Technical Manual - Section 3 (Safety Hazards)

Figure II:2-7 Electrostatic Desalting
condensed water, can cause corrosion. Overpressuring the
unit is another potential hazard that causes failures.
Health
Because this is a closed process, there is little potential for
exposure to crude oil unless a leak or release occurs. Where
elevated operating temperatures are used when desalting sour
crudes, hydrogen sulfide will be present. There is the
possibility of exposure to ammonia, dry chemical
demulsifiers, caustics, and/or acids during this operation. Safe
work practices and/or the use of appropriate personal
protective equipment may be needed for exposures to
chemicals and other hazards such as heat, and during process
sampling, inspection, maintenance, and turnaround activities.
Depending on the crude feedstock and the treatment
chemicals used, the wastewater will contain varying amounts
of chlorides, sulfides, bicarbonates, ammonia, hydrocarbons,
phenol, and suspended solids. If diatomaceous earth is used
in filtration, exposures should be minimized or controlled.
Diatomaceous earth can contain silica in very fine particle
size, making this a potential respiratory hazard.
III:2-16