Journal of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

Journal of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

Utilization of Locally Formulated Chemical Demulsifier for Crude Oil Demulsification: A Review

Document Type : Review paper

Authors
Chukwuebuka Francis Dike 1
Nkemakolam Chinedu Izuwa 1
Nnaemeka Princewill Ohia 1
Anthony Kerunwa 1
Ifeanyichukwu Michael Onyejekwe 1
Blessing Ogechukwu Emesowum 1, 2
Joseph Amieibibama 2
Nzenwa Dan Enyioko 1
Boniface Obah 1
1 Petroleum Eng. Dept., Federal University of Technology Owerri, Owerri, Nigeria.
2 Petroleum & Gas Eng. Dept., University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
10.22059/jchpe.2026.391111.1600
Abstract
Emulsion is a critical problem in the oil and gas industry, from production through refining. It must be prevented or treated by the oilfield operator to ensure that the crude oil meets API standards. Emulsions can be oil-in-water, water-in-oil, or multiple emulsions, and require crude oil, water, an emulsifying agent, and emulsifying conditions. Several approaches, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, and/or chemical, are used to manage emulsions in the oil and gas industry. Still, the chemical approach is most widely used due to its technical, economic, and environmental viability. The chemical demulsification technique involves adding chemicals to break the bonds between brine and crude oil, using mechanisms such as flocculation, coalescence, and sedimentation. Several demulsifiers are available, but these chemicals are expensive for developing countries and are not environmentally friendly. In this study, a comprehensive review of the demulsification performance of locally formulated demulsifiers was conducted. Based on the study's results, a comprehensive understanding of the emulsion formation concept, mechanism, and types is necessary for designing a suitable demulsifier. Nicotiana Tabacum recorded 73.33% efficiency, orange peel recorded 60% efficiency, while soya bean husk oil recorded 45% efficiency in demulsification. Camphor, Vegetable Oil, Alum, and Liquid Soap were identified as key ingredients in the formulation of a local demulsifier, each playing a distinct role. Speed and Temperature increase the demulsification of locally formulated demulsifiers. The demulsifier performance of the locally formulated demulsifiers can be optimized using software.
Keywords
Agro-Material
Chemical Demulsification
Crude Oil Production
Emulsion
Flow Assurance
Subjects
  1. Matijasevic B, Banhart J. Improvement of aluminum foam technology by tailoring of blowing Scripta Mater. 2006, 54(4):503–508. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat .2005.10.045
  2. Abdulredha MM, Hussain SA, Abdullah, LC. Overview on petroleum emulsions, formation, influence and demulsifcation treatment techniques. Arab J Chem. 2020, 13:3403–3428. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2018.11.014
  3. Hajivand P, Vazin A. Optimization of demulsifer formulation for separation of water from crude oil emulsions. Brazilian J Chem Eng. 2015, 32:107–118. https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-6632.20150321s00002755
  4. Song X, Shi P, Duan M, Fangab S, Ma Y. Investigation of demulsifcation efciency in water-in-crude oil emulsions using dissipative particle dynamics. RSC Adv. 2015, 5:62971–62981. https://doi.org/10.1039/C5RA06570D
  5. Abdurahman HN, Rosli MY, Zulkify J. Chemical demulsifcation of water-in-crude oil emulsions. J Appl. Sci. 2007, 7: 196–201. https://doi.org/10.3923/jas.2007.196.201
  6. Saad MA, Kamil M, Abdurahman NH, Yunus RM, and Awad OI. An overview of recent advances in state-of-the-art techniques in the demulsifcation of crude oil emulsions. Processes. 2019, 7:1–26. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr7070470
