Numerical Analysis of the Reasons for Partial Coalescence of Uncharged Water Droplet and Layer Under DC Electric Field

This study is focused on the numerical investigating of forces that affect electrocoalescence process in the droplet-layer system. At a certain electric field strength, the Coulomb forces become sufficient to slow down the process of droplet coalescence with the layer, which leads to the formation of a neck in the upper part of the droplet with subsequent separation of the secondary droplet. The area of the neck formation differs from the location of the initial bridge between droplet and layer, though they get closer with the increase in the electric field strength. The analysis of electrostatic and tension forces acting on the surface of the water phase lead us to deeper understanding of partial coalescence causes, which can further help to suppress this coalescence mode and provide more reliable dehydration of the emulsion.