Microwave Enhanced Separation of Water-In-Oil Emulsions

The experimental data showed that viscous and stable water-in-oil emulsions can be separated by microwave radiation, providing an opportunity for oil recovery and waste reduction. At optimal condltlons, the separation of water can be accomplished at 80% or better, without using demulsifying chemicals. The experimental data also indicated that water-in-oil emulsion can be heated uniformly by microwaves, if the pathlength is not too long. Temperature profiles and microwave heating can be predicted reasonably well from dielectric properties and the theory of electromagnetic waves