  7. Auflem IH. Influence of Asphalting Aggregation and Pressure on Crude Oil Emulsion Stability. Norwegian University of Science and Technology. 2002. https://nva.sikt.no/registration/0198cc95fb3c-91a68abc-da91-44f3-a8eb-0535fda4aa20
  8. Einar JJ, Magnar IS, Torgeir L, Sjőblom J, Sődernud H, Bostrőm G. Water-in-Crude Oil Emulsions from Norwegian Continental Shelf; Part Formation, Characterization and Stability Correlation. Colloids and Surfaces. 1989, 34: 353-370. https://doi.org/10.1016/0166-6622(88)80160-4
  9. Speight, J.G. The Chemistry and Technology of Petroleum, Marcel Dekker Inc., New York.1994. https://doi.org/10.1201/b16559
  10. Gafonova OV. Role of Asphaltenes and Resins in the Stabilization of Water- in-Hydrocarbon MSc Thesis, The University of Calgary. 2000. https://ucalgary.scholaris.ca/items/1163dacf-bc43-49ea-96cd-679535e1991f/full
  11. Becker JR. Crude Oil Waxes, Emulsions, and Asphaltenes. PennWell Books, LLC. 2005, 276. https://books.google.es/books?id=Qw9gwzzf4SAC
  12. Salager J.L. The Fundamental Basis for the Action of a Chemical Dehydrant. Influence of the Physical and Chemical Formulation on the Stability of an Emulsion. Int. Chem. Eng. 1990, 30(1): 103-116. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279553119_Fundamental_basis_for_the_action_of_a_chemical_dehydrant_Influence_of_the_physical_and_chemical_formulation_on_the_stability_of_an_emulsion
  13. Isaacs EE, Chow RS. Practical Aspects of Emulsion Stability. In.: Schramm, L.L. Emulsions Fundamentals and Applications in the Petroleum Industry. American Chemical Society, Washington DC, 1992, 51-77. https://doi.org/10.1021/ba-1992-0231.ch002
  14. Binks BP. Surfactant Monolayers at the oil water interface", Chemistry and Industry. 1993, 14: 537-54. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1359-0294(02)00008-0
  15. Zolfaghari R, Fakhru’l-Razi A, Abdullah LC, ElnashaieSSEH, Pendashteh A. Demulsifcation techniques of water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions in petroleum industry. Sep. Purif. Technol., 2016, 170:377–407. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2016.06.026
  16. Kokal S, Aramco S. Crude oil emulsions: a state-of-the-art review. SPE Prod Facil. 2005, 20:5– https://doi. org/10.2118/77497-PA. https://doi.org/10.2118/77497-PA
  17. Umar AA, Saaid IBM, Sulaimon AA, Pilus RBM. A review of petroleum emulsions and recent progress on water-in-crude oil emulsions stabilized by natural surfactants and solids. J Pet Sci Eng., 2018, 165:673–690. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. petrol.2018.03.014
  18. Fink JK. Petroleum engineer’s guide to oil feld chemicals and fuids. Elsevier, Amsterdam. 2012. http://182.72.188.194:8080/jspui/bitstream/123456789/1537/1/Petroleum%20Engineer%E2%80%99s%20Guide%20to%20Oil%20Field%20Chemicals%20and%20Fluids%20by%20Johannes%20Karl%20Fink.pdf
  19. Wong SF, Lim JS, Dol SS. Crude oil emulsion: a review on formation, classifcation and stability of water-in-oil emulsions. J Pet Sci Eng., 2015; 135:498–504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petro l.2015.10.006
  20. Sjöblom J, Aske N, Auflem IH, Brandal Ø, Havre TE, Sæther Ø. … Kallevik H. Our current understanding of water-in-crude oil emulsions. Recent characterization techniques and high pressure Advances in Colloid and Interface Science. 2002. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/S0001-8686(02)00066-0
  21. Lee RF. Agents Which Promote and Stabilize Water-In-Oil Emulsions. Spill Science & Technology Bulletin. Elsevier Science. 1999, 117-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1353-2561(98)00028-0
  22. Fingas M, Fieldhouse B. Studies of the formation process of water-in-oil emulsions. Marine Pollution 2003, 47(9–12): 369–396. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/S0025-326Xeq03)00212-1
  23. Schramm LL. Colloids, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Concise 5th edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 2007, 217-220.
