The present study dealt with the application of biodegradable
demulsifier
synthesized based on Helianthus annuus (sunflower oil). The synthesized demulsifier is characterized using
Fourier-transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and thermogravimetric
analysis. The demulsification process was designed, modeled, and optimized
through the response surface methodology. Furthermore, the significance
of the developed models and operating parameters was evaluated using
analysis of variance. The results indicated that the proposed models
were highly significant, with a p-value of <0.0001.
The demulsification efficiency (DE) of 100% was achieved at the following
optimal conditions: 185.2 ppm demulsifier concentration, 70 °C
temperature, and 55.3 min settling time. The interfacial activity,
particle size analysis, and viscosity of the emulsion were measured,
and optical microscopic analysis was conducted to directly observe
the demulsification process. The study also compared the DE of prepared
and field emulsions. Moreover, the synthesized demulsifier is degraded
in 14 days. This research provides a promising solution for the treatment
of water-in-oil emulsions.