Adding Silica Nanoparticles to Improve the Demulsification Process in a Crude Oil Central Processing Facility: A Techno-economic Analysis

Abstract

In this study, a techno-economic evaluation of the use of silica nanoparticles to enhance the demulsification process in crude oil has been investigated. A software model has been developed in MS Excel of the central processing facility (CPF) treating Fula heavy crude oil in Balila, Sudan. A sensitivity analysis of key parameters on production cost and Net Present Value (NPV) has been carried out for different flowsheet selection options. Comparison of flowsheets on equal plant capacity basis results in a 19% reduction in the production cost, whereas comparison on fixed annual crude oil processing basis results in a reduction in production cost of only 3.7%.