A quaternary ammonium salt of formula wherein each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 is independently selected from an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group having less than 8 carbon atoms and R.sup.5 is hydrogen or an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group.

##STR00001##

A process for selective isolation of high molecular weight (˜1230 Daltons) naphthenic acids (Arn acids). The process includes providing a polymeric resin with a bound a quaternary amino group and applying a crude oil sample containing Arn acids to the polymeric resin. A first wash of an organic solvent is applied to the sample followed by a second wash of a polar organic solvent mixture. The first two washes remove unwanted crude oil compositions while the Arn acids are bound to the quaternary amino groups. A third wash of acidified organic solvent removes the Arn acids from the polymeric resin, thereby forming an elute comprising the Arn acids and the acidified organic solvent. The acidified organic solve is then evaporated isolating the Arn acids from the crude oil sample.

A process for selective isolation of high molecular weight (˜1230 Daltons) naphthenic acids (Arn acids). The process includes providing a polymeric resin with a bound a quaternary amino group and applying a crude oil sample containing Arn acids to the polymeric resin. A first wash of an organic solvent is applied to the sample followed by a second wash of a polar organic solvent mixture. The first two washes remove unwanted crude oil compositions while the Arn acids are bound to the quaternary amino groups. A third wash of acidified organic solvent removes the Arn acids from the polymeric resin, thereby forming an elute comprising the Arn acids and the acidified organic solvent. The acidified organic solve is then evaporated isolating the Arn acids from the crude oil sample.

A process for removing oil and other organics, especially naphthalenic acid, is disclosed. The process involves use of electrical fields using electrodes in the device, inducing gas bubbles which force contaminants to the surface of the solutions to be skimmed off and recovered.

A process for removing oil and other organics, especially naphthalenic acid, is disclosed. The process involves use of electrical fields using electrodes in the device, inducing gas bubbles which force contaminants to the surface of the solutions to be skimmed off and recovered.

A process for removing oil and other organics, especially naphthalenic acid, is disclosed. The process involves use of electrical fields using electrodes in the device, inducing gas bubbles which force contaminants to the surface of the solutions to be skimmed off and recovered.

A process for removing oil and other organics, especially naphthalenic acid, is disclosed. The process involves use of electrical fields using electrodes in the device, inducing gas bubbles which force contaminants to the surface of the solutions to be skimmed off and recovered.