Formation of petroleum emulsions and their basic properties

1 Formation of Petroleum Emulsions and Their Basic Properties 

In order to select the proper drying process, it is necessary to know both the mechanism of formation and properties of petroleum emulsions. 

Usually, no emulsions are formed within the petroleum layer. Emulsion formation begins during the movement of petroleum to the mouth of the oil well and intensifies during further transport of petroleum in pipes (i.e. emulsions are predominant where there is the potential for continuous mixing of petroleum and water). The intensity of emulsion formation in an oil well depends on the method of petroleum extraction. This, in turn, is defined by the character of the oil wells, time of its operation and physical-chemical properties of the petroleum. 

When petroleum is extracted from oil wells using the natural layer pressure (which is typical in the initial period of oil well operation), there is usually a very high rate of extraction of the oil from the oil well. The intensity of petroleum mixing with water in elevating pipes of the oil well increases due to dispersion of 

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