, A lthough [rom 150¿).000 to 1 .000.oo0 barrels -of crude oil are being recovered from natiirally occuring emulsions tlailv b, y means of chemical reagents, there is relatively little literature on tlre subject, especially as to tlieory. In the present paper, a number of fundamental propositlons o[ emulsion theory are affirmed, and are illustrated by observations as lo petroleum emulsions lo malce clear the relalionsliip ol general theory here. Attention is called io relatively recent theorical work in this Eield. Results of the examination of a number of emulsion samples for relative phase volumes are reported; and their relations to Ostwald's theory is discussed.
A number of hypotheses as lo the mechanism of the chemical resolution o[ petroleum emulsions are discussed briefly, together wilh a number of facts which require explanalion, by an!/ theory 01 the motiiis operandi o[ resolution by reagents.
T he relulonship of emulsion th, eomj to the practical arl o[ resalving natural emulsons try nieans of reagent is dllustrated by some generally oOservable facts to be noted in the field.
T he economic phases of tlie process are discussed bTiefl!J, together with recent advances in operattng technique, including a discussion of the proper point for injecting reagent, methods 06 injeclion, and the use 01 agitation in the presence of heat. A jloiosheet for a conventional treating plant is described.
T he use of rea, gents to ussist in the operation of lifting fluids from the well is described; as is a Dallas1 water purifica, tion syslem of recent origin.
Several laboratory nzelliod.s useful in the examination and evaZuation of petroleum emulsions, not widely known, are described.
Methods for the resolution of crude oil emulsions have long been economically important, they appear to have today been reduced essentially to two, the chemical attriacled relatively little of the academic attention given method arid the electrical inethod, although recurreid to emulsions. Most of emulsion theory has been erected references may still be found relating to mechanical on a foundation of experimental data derived lrom the methods like filtration and centrifugal methods. The study of oil-in-water systems, whereas substantially all present discussion has been restncted to chemical naturally-occurring petroleum emulsions are of the deemulsification, because the electrical method may be water-in-& type. rhird, scientific advance in the field considered by others in this assembly better qualified to of crude oil deemulsification have had a definite monetary speak for it. value; and such facts as have been ascertained have The resolution of this class of emulsions by chemical been closely held. Additional neasons include the means has assumed great coinmemial importance, as recognized difficulties engendered by the high degrec attested by the fnct that from 500, oYw) to of var
