Formation and Stability Study of Nano-Emulsions: BTX- Separation

摘要

The selective separation of aromatics (benzene, toluene and p-xylene, BTX) from aliphatic (n-heptane) isinvestigated using simple permeation and facilitated transport emulsion liquid membrane mechanism. The separationperformances, represented by the permeation rate and separation factor, are analyzed systematically by varying theoperating parameters. One of the major obstacles to the application of emulsion liquid membranes to industrial separationsis the stability of emulsion globules. In the present study, stability of emulsion liquid membrane is studied by varyingdifferent parameters e.g. surfactant and feed phase concentration, stirrer speed for emulsification. Dispersiondestabilisation of emulsion is detected by Turbiscan. Effects of interfacial tension on internal droplets size and sizedistribution are also systematically investigated. Stable emulsions under optimal conditions are used for the separation ofaromatics (BTX) from aliphatic (n-heptane) in a synthetic feed mixture.