Synthesis and characterization of new Gemini surfactants and used there to treatment W/O emulsions in heavy crude oil

Selected cationic Gemini surfactants were effective in separating water-oil emulsions, whereas cationic Gemini surfactants are (R1 and R2) with alkyl chain lengths of 5 and 6. Their characterization was done by FTIR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR characters of these new Gemini surfactants . These Gemini surfactants’ basic surface properties were investigated by measuring the relationship between electrical conductivity and surfactant concentration to determine critical micelles concentration CMC. Demulsification (emulsion breaking) is necessary in many practical applications as the petroleum industry and wastewater treatment in environmental technology. Demulsifiers with amine were used for breaking of water in crude oil emulsion in this study. The relative rate of water separation was determined via breaker tests. The demulsifier which has longer alkyl chain length had a better performance on breaking emulsion than demulsifier which has shorter alkyl chain length.