(175f) Characterization of Concentrated Emulsions in the Energy Industry Using Acoustic Spectroscopy

Concentrated emulsions have direct applications in the energy, food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries. In the energy industry, concentrated emulsions can be encountered during drilling, production, transporting, and processing of crude oils. These dispersions typically lead to high operating costs as they currently require costly treatment strategies. Fundamental characterization of these complex systems is required to develop strategies that decrease the associated operating costs of managing these systems. This paper highlights the efforts underway at Oklahoma State University in using optical and acoustic techniques for emulsion characterization, measurement of particle size distributions, and quantification of interfacial behavior. This paper will also evaluate the flow characteristics of dispersions using advanced rheological techniques.  The acoustic technique utilizes sound waves and the attenuation coefficient to characterize particle size, zeta potential, and conductivity. The work explores the morphology and transient behavior of both conventional surfactant stabilized and solid stabilized emulsions. Both model oil and crude oil systems will be presented. Rheological characterization of select systems will be presented through the implementation of advanced rheological techniques. The rheological measurements explore the viscosity and elastic properties to measure complex rheological behavior of these dispersed systems. The particle size measurements coupled with rheology will lead to fundamental characterization of these complex systems that will lead to enhanced flow assurance strategies for the energy industry.