Electro-coalescence of water droplets in model oil-effect of electric field strength, waveform and frequency

Nowadays electro-coalescence is one of the environmentally friendly and common technologies utilised for resolution of water in oil emulsions. Therefore, in this study, the effect of electric field intensity, frequency and four types of waveforms that is square, sine, square root and pulsed on coalescence rate performance has been investigated. It was found that coalescence rate regardless of waveform type increases with increasing field strength. In the meantime, pos pulse waveform yields the best result. Moreover, experiments revealed that with increasing frequency of various waveforms at three levels of electric field strengths, square and sqr root waveforms show more stable performance meaning less distortion in coalescence rate. However, the coalescence rate was significant only at higher electric field intensities. By properly adjusting the operating variables involved in an electro-coalescers with the help of such studies, performance can be significantly improved.

Keywords:

electro-coalescence , square , sine , square root , pulsed waveform , electric field , optimum frequency.