A study of dynamic interfacial mechanisms for demulsification of water-in-oil emulsions

摘要

A novel technique is described for measuring rheological properties of a water/oil/water film. Data are presented for several commercial-type demulsifiers which demonstrate a strong connection between good performance (fast coalescence) and dynamic film rheological properties, using samples of an actual crude oil emulsion and brine. Measurements of dynamic interfacial tension and activities with a conventional drop-volume apparatus support the water/oil/water film results. Measurements of static interfacial tension fail to correlate with performance data. The data provide useful insight into physicochemical mechanisms needed to obtain rapid coalescence, and could help guide the development of better performing demulsifiers.