W/O Emulsions: Destabilizing Factor

Abstract

In order to have a parameter that allows quantifying the effect of destabilizing treatments on W/O emulsions, the Destabilizing Factor (FD) is defined. To this end, a compilation of information on the application of FD in treatments (electrical) of the research line: Separation of oil, water and solids, of the Mechanical Separations Laboratory of the School of Chemical Engineering of the Central University of Venezuela, was carried out. The information collection period was seven years, taking into account variables such as: voltage, residence time, cell type, coalescer medium and wettability. Based on this information, a new image analysis was performed with the Image-Pro 10 program, obtaining the cumulative distribution of droplets with a template created for Excel. A Global Destabilizing Factor (FDG) was established and compared with the FD reported by the authors of each of the analyzed images. Highlights that there are important differences in the calculations of the reported FD and the FDG; However, the latter allows us to have a closer analysis of the reality in relation to the effect of the destabilizing treatment applied to the emulsion, by considering all sizes of droplets.