This paper presents results obtained in bench-top testing of a novel magnetic method for breaking emulsions. The method employs a magnetic additive implanted in the internal phase of the emulsion and either permanent or electromagnets to coalesce the internal phase and break the emulsion. In the case of water-in-oil emulsions, iron lignosulfonate was employed as the additive. Measurements of the effects of surfactants, flow rate, and magnetic fields will be illustrated in laboratory measurements of emulsion dewatering and desalting of crude oil. We also give a brief overview of a novel microscopic method for measuring interfacial surface tension in a magnetic field and outline potential applications of the novel technology.
展开▼
