Changes in the Size Distribution of a Water-in-Oil Emulsion Due to Electric Field Induced Coalescence

A knowledge of the droplet size distribution of a water-in-oil emulsion subjected to an electric field provides useful information regarding electrostatic coalescence which can aid the formulation of coalescence models and the design of commercial electrostatic separators. Water droplet size-distribution measurements made using a laser light-scattering technique during the electrostatic resolution of a low-water-content water-in-oil emulsion are reported. A qualitative explanation of the results is presented.