Evaluation of the efficiency of ionic liquids in the demulsification of oil-in-water emulsions

The production of oil in water emulsions (O/W-EMUL) is prevalent the petroleum sector due to presence several stabilizers; however, O/W-EMUL an unwanted phenomenon. Given that, this study evaluates efficiency three ionic liquids (ILs), two halogenide ILs (HILs-1, HILs-2), and one non-halogenide IL (Non-HIL) as demulsifiers for recovery from at a concentration 500 mg/L. percentage demulsification (D%) (i.e., removed O/W-EMUL) was examined using tube bottle tests. results tests demonstrated that (HILs) could achieve higher D% comparison Non-HIL. achieved within 20 min treatment with HILs-1, HILs-2, Non-HIL found be ∼97.7%, 88.2%, 85.2%, respectively. Increasing volume (VILs), which are normally recycled, can help overcome surfactant’s effect > 95%. mechanism based on ion exchange between anionic part oil–surfactant interphase. Recycling enhanced by reestablishing anion water-free inversed mixed salts. suggest appropriate substitute commercial demulsifiers. Though, further efforts needed produce non-toxic cost-effective low viscosity. process may when other separation processes. support upcoming research works apply removal O/W-EMUL.