Electrostatic destabilization of W/O emulsions

Abstract

The design and use of an electric field application cell for phase separation of the W/O emulsion in the Acema-100 production pit is the interest of this research. To do this, the Acema-100 pit is characterized physicochemically (apparent density, apparent viscosity, water content, cumulative droplet distribution, conductivity of the aqueous phase), the effect on emulsion destabilization is evaluated, considering as variables of the electrostatic system: the type of current, the cell geometry, the residence time, the applied voltage, using the 2n experimental design, with the destabilization factor (FD) being the response variable. Likewise, a coalescing material is combined with the electric field, in order to evaluate the type of medium that favors the destabilization and coalescence process of the drops. The application of the 2n factorial experimental design identified the cell type as the most significant variable. In the study of the effect of the coalescing medium, the highest coalescence rates are obtained with a hydrophilic coalescing material. The study is aligned with SDG No. 9.