A Desalter is a process unit in an upstream and oil refinery that removes salt from the crude oil in which the salt is dissolved in the water in crude oil to reduce the negative effect in the downstream processes due to scale formation, corrosion, and catalyst deactivation. In the Desalter, the crude oil is heated and mixed with 5-15% volume of fresh water so that the water can dilute the dissolved salts. The oil-water mix is put into a settling tank to allow the salt-containing water to separate and be drawn off. Frequently, an electric field or demulsifying chemicals are also used. Typical desalted crude has the concentration of 1 PTB (Pound/thousand Barrels).
Related Definitions in the Project: The Mechanical Engineering; Process Engineering; Upstream Engineering
