This project is examining the ability of analytical tools to characterize difficult emulsions. An analytical protocol is to be derived that will allow the user to establish the nature of a given emulsion and its likely source/mechanism. The intent of the project is to develop a series of analytical tests to perform on any given desalter emulsion that will allow an understanding of the nature of the emulsion and its root causes. Knowledge of the root causes of an emulsion will assist a refinery, and potentially a crude oil producer, in developing an effective strategy for breaking the emulsion.