Crude Oil Desalter Services
Howe Baker provides on-site and remote technical services for crude oil desalters and electrostatic coalescers — covering commissioning, operational troubleshooting, performance optimisation and vessel inspection.
About This Service
Crude oil desalters and electrostatic coalescers require periodic technical support to maintain performance across changing crude slates, operating conditions and equipment condition. Common service requirements include initial commissioning of new installations, diagnosis and correction of operational performance issues, and scheduled inspection during planned maintenance outages.
Howe Baker service engineers are familiar with the design of Howe Baker desalter and coalescer systems. Services are delivered on-site at refinery and upstream facilities and, where appropriate, remotely through review of operating data and process information provided by plant personnel.
Contact Howe Baker to discuss this service in relation to your equipment or project requirements.
Discuss a RequirementTypical Situations This Service Addresses
New Unit Commissioning
Technical support during pre-commissioning, first fill, electrical energisation and performance verification for newly installed desalter and coalescer units.
Salt Removal Performance Decline
Investigation and correction of increased salt-in-crude outlet content, typically caused by changes in crude slate, wash water rate, mixing energy or chemical programme.
High BS&W Carryover
Diagnosis of high basic sediment and water content in desalted crude, including assessment of interface level control, electrical field performance and emulsification causes.
Electrical System Faults
Diagnosis of transformer-rectifier faults, electrode shorting, insulator failure and high-voltage system issues affecting desalter electrostatic field performance.
Emulsion Problems
Assessment and resolution of persistent crude-water emulsions that are causing salt removal difficulties or water carry-under, including chemical programme review.
Planned Turnaround Inspection
Vessel entry inspection, electrode condition assessment, insulator check and internal mechanical integrity evaluation during planned plant shutdown periods.
Engineering & Service Scope
Commissioning Engineering
On-site commissioning support for new desalter and coalescer installations, including pre-commissioning checks, electrical system energisation and initial performance run data recording.
Performance Troubleshooting
Systematic diagnosis of operating problems including high BS&W, poor salt removal, persistent emulsions and electrical system faults, with recommended corrective actions.
Operational Parameter Optimisation
Review and optimisation of wash water rate, mixing valve setting, chemical injection programme, interface level target and electrical field voltage to improve separation performance.
Vessel Inspection Support
Technical advisory during vessel entry inspection, including electrode condition assessment, insulator examination, distributor system check and documentation of internal condition.
Crude Slate Assessment
Review of electrostatic treater performance when the crude slate changes — including assessment of new crude properties, emulsion characteristics and required adjustments to operating parameters.
Operator Training
Training for refinery operators and technical staff on desalter operating principles, normal operating procedures, performance indicators and fault recognition.
Remote Technical Support
Review of operating data, DCS historian data and laboratory results provided by plant personnel to diagnose performance issues and provide operating recommendations without an on-site visit where appropriate.
Need Support for Existing Equipment or Plant Performance?
Contact Howe Baker with your unit details, current operating data or project brief. Our engineers will advise on the appropriate service scope and delivery approach.
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