers the four primary methods of dehydration: chemical (demulsifiers), thermal (heating), mechanical (settling), and electrical (electrostatic coalescers), teaching attendees how to combine these methods to optimize the treatment process.

Coverage also includes the optimization of surface facilities like Heater Treaters, Free Water Knockouts (FWKO), and Gunbarrels. Attendees will learn how to troubleshoot "off-spec" production, manage the interface (rag) layer in separators, and reduce the salt content of crude through effective desalting. By focusing on both laboratory bottle testing and full-scale plant operations, this course ensures that participants can reduce chemical costs, improve water quality, and maximize the commercial value of the produced crude oil.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Explain the physical and chemical principles of emulsion formation and stability.
• Identify the factors that influence emulsion "tightness" in the field.
• Distinguish between the functions of demulsifiers and water clarifiers.
• Select the optimal chemical treatment using standardized bottle testing.
• Analyze the impact of temperature on the rate of water separation.
• Optimize the operation of Heater Treaters and Electrostatic Coalescers.
• Manage the "Rag Layer" and solids accumulation in separation vessels.
• Calculate the residence time and settling rates required for effective dehydration.
• Troubleshoot causes of high Basic Sediment and Water (BSandW) in export crude.
• Implement desalting strategies to meet refinery chloride specifications.
• Evaluate the impact of shear and turbulence on emulsion stability.
• Monitor the quality of separated water for disposal or reinjection.
• Develop a proactive maintenance plan for dehydration equipment.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Production Engineers, Operations Supervisors, Process Engineers, and Laboratory Technicians involved in the treatment and processing of crude oil.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.