Application of rhamnolipid as a novel biodemulsifier for destabilizing waste crude oil

► Rhamnolipid showed a high demulsification activity on waste crude oil. ► The demulsification activity of rhamnolipid was confirmed on model emulsions. ► The demulsification activity of rhamnolipid was confirmed at pilot sale treatment. ► The recovered crude oil can enter into refinery process. ► Rhamnolipid showed great prospects in industry as a biodemulsifier.