  24. Kim YH. Ph.D. Study of Dynamic Interfacial Mechanisms for Demulsification of Water-In-Oil Emulsion. Ph.D. Thesis, Illinois Institute of Technology. 1995. https://doi.org/10.1016/0927-7757%2894%2903032-U
  25. Leopold G. Breaking Produced-Fluid and Process-Stream Emulsions. In Emulsions; Schramm, ; Advance. in Chemistry; American Chemical Society. 1992, 341–383. https://doi.org/10.1021/ba-1992-0231.ch010
  26. Grace R. Commercial Emulsion Breaking. In Emulsions; Schramm, L.; Advances in Chemistry; American Chemical Society. 1992, 313–339. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1021/ba-1992-0231.ch009
  27. Huang B, Li X, Zhang W, Fu C, Wang Y, Fu S. Study on demulsifcation-focculation mechanism of oil-water emulsion in produced water from alkali/surfactant/polymer fooding. Polymers (Basel). 2019, 11:395–407. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11030395
  28. Langevin D, Poteau S, Hénaut I, Argillier JF. Crude oil emulsion properties and their application to heavy oil transportation. Oil and Gas Science and Technology. 2004, 59(5), 511–521. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.2516/ogst:2004036
  29. Alao KT, Alara OR, Abdurahman NH. Trending approaches on demulsification of crude oil in the petroleum industry. Applied Petroleum Research. Springer Journal. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13203-021-00280-0
  30. Aske N. Characterization of Crude Oil Components, Asphaltene Aggregation and Emulsion Stability by means of Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Multivariate Analysis, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Ph. D. Thesis, 2002. https://nva.sikt.no/registration/0198cc95ecd2-aea47f30-3262-4673-a974-57a96975cdd6
  31. Ariany Z. Characterization of Malaysian Crude Oil Emulsion-Formation and Stability Study, University Teknologi Malaysia, MSc Thesis. 2003. https://www.academia.edu/16978756/Study_on_demulsifier_formulation_for_treating_Malaysian_crude_oil_emulsion
  32. Ese, M.H., Galet, L., Clausse, D., and Sjoblom, J. 2006. Properties of Langmuir Surface and Interfacial Films Built-up by Asphaltenes and Resins: Influence of Chemical Demulsifiers. J. Coll. Int. Sci. 220: 293-301. https://doi.org/10.3923/jeasci.2011.200.204
  33. Kerunwa A, Dike CF, Izuwa NC, Nduwuba G, Nwanwe O. Performance Evaluation Agro-Materials for Surfactant-Polymer Flooding. Petroleum and Coal. 2024a, 66(1): 308-317. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383269637_Performance_Evaluation_of_Agro-Materials_for_Surfactant-Polymer_Flooding
  34. Kerunwa A, Izuwa NC, Dike CF, Okereke NU, Udeagbara SG, Obibuike JU, Emenike BUK. Review on the Utilization of Local ASP in the Niger-Delta for Enhanced Oil Recovery. Petroleum and Coal. 2024b, 66(1): 256-275. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383825672_Review_Open_Access_Review_on_the_Utilization_of_Local_ASP_in_the_Niger-Delta_for_Enhanced_Oil_Recovery
  35. Krawczyk MA. Mechanisms of demulsification. Illinois Institute of Technology: PhD Thesis. 1990.
  36. Porter MR. Use of Surfactant Theory. Hand book of Surfactants. Blackie Academic & Professional. United Kingdom, 1994, 26-93.
  37. Tambe D, Sharma M. Factors controlling the stability of colloid-stabilized emulsions an experimental Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 1993, 157: 244–253. https://doi.org/10.1006/jcis.1993.1182
  38. Raya SA, Saaid IM, Ahmed AA, Umar AA. A critical review of development and demulsifcation mechanisms of crude oil emulsion in the petroleum industry. Prod Eng., 2020, 10:1711–1728. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13202-020-00830-7
  39. Grenoble Z, Trabelsi S. Mechanisms, performance optimization and new developments in demulsifcation processes for oil and gas applications. Adv Colloid Interface Sci., 2018, 260:32–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2018.08.003
  40. Peña AA, Hirasaki GJ, Miller CA. Chemically induced destabilization of water-in-crude oil emulsions. Ind Eng Chem Res. 2005, 286:372–378. https://doi.org/10.1021/ie049666i
  41. Udourioh GA, Ezeh CC, Solomon MM. Synthesis and Performance Evaluation of Green Demulsifiers for Water-in-Crude Oil Emulsion Treatment. Africa Regional Conference on Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 2024. http://acsnigeria.org/publications/proceedings
  42. Chen D, Li F, Gao Y, & Yang M. Pilot Performance of Chemical Demulsifier on the Demulsification of Produced Water from Polymer/Surfactant Flooding in the Xinjiang Oilfield. Water, 2018, 10(12), 1874. https://doi.org/10.3390/w10121874
