Waste oil emulsions can contain different oils in various concentrations. The components in the oily phase can be various. Used oily emulsions from the steel industry, contain cutting oil, whole oils, lubricants, cooling oils or motor oils with or without adjuvants that encourage solubility. The stabilization degree of an emulsion is mainly determined by the emulsifier that is used.

The stability of an emulsion depends on serveral factors:

• The concentration of an emulsifier
• The pH value of the emulsion
• The proportion of the phases and the difference in density between the oily and aqueous phases
• The type of electrolyte and the concentration
• The type and quantity of solid that is present
• The energy consumption emulsification process management

The character of the EKOMULS demulsifier’s charges is cationic. The operation is based on an electrical neutralization of the anionic emulsifier in the contact surface between the phases.

After the coagulation and absorption of the oil drops at the surface of the demulsfier, the breaking of the emulsions is operