Downstream
Crude oil desalting
The operating costs and thus the profitability of a refinery depend on various factors, such as the reliability of the installations and the operating costs which are not directly related to the purchase of crude oil, e.g. the use of energy, the consumption of catalysts and the consumption of chemicals. In addition, the constant optimization of value creation plays a crucial role, i.e. which crude oil is processed and how.
Benefits of our centrifuges
- Separators as core, guaranteeing effective separation of oil, water, and solids.
- Designed to handle diverse process conditions, even challenging oil qualities.
- Reduction of chemical use and operational expenses.
- Systems offer adaptable configurations, including side or full stream, stationary or mobile, and pre-dehydration options.
- GEA centrifuges operate with high g-forces (4,000 - 6,000 x g), enabling efficient separation without being sensitive to oil conductivity and higher water cuts.
- Treatment systems are equipped to process crude oils as heavy as API 12.
Understanding the importance of crude oil desalting in refining
Crude oil desalting is a critical step in the oil refinement process, aimed at removing salt and other contaminants from crude oil before it undergoes further processing. The presence of water, salts, and solids in crude oil can cause significant issues in downstream equipment, leading to corrosion, fouling, and other operational challenges. Therefore, desalting is not only a matter of product quality but also a necessity for maintaining the efficiency of the entire refining operation.
How crude oil desalting works: A closer look at the process
The desalting process typically involves mixing the crude oil with water, which helps to dissolve and extract the water-soluble salts. The mixture is then subjected to a separation process, where the oil is separated from the salty water-phase and solids. This separation can be achieved through various methods, with centrifugal separation being one of the most efficient and advanced technologies.
GEA's advanced separation technology for desalting
GEA, a leading provider of separation technology, offers state-of-the-art crude oil desalter centrifuges that operate at high g-forces (4,000 - 6,000 x g), which are not sensitive to oil conductivity and can handle high water cuts. These systems can process oils with an API gravity as low as 12, making them suitable for treating heavy and salt-charged crude oils.
Exploring GEA's range of crude oil desalters
GEA's crude oil desalters come in different capacities, such as the GEA crude oil Desalter 80, 120, and 200, to fulfill various operational needs. These units are designed with features like direct or flat belt drives, erosion protection, and high-grade materials to resist corrosion. They are able to bring the content of basic sediment and water (BS&W) as well as water-soluble salts to pipeline or refinery quality, ensuring that the crude oil meets industry standards.
Flexibility and mobility with GEA's modular desalting systems
For environments where mobility is crucial, GEA offers modular systems and containerized solutions, allowing for easy transportation and installation of the treatment systems. These systems can be used as standalone installations or integrated into existing setups, providing flexibility and adaptability to different operational scenarios.
Final thoughts: Why desalting is indispensable for oil refining
In summary, crude oil desalting is an indispensable process in the oil industry, ensuring that crude oil is free from harmful contaminants before further refining. With advanced technology like GEA's centrifugal desalters, oil companies can achieve efficient and reliable desalting, enhancing the overall performance and profitability of their operations.
Products & Technologies
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Nozzle Separator
Nozzle centrifuges are continuously operating machines that clarify liquids while concentrating solids. The concentrated solids are discharged continuously through nozzles. The clarified liquid is discharged by a built-in centripetal pump.
Separator
The separating centrifugal separator is a machine in which two liquids of different densities are separated from each other. Solids may also be separated at the same time.
GEA Crude Oil Treatment Systems – Dehydration and Desalting with Centrifuges
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