Abstract

A special and fast chemical method to detect and determine water separation from emulsified crude with accuracy (>97%) was developed. The method was applied successfully to determine the total amount of water in crude and its derivatives. Most methods available for the detection and estimation of low concentrations of water require either sophisticated equipment and/or take a long time. Chemical method depends on a chemical reaction between calcium hydride and water (both soluble as well as suspended droplets). The hygroscopic nature of some petroleum derivatives was followed with this method.

Key words: Diesel fuel, gasoline, kerosene, reaction, demulsification, water in crude.