A multi-probe non-intrusive electrical technique for monitoring emulsification of hexane-in-water with the emulsifier C10E5 soluble in both phases

This work measures the variation of local water fraction during emulsification of hexane-in-water by an electrical conductance technique employing multiple non-intrusive ring electrodes. The emulsifier, C10E5, was initially dissolved only in water although it is highly soluble in both phases. This gives birth to interesting emulsification kinetics. Experiments were conducted at four emulsifier concentrations (from 1 × 10−4 to 1 × 10−3 M) and three hexane-to-water ratios (from 40/60 to 5/95, v/v). Emulsification was conducted by intense mixing with a Rushton turbine. CFD calculations were employed to estimate the distribution of turbulent dissipation rate in the mixing vessel. Furthermore, measurements of interfacial tension (static and dynamic) and interfacial dilatational elasticity and viscosity were conducted. An effort was made to explain the observed phase's distribution during emulsification by invoking arguments with respect to interfacial properties and turbulent dispersivity.