Emulsion process design

Having considered a basic flow sheet and the elementary principles of azeotropic distillation as they may be used, we considered testing emulsions in the laboratory prior to process design. 

Micellar-polymer flooding and alkali-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding are discussed in terms of emulsion behavior and interfacial properties. Oil entrapment mechanisms are reviewed, followed by the role of capillary number in oil mobilization. Principles of micellar-polymer flooding such as phase behavior, solubilization parameter, salinity requirement diagrams, and process design are used to introduce the ASP process. The improvements in ""classicaV alkaline flooding that have resulted in the ASP process are discussed. The ASP process is then further examined by discussion of surfactant mixing rules, phase behavior, and dynamic interfacial tension. 

This book is aimed at scientists and engineers who may encounter petroleum emulsions, whether in process design, petroleum production, or in the research and development fields. It does not assume a knowledge of colloid chemistry, the initial emphasis being placed on a review of the basic... 

Time-dependent rheological properties reflect the nature of a system s structure and can be due to viscoelasticity, structural changes, or both (Cheng and Evans, 1965 Harris, 1972). Structure breakdown can result in a decrease in the viscosity of a substance. It occurs in emulsions, suspensions, and sols. The characterization of the time-dependent flow properties of food systems is important for process design and control, for product devel-... 

The different process units are sized according to general engineering rules [55] as well as by using simulations in the commercial process design package AspenPlus. It should be noted that the calculated sizes of the extractor and separator shown in Table 14.9 are relatively small as compared to the typical size of an industrial emulsion polymerization reactor (50 m ). 

Emulsion product properties depend strongly on the droplet size distributions, and production costs depend on the energy to be applied for to achieve them. Thus, mean droplet sizes and droplet size distributions and the energy required are of interest in emulsion product and process design. 

Poehlein [81] identified major problems encountered with the development of continuous emulsion polymerization processes. It was shown that the development of commercial continuous emulsion polymerization processes involves the consideration of many factors associated with process design and product quality. These factors include the effects of inhibitor, polymerization rate, particle size distribution, copolymer composition, addition strategy of feed streams, unsteady-state operation, and reactor design on continuous emulsion polymerization processes. The author then used a two-continuous stirred tank reactor series to elucidate key continuous emulsion polymerization mechanisms and generate the knowledge necessary for the development of commercial continuous processes. 

Windhab EJ et al. Emulsion processing - From single-drop deformation to design of complex processes and products. Chem Eng Sci 2005 60(8-9) 2101-2113. 

PVDE is manufactured using radical initiated batch polymerization processes in aqueous emulsion or suspension operating pressures may range from 1 to 20 MPa (10—200 atm) and temperatures from 10 to 130°C. Polymerization method, temperature, pressure, recipe ingredients, the manner in which they are added to the reactor, the reactor design, and post-reactor processing are variables that influence product characteristics and quaUty. 

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