Critical Review of Emulsion Stability and Characterization Techniques in Oil Processing

Abstract

Effective separation of water and oil dispersions is considered a critical step in the determination of technical and economic success in the petroleum industry over the years. Moreover, a deeper understanding of the emulsification process and different affected parameters is essential for cost-effective oil production, transportation, and downstream processing. Numerous studies conducted on the concept of dispersion characterization indicate the importance of this concept, which deserves attention by the scientific community. Therefore, a comprehensive review study with critical analysis on significant concepts will help readers follow them easily. This study is a comprehensive review of the concept of dispersion characterization and conducted studies recently published. The main purposes of this review are to 1) Highlight flaws, 2) Outline gaps and weaknesses, 3) Address conflicts, 4) Prevent duplication of effort, 5) List factors affecting dispersion. It was found that the separation efficiency and stability of dispersions are affected by different chemical and physical factors. Factors affecting the stability of the emulsions have been studied in detail and will help to look for the right action to ensure stable emulsions. In addition, methods of ensuring stability, especially coalescence are highlighted, and coalescence mathematical explanations of phenomena are presented.

Effect of the Density Ratio on Emulsions and Their Segregation: A Direct Numerical Simulation Study

“…The volume fraction Φ = 0.125, is constant in this study. The domain size L equals 2π, corresponding to a total domain volume of V = (2π) 3 . We use periodic boundary conditions in each direction.…”

“…Emulsions are suspensions of non-miscible liquids (e.g., water in gasoline) and play an essential role in various industrial applications, e.g., pharmaceuticals [1], food processing [2], and oil production [3][4][5]. Of particular interest, is the use of water-in-gasoline emulsions in gasoline-water direct injection (GWDI), which is considered a key technology for the future of the automobile industry, to reduce emissions and thus to counteract the climate crisis.…”

Curcumin Encapsulation in Geranium Oil Microemulsion Elevates Its Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anticancer Activities

“…They are formed spontaneously when a suitable mixture of oil, water, and surfactant is present and are characterized by their clear and transparent appearance . These dispersions of oil and water are thermodynamically stable and rely on the presence of a surfactant and often a cosurfactant to maintain their interfacial film and stability . In general, compounds that are relatively soluble in water, possess lipophilic properties (with log P , ranging from 1 to 3), are small in size (approximately 500 Da), and are more likely to diffuse effectively across the stratum corneum .…”

Effect of turbulence intensity and surface tension on the emulsification process and its stationary state—A numerical study

“…Emulsions are suspensions of immiscible liquids, such as oil and water, where the dispersed liquid is present in the form of poly-disperse droplets in the carrier liquid. Emulsions play an essential role in various industrial processes, such as food processing, [1][2][3] oil production [4,5] or pharmaceutical processes. [6] Recent research is exploring the application of fuelwater emulsions for more efficient and environmentally friendly power generation.…”