Numerical Analysis of Fluid Flows within and around Water Drops Translating in the Oil Phase in a Uniform Electric Field

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to improve the understanding of the movement behavior of water drops in the electro-desalter during crude petroleum refining. Fluid flows within and around a single spherical drop, which translates parallel to the applied electric field, were simulated using numerical analysis. The flows around the drop were governed significantly by the Reynolds number, viscosity ratio and a dimensionless parameter, which was defined by the effects of the electric field and gravitational field. The flows can be utilized for the removal of soluble salts from crude petroleum depending on the design of the electrical properties of the oil and water phases.