Electrocoalescence Behavior of Droplets Dispersed with Na2CO3 in Oil under the Electromagnetic Synergy Field

Electromagnetic synergy is a moreeffective physical method thana single AC electric field (ACEF) to enhance oil-water separation.However, the electrocoalescence behavior of droplets dispersed withsalt ions in oil under the synergistic electromagnetic field (EMSF)still lacks research. Herein, the evolution coefficient of liquidbridge diameter (C (1)) characterizes thegrowth rate of the liquid bridge diameter, a series of Na2CO3-dispersed droplets with different ionic strengthswere prepared, and C (1) values of dropletsunder ACEF and EMSF were compared. Micro high-speed experiments revealedthat C (1) under ACEF is larger than C (1) under EMSF. In particular, when sigma =100 mu S center dot cm(-1)and E = 629.73kV center dot m(-1), C (1) underthe ACEF is 15% larger than C (1) under EMSF.Additionally, the theory of ion enrichment is put forward, which explainsthe influence of salt ions on zeta potential and total surfacepotential in EMSF. This study provides guidance for designing high-performancedevices by introducing electromagnetic synergy in water-in-oil emulsiontreatment.

Automated summary

Electromagnetic synergy is a more effective method than single AC electric field (ACEF) for enhancing oil-water separation. However, the electrocoalescence behavior of droplets dispersed with salt ions in oil under synergistic electromagnetic field (EMSF) is not yet well-researched. This study compared the evolution coefficient of liquid bridge diameter (C(1)) in Na2CO3-dispersed droplets under ACEF and EMSF and found that C(1) under ACEF was larger. The study also proposed the theory of ion enrichment to explain the influence of salt ions on zeta potential and total surface potential in EMSF. This research provides guidance for designing high-performance devices for water-in-oil emulsion treatment by introducing electromagnetic synergy.