FIELD: petroleum processing and corrosion protection. ^ SUBSTANCE: method envisages addition of agent constituted by choline and its derivatives having one of following formulae: (CH3)3N+-CH2CH2O-, (CH3)3N+-CH2CH2OH-O-H, and (CH3)3N+-CH2CH2OH-O-R, where R represents C1-C20-alkyl. Ammonium chloride contained in oil reacts with added agent and converts into volatile chloride, which can be removed by steaming or through recirculation of gas. ^ EFFECT: prevented ammonium chloride-caused contamination and corrosion. ^ 10 cl, 1 dwg, 4 tbl