One effective method to remove emulsified water from oil is through dehydration by air stripping.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Dehydration by Air Stripping
Air stripping is a process that removes water, including emulsified water, as well as gaseous contaminants from the oil. This method is highly effective, capable of reducing dissolved water content down to less than 100 ppm (parts per million).
How Air Stripping Works
The process involves passing air through the oil, which encourages the water to evaporate and be carried away with the air stream. Key aspects of this method include:
- Removes Free and Emulsified Water: It's designed to tackle both types of water contamination.
- Reduces Dissolved Water: Unlike some other methods, air stripping can also significantly lower the dissolved water content.
- Removes Gaseous Contaminants: An added benefit is the removal of unwanted gases from the oil.
Advantages of Air Stripping
- High Efficiency: Effectively reduces water content to very low levels.
- Removes Multiple Contaminants: Addresses water and gas contamination simultaneously.
Other Methods (Considerations)
While air stripping is presented as a solution in the reference, other methods exist for removing emulsified water from oil. These may include:
- Centrifugation: Using centrifugal force to separate water and oil.
- Coalescers: Devices that promote the merging of small water droplets into larger ones for easier removal.
- Vacuum Dehydration: A method that uses vacuum pressure to lower the boiling point of water, allowing it to evaporate more easily. (While air stripping is presented as an alternative to vacuum dehydration, vacuum dehydration remains a valid approach).
Choosing the best method depends on the specific type of oil, the level of contamination, and the desired purity. Air stripping stands out due to its ability to remove not just emulsified water, but also dissolved water and gaseous contaminants.
