Oil Production Facilities: Emulsion Treating

Abstract

The formation of emulsions from two immiscible liquids phases – is probably the most versatile property of surface active agents for practical applications. Paints, polishes, pesticides, metal cuttings oils, margarine, milk, ice-cream, cosmetics and metal cleaners are all emulsions or are used in emulsified form.

An emulsion is defined as “significantly stable” suspension of particles of a liquid of a certain size within a second, immiscible liquid. The term “significantly stable” means relative to the intended use and may range from a few minutes to a few years. With respect to the size of the dispersed particles, two types of emulsions are recognized: macroemulsions and microemulsions. The usual type of emulsion (a macroemulsion) has a particle size range of 0.2 to 50 micrometers and is easily visible under the microscope.

The size of the dispersed particles in an emulsion determines its appearance to the naked eye. If the diameter of the dispersed particles is 1 micrometer, the emulsion is milky white; 0.1 – 1.0 micrometers, blue-white; 0.05 – 0.1 micrometers, gray, semitransparent; < 0.05 micrometers, transparent. Therefore, macroemulsions are opaque and microemulsions are either semitransparent or transparent.

Keywords: Petroleum industry