Centrifuge for Water Determination of Crude Oil – Principles And Design

Centrifuge for Water Determination of Crude Oil – Principles and Design

Purpose of Water Determination
Accurate quantification of free and emulsified water in crude oil is essential before refinement. Excess water can corrode downstream equipment, distort mass balances, and impair catalyst function. Changsha Friend Experimental Analysis Instrument Co., Ltd provides a Centrifuge system optimized for this measurement.

Testing Methodology
Following standard methods such as ASTM D4007, a defined crude oil sample is mixed with a demulsifier and then centrifuged at high speed (e.g., 3,000 rpm). The centrifugal force separates the water phase, which is then volume-measured.

Key System Components

• High-Speed Rotor: Balanced for runs up to 4,000 rpm with digital speed control.

• Temperature Control: Jacketed rotor chamber maintains 60 °C to reduce oil viscosity and ensure phase separation.

• Volume Measurement: Graduated tubes or automated optical sensors quantify water volume to 0.1 mL accuracy.

• Demulsifier Dispenser: Precision dosing pump delivers consistent reagent volume.

Impact on Refinery Feedstock Quality
Water content influences desalting operations and corrosion allowances. Reliable centrifuge data informs chemical injection rates and wash water recycling strategies, optimizing cost and environmental performance.

Operational Recommendations

• Sample Pre-Heating: Warm crude to test temperature for 30 minutes to reduce viscosity.

• Rotor Inspection: Check for pitting or corrosion on rotor surfaces; maintain run balance to prevent vibration.

• Demulsifier Calibration: Verify dosing accuracy monthly against standards.

• Reporting: Include temperature, rpm, and demulsifier dose alongside water content in reports.