  43. Dodd HV. The Resolution of Petroleum Emulsions. Chem. Met. Eng., 1954, 28: 249-253.
  44. De Groote M. US Patent 1,596. 1926.
  45. Sjöblom J, Mingyuan L, Christy AA, Gu T. 1992. Water-in-crude-oil emulsions from the Norwegian continental shelf 7. Interfacial pressure and emulsion stability. Colloids and Surfaces., 1992, 66(1): 55–62. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/0166-6622(92)80120-Q
  46. Staiss F, Bohm R, Kupfer R. Improved Demulsifier Chemistry: A Novel Approach in the Dehydration of Crude Oil,'' SPE Production Eng., 1991, 334-338. https://doi.org/10.2118/18481-PA
  47. Aamir SA. MSc. Thesis, "De-Emulsification of Different Iraqi Crude Oil Emulsion," University Baghdad, Iraq, 1998.
  48. Al-Shamrani AA, James A, Xiao H. Separation of Oil from Water by Dissolved Air Flotation. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0927-7757(02)00208-X
  49. Hanapi M, Ariffin S, Aizan A, Siti IR. Study on demulsifier formulation for treating malaysian crude oil emulsion. Tech. Rep., Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Technologi 2006.
  50. Nikkhah M, Tohidian T, Rahimpour MR, Jahanmiri A. Efcient demulsifcation of water-in-oil emulsion by a novel nano-titania modifed chemical demulsifer. Chem Eng Res Des. 2015, 94:164–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2014.07.021
  51. Biniaz P, Farsi M, Rahimpour MR. Demulsifcation of water in oil emulsion using ionic liquids: statistical modeling and optimization. Fuel. 2016, 184:325–333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. fuel.2016.06.093
  52. Hazrati N, Miran-Beigi AA, Abdouss M. Demulsifcation of water in crude oil emulsion using long chain imidazolium ionic liquids and optimization of parameters. Fuel. 2018, 229:126–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2018.05.010
  53. Feitosa FX, Alves RS. de Sant’Ana, H.B. Synthesis and application of additives based on cardanol as demulsifer for water-in-oil emulsions. Fuel. 2019. 245:21–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. fuel.2019.02.081
  54. Udonne JD. Chemical treatment of emulsion problem in crude oil production. Journal of Petroleum and Gas Engineering. 2012, 3(7): 135-14. https://doi.org/10.5897/JPGE11.065
  55. Emuchay D, Onyekonwu MO, Ogolo NA, Ubani C. Breaking of Emulsion Using Locally Formulated Demulsifiers. SPE NAICE Paper, SPE 167528. 2013. https://doi.org/10.2118/167528-MS
  56. FrancisAO, Sulaiman ADI, Abdulsalam S. Stability Study of Some Selected Nigerian Crude Oil Emulsions and the Effectiveness of Locally Producted Demulsifier. Jour. of Energy Techn. and , 2016, 6(2): 1-12.
  57. Amajuonyi P, Azubuike PC, Omaka CC, Enyioko ND, Chikwe AO.Formulation of Demulsifying Agent for Water in Oil Emulsion Treatment. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development. 2019, 8(8). https://doi.org/10.24940/ijird/2019/v8/i8/JUL19068
  58. Falode OA, Aduroja OC. Development of Local Demulsifier for Water - In- Oil Emulsion Treatment. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research. 2015, 24(1): 301-320.
