Removal of Water Drops from Viscor 1487 Oil

Water-in-oil emulsion separations are of importance to petrochemical industries. Water molecules of less than 100μ diameter are present as secondary emulsions. The presence of water reduces the efficiency of the fuel combustion, the water droplets can plug small orifices, and the water can dissolve polar compounds from the fuel and form corrosive materials such as sulfuric acid which can damage engine parts. Thus, fuel filtration extends the life of engine. Coalescence filters are efficient and effectual for the removal of secondary emulsions.

The aim of this work is to eliminate these water molecules by development of filters to suit this application. The approach to this work is to apply surface modifiers to change surface wetting characteristics. In this approach, solid surface wettability of the dispersed liquid is varied to determine its effect on coalescence phenomena and filter performance.

To construct depth filter media with specified coatings the fibers may be coated prior to forming the media, or the media may first be constructed and the coating applied to the media. Filters are to be tested in a liquid-liquid coalescence experiment .The difference in wettability of the filters studied using modified Washburn's equation is presented here. Recommendations for future work are proposed.