INVESTIGATION OF THE DEMULSIFICATION EFFECT OF LEMON PEEL EXTRACT ON CRUDE OIL EMULSIONS

Crude oil emulsions pose significant operational and environmental problems due to high viscosity, corrosion, and the toxicity of synthetic demulsifiers currently used. This research aims to investigate Lemon Peel Extract (LPE), a promising green, biodegradable alternative, by evaluating its performance kinetics against a stable crude oil emulsion. The study focused on determining the optimal LPE dosage required for achieving maximum water separation, supporting the industry's shift towards sustainable fluid processing. The methodology centered on the standard bottle test procedure, with the process optimized using a Central Composite Design (CCD) of experiments, testing Demulsifier Dosage, Temperature, and Time. A stable W/O emulsion was prepared at (50:50 v/v) and treated with LPE across a concentration range up to 127.6ppm. The vials were thoroughly shaken and placed in a thermostatically controlled water bath (operating between 30°C and 80°C) to enhance kinetics. Performance was monitored by measuring the volume of separated water at defined time intervals. The experimental results confirmed that the LPE is a highly effective demulsifier. The LPE successfully achieved its maximum water separation efficiency of 93.68%. This optimal performance was recorded at a dosage of 127.6ppm and a temperature of 55°C, with the separation being substantially complete within 75minutes. Response Surface Methodology confirmed a strong synergistic interaction between Dosage and Time (AC = +3.83), indicating that optimal performance requires sufficient LPE concentration paired with adequate contact time. These findings demonstrate that the LPE is a technically iv viable, fast-acting, and environmentally friendly green demulsifier for sustainable crude oil treatment operations.