Oil–water de-emulsification using ultrasonic technology

In this paper an oil–water de-emulsification process within large tanks using ultrasonic technology is presented. As the device would operate in hazardous areas, it should not consume an excessive amount of electrical power. Hence, the paper investigates the suitable oil–water concentrations (10–90% concentrations in step of 10%) which would lead to the fastest separation while consuming the minimum amount of power. Extensive experiments which were conducted using a powerful 20 kHz ultrasonic sensor were indicative with good repeatability that the emulsion layer with less water content (i.e. 10 to 40% water-cut) gets significantly faster separation. The experimental study was then validated through a set of finite element-based simulations for different ratios of oil water emulsions. This led to suggest a new feasible de-emulsifying device which consists of a one dimensional array of ultrasonic sensors which are vertically distributed to emit ultrasonic waves in horizontal direction and in a time multiplexed manner.