Electric field-driven, magnetically-stabilized ferro-emulsion phase contactor
Methods and systems are disclosed for interfacial surface area contact between a dispersed phase liquid and a continuous phase liquid in counter-current flow for purposes such as solvent extraction. Initial droplets of a dispersed phase liquid material containing ferromagnetic particles functioning as a packing'' are introduced to a counter-current flow of the continuous phase. A high intensity pulsed electric field is applied so as to shatter the initial droplets into a ferromagnetic emulsion comprising many smaller daughter droplets having a greater combined total surface area than that of the initial droplets in contact with the continuous phase material. A magnetic field is applied to control the position of the ferromagnetic emulsion for enhanced coalescence of the daughter droplets into larger reformed droplets. 2 figs.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- Assignee:
- Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc., Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- A; US 4941959
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-441494
- OSTI ID:
- 7267658
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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