Salt can be removed from oil through a process called desalting. In this process, crude oil is initially diluted with clean water. This diluted mixture is then emulsified, which means it is mixed so that the salty water in the crude oil comes into contact with the clean water. This allows the salt to dissolve in the clean water, separating it from the oil.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Dilution: Clean water is added to the crude oil, creating a diluted mixture.
- Emulsification: This mixture is then emulsified, which involves mixing the oil and water together so that the salty water can come into contact with the clean water.
- Separation: The salty water, now dissolved in the clean water, is separated from the oil.
This process is essential for refining crude oil, as the salt can damage equipment and hinder the refining process.
