Effect of Native Solids Sizes and Concentrations on the Kinetic Stability of Water-In-Oil Emulsions

Abstract The mingled production of oil and water, in the presence of other surface active agents (surfactants), either indigenous in the crude oil aid the formation and stabilization of emulsion. Colloidal particles behave like surfactants molecules, mostly when they adsorb to a fluid-fluid interface. With adequate coverage of these particles at the interface, they act as barriers against droplet coalescence and enhance emulsion stability. This study investigate the effect of certain native solids on the kinetic stability of W/O emulsions. The effect of their sizes and concentrations was studied. Conventional batch test, coupled with Turbiscan were used for the stability measurements. It was found out that the particle type (physico-chemical properties), concentration of the particles at the interface and their sizes are important measures of emulsion stability.