Influence of alcohols on microemulsion composition

Journal Article · Fri May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981 · J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9797(81)90322-2· OSTI ID:6370366

Baviere, M; Schechter, R; Wade, W

The composition of microemulsion in equilibrium with one or more excess phases depends on the relative amounts of the hydrocarbon and the aqueous phases as well as on many other compositional variables such as surfactant, alcohol, or electrolyte concentrations. It is shown here that the microemulsion composition changes in a predictable direction as the water-to-oil ratio is changed. This shift in concentration is primarily due to alcohol partitioning between the coexisting phases. The change in microemulsion composition resulting from a change in the water-to-oil ratio can sometimes be compensated by altering the electrolyte concentration. The change in electrolyte concentration has been termed a shift in optimum salinity and this shift is related to the alcohol partitioning and to the alcohol structure. A number of observations not yet fully understood also are reported. 24 references.

• OSTI ID: 6370366
• Journal Information: J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States) Vol. 81:1; ISSN JCISA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ALCOHOLS
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
ELECTROLYTES
EMULSIONS
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
EQUILIBRIUM
FLUID FLOW
FLUID INJECTION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
INTERFACES
MICROEMULSION FLOODING
MICROEMULSIONS
MISCIBLE-PHASE DISPLACEMENT
OIL WELLS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM
PHASE STUDIES
RECOVERY
SALINITY
SURFACE PROPERTIES
SURFACE TENSION
SURFACTANTS
WATERFLOODING
WELLS