Crude Desalter — Asbestos Exposure Crosswalk
What This Equipment Is
A crude desalter is a large pressure vessel where incoming crude oil is washed with water and then electrostatically coalesced to separate water-soluble salts and entrained solids before the crude enters the atmospheric distillation tower. Removing salt prevents downstream corrosion and fouling in the crude furnace, atmospheric tower, and vacuum tower. Most refineries operate two desalter stages in series.
Desalters run hot (typically 230–290°F) and at moderate pressure. The vessel is insulated, the inlet and outlet piping is insulated, the high-voltage power-supply transformer is mounted on top, and every connection (mix valves, water injection, wash-water recycle, drain, vent) is gasketed.
Asbestos Products Historically Used Around Desalters
| Product Category | Where on the Desalter | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Block insulation | Vessel shell exterior | Calcium silicate, magnesia |
| Pipe covering | Inlet crude, outlet crude, brine, wash-water lines | Magnesia, calcium silicate |
| Gaskets | Manway covers, instrumentation flanges, mix-valve covers | Asbestos sheet, spiral-wound |
| High-voltage transformer components | Power supply and electrode bushings | Asbestos millboard and barriers — see Electrical Arc Chutes |
| Valve packing | Mix valves, drain valves | Braided asbestos rope packing |
| Insulating cement | Joints and irregular surfaces | Mixed dry, hand-applied |
Why Desalter Work Was an Asbestos Exposure Pathway
Desalter internals (electrodes, distributors, mix valves) wear under continuous heavy crude-and-water service. Maintenance requires opening manway covers (replacing extensive gaskets), stripping shell insulation to permit access, and performing electrode and bushing work that involves the asbestos-bearing high-voltage components. The mix-valve and water-injection systems require recurring repairs that disturb insulation and gasketing.
Manufacturers Named in Litigation Involving Desalter Components
- Cameron / Petrolite — desalter OEM named in installation/maintenance claims
- Howe-Baker — desalter OEM
- Foster Wheeler — engineering and equipment
- Johns-Manville — insulation, pipe covering
- Owens-Corning / Fibreboard — insulation
- Garlock Sealing Technologies — gaskets
- General Electric — high-voltage transformer components
- Westinghouse Electric — high-voltage transformer components
Documented Product References
Images sourced from publicly available product-identification reference materials. Inclusion does not constitute a finding of liability against any company.
Trust Funds That May Apply
- Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust
- Owens-Corning / Fibreboard Asbestos PI Trust
- Garlock Sealing Technologies LLC Asbestos PI Trust
Trades Most Exposed at Desalter Work
Pipefitters, insulators (Heat & Frost), electricians performing high-voltage maintenance, refinery turnaround crews, plant operators, maintenance mechanics.
Jobsites in the Network
- Every Missouri refinery in the network
- See companion pages: Distillation Towers, Fired Heaters, Heat Exchangers
Compiled from publicly filed asbestos litigation, EPA / state-DNR records, and industry-publication histories. Product and company references reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed litigation. This page does not constitute a finding of liability against any company. Not legal advice; consult a licensed attorney about your specific situation.