抄録
The continuous demulsification of W/O emulsion under applied A.C. voltage was investigated, using a tubular coalescer.
The effects of water-phase holdup, applied voltage and water-droplet size on demulsification rate were investigated, using emulsions prepared under various conditions. The rate was proportional to the –1, 0.5 and 3rd power of water-phase holdup, applied voltage and water-droplet size, respectively. The experimental equation taking these contributions into account showed satisfactory agreement with the observed values. Further, the effects of surfactant, extractant and solvent on the rate were examined and it was found that the combination of the three strongly affects the rate.
The energy consumption for continuous demulsification using the present apparatus is several kWh/m3-emulsion, so this coalescer can be applied to industrial processing.
