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ABSTRACT
The main objective of this paper is lo emphasize the efficiency of synthesized polyo.xyalkylenated amines (PPPEA) having different hydiophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values in breaking synthetic water-iu-benzene emulsions stabilized by both pelroleum asphaltenes and clay (EAC). It was found that the presence of clay and asphaltenes in a certain ratio (1:1 summing 0 5 wt / vol. % with respect to the total emulsion volume ) offers maximum emulsion stability. This was attributed to the effect of asphaltenes in converting water-wet particles (such as clay) into oil-wet panicles, which then act as emulsifying agents for waler-in-oil emulsions. This explains the synergistic effect resulting from the mutual interactions between asphaltenes and clay in stabilizing Eac. It was found that the most efficient demulsifiers for breaking Eac are the aromatic PPPEA having low HLB. This is attributed to the capability of the aromatic PPPEA demulsifiers lo form well developed interactions with the aromatic asphaltenes. This enhanced interaction will drag the asphaltenes and clay from the interlace increasing the demulsification efficiency.