Demulsification of gas oil-water emulsion via high intensity ultrasonic standing wave

Abstract

High intensity ultrasonic standing wave field was established in a horizontal direction and its effect on “gas oil” in “water” emulsion separation rate was studied. Also, effects of four parameters on emulsion instability behavior were investigated: ultrasound irradiation time(5-30 min), emulsion position in ultrasound field(17-37 cm), ultrasound input intensity(20,45 and 75%) and dispersed phase concentration(0.5,2 and 10%). Emulsion light absorbance, droplet diameter and distribution were measured to analyze separation efficiency. The optimum states were 10% oil in water emulsion treated at 17 cm distance from ultrasound source under 30 min irradiation time and 20% sound intensity.