PROCESSES FOR SEPARATION OF OIL/WATER EMULSIONS

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for the separation of emulsions, such as oil/water emulsions. More particularly, the present invention is a process for separating oil/water emulsions that does not require the use of high temperatures or chemicals, such as demulsifiers. Somewhat more particularly, the invention comprises a continuous or batch process for separating oil/water emulsions which comprises the following general steps. An oil/water emulsion is mixed with an excess of water such that a water continuous phase is formed and maintained. The water and emulsion mixture is then allowed to settle, and the oil phase is recovered.