초록 ▼

A heavy hydrocarbon, oil-in-water emulsion that has a relatively low viscosity for improved transport is disclosed. The emulsion is produced by combining the heavy hydrocarbon with an aqueous solution of emulsifier with agitation. The emulsifier has an HLB value of about 13 to about 16. The emulsifi

A heavy hydrocarbon, oil-in-water emulsion that has a relatively low viscosity for improved transport is disclosed. The emulsion is produced by combining the heavy hydrocarbon with an aqueous solution of emulsifier with agitation. The emulsifier has an HLB value of about 13 to about 16. The emulsifier can be anionic, nonionic, amphoteric, or a mixture thereof. Stirring is effected at medium shear values of about 0.1 sec.sup.-1 to about 20 sec.sup.-1 and at a mixer speed of 50 to 2000 rpm. The mixer imparts sufficient power and shear to the emulsion so that a mean oil droplet size of about 30 .mu.m is obtained.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for the preparation of an oil-in-water emulsion comprising the steps of:combining about 60% to about 85% by volume of a hydrocarbon having a specific gravity of about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees API, in about 15% to about 40% by volume of an aqueous solution to form an a

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for the preparation of an oil-in-water emulsion comprising the steps of:combining about 60% to about 85% by volume of a hydrocarbon having a specific gravity of about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees API, in about 15% to about 40% by volume of an aqueous solution to form an aqueous hydrocarbon mixture, the aqueous solution comprising water and an emulsifier having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of about 13.5 to about 16, the emulsifier comprising an anionic emulsifier and a non-ionic emulsifier; anddispersing the hydrocarbon in the aqueous solution of the aqueous hydrocarbon mixture using agitation at a rate of speed of about 50 to about 2,000 revolutions per minute and a shear rate of about 0.1 to about 20 second.sup.-1 at a power input of about 0.1 to about 0.75 horsepower per 1,000 barrels of the aqueous hydrocarbon mixture for a period of time sufficient to produce an oil-in-water emulsion having a viscosity in the range of 5 to 50 centipoise at 38.degree. C. (100.degree. F.) and stable uniform droplet sizes in the range of 15 to 40 micrometers.