• A novel method for continuous, real-time monitoring of residual water content in boiling water-hydrocarbon emulsions during thermomechanical dehydration is proposed, based on the rate of temperature increase (dT/dt).
• Complete dehydration is indicated when the boiling emulsion temperature reaches 130-170 °C or higher, and/or the rate of temperature increase is between 3.0 and 5.5 °C/min or above.
• The method eliminates the need for constant sampling and additional equipment, enabling automated process control and energy optimization in industrial and laboratory settings.
• The approach is cost-effective and can be implemented using simple temperature sensors and a computing unit, making it widely accessible for waste treatment and emulsion processing.