Effect of surfactants on interfacial films and stability of water-in-oil emulsions stabilized by asphaltenes

► For emulsions with irreversibly adsorbed films, emulsion stability correlated primarily to the crumpling ratio (point at which a compressed interfacial film buckles). ► Secondary factor - decreased interfacial tension increased emulsion stability. ► A “stability parameter” defined that included both the crumpling ratio and interfacial tension. ► This parameter provided a good correlation for the percent residual emulsified water after given treatment.