Characterization of Rag Layer Formed by Actual Crude Oil, Synthetic Microcrystalline Wax and Synthetic Macrocrystalline Wax

The mechanical characteristics of crude oil has several importance, especially during
the period of extraction and separation of crude oil. It gives an insight to the behaviour
bnof the crude oil inside the pipeline and the potential problems that may happen. In
addition to that, the presence of rag layer, or emulsion pad, which is due to the mixture
between the crude oil and water can be very disruptive in the separation process. Thus,
it is imperative to know the similarities and differences between the crude oils and its
rag layers so as to minimize the disruption in the process. To resolve the rag layer
problem, it is important to understand the properties and characteristics of the rag layer
including the role of solid particles to the emulsion layer stability. Many studies have
been conducted on the effects of asphaltenes and resins but none on the effects of micro
and macro crystalline wax.