Bimetallic Coalescers: Electrophoretic Coalescence of Emulsions in Beds of Mixed Metal Granules

Abstract

Rapid coalescence of dilute oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions has been obtained by passing these through beds containing a granular mixture of dissimilar metals (such as iron and aluminum) or of carbon with a metal. Complete coalescence of dilute (e.g., 0.1 %) emulsions has been obtained with average residence times as short as 5 sec. Preliminary indications are that the efficiency of these coalescers often increases when the emulsion is more dilute, so that the cleanup of last traces of suspended droplets becomes easy. © 1970, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.