  59. Victor-Oji CO, Chukwu UJ, Akaranta O. Comparative Study of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid and a Commercial Demulsifier for Treating Crude Oil Emulsion. Chemical Science International Journal. 2019, 28(4): 1-17. https://doi.org/10.9734/CSJI/2019/v28i430148
  60. Mepaiyeda EB, Ofoegbu AA, Isehunwa SO, Akinola AA. Evaluation of a Novel Ionic Demulsifier in the Treatment of Selected Niger-Delta Crude Emulsion. Journal of Petroleum and Gas Engineering. 2020, 11(1): 37-56. https://doi.org/10.5897/JPGE2019.0309
  61. Olanrewaju TJ, Akinola OO, Owolabi FG. Development of a bio-based demulsifier for water-in-oil emulsion treatment using plant extracts from Jatropha curcas seeds. Renewable Energy., 2021, 166: 734-743. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.pse.20210502.12
  62. Azubike AA, Eiroboyi I. Prospects of Breaking Crude Oil Emulsions Using Demulsifier Formulated from Nicotiana tabacum Seed Oil, Leaf Extracts, and Stalk Ash Extracts. Petrol. Sci. and Eng., 2021, 5(2): 44-53.
  63. Allen, G. and Amiebibama, J. Utilization of Plant Extract for Treatment of Emulsions in Crude Oil Production. Applied Sciences Research Periodicals. 2023, 1(3): 69-92. https://doi.org/10.35629/5252-0504975982
  64. Ndubuisi EC, Metong BU, Odazie EC. Demulsification of Water-In-Oil Emulsions with Locally Formulated Emulsion Breaker for Production Operations. International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management. 2023, 5(4): 975-982. http://www.globalscientificjournal.com/
  65. Okereke U, Chiemele C, Obah, B. Impact of Locally Formulated Demulsifiers from Locally Sourced Raw Materials on Emulsion Demulsification. Global Scientific Journals, 2023, 11(5): 978-995.
  66. Okafor I, Adewumi CN, Jakada K, Nzerem P, Oche OE, Danbauchi S. Preparation and Characterization of Different Bio-Based Demulsifier from Corncob for Crude Oil Emulsion Management. Petroleum and Coal, 2024, 66(2): 720-730. http://www.caritasuniversityjournals.org/
  67. Cheng J, Liao G, Yang Z, et al. Pilot Test of ASP Flooding in Daqing Oilfield [J]. Petroleum Geology & Oilfield Development in Daqing. 2001, 20(2):46-49.
  68. Li K, Liu Z. 2004. Preparation and Application of a Demulsifier for Rapidly Breaking Super-Heavy Oil. Advances in Fine Petrochemicals. 2004, 7:34-37.
  69. Wu Z, Huang H, Li Y, et al. Development and Application of a New Emulsion Breaker of High Efficiency and Low Temperature. Journal of Jianghan Petroleum Institute. 2003, 25(1):85-88.
  70. Liu H, Song N, Li W, et al. Studies and Application of Demulsifier CW-01 for Breaking-Down Reverse, O/W, Crude Oil Emulsions. Design of Oilfield Construction. 1996, 41:39-42
  71. Hu G, Li J, Zeng G. Recent development in the treatment of oily sludge from petroleum industry: a review. J Hazard Mater. 2013, 261:470–490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.07.069
  72. Doukani K, Boukirat D, Boumezrag A, Bouhenni H, Bounouira Y. Fundamentals of Biodegradation Springer Journal, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83783-9_73-1#DOI
  73. Zhang F, Liu G, Ma J, Ouyang J, Yi X, Su H. Main challenges in demulsifier research and application. IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 2017, 167: 012068 https://doi.org/10.1088/1757- 899X/167/1/012068
  74. Fortuny M, Oliveira CBZ, Melo RLFV, Nele M, Coutinho RCC, Santos AF. Effect of salinity, temperature, water content, and pH on the microwave demulsification of crude oil emulsions. Energy Fuels, 2007, 21, 1358-1364.
  75. Ahmadi S, Khormali A, and Razmjooie A. Experimental Investigation on Separation of Water in Crude Oil Emulsions Using an Oil-Soluble Demulsifier. Iranian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, 2023, 42(7), 2332-2343. https://doi.orgL10.30492/ijcce.2023.556207.5400
  76. Ahmadi S., Khormali A., Kazemzadeh Y., Razmjooie A. Enhancing dehydration/desalting efficiency of crude oil emulsions through experimental and computational insights, Results in Engineering, 2024, 24, 103094, ISSN 2590-1230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2024.103094
Journal of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
Volume 60, Issue 1
June 2026
Pages 183-201

  • Receive Date 25 February 2025
  • Revise Date 05 December 2025
  • Accept Date 02 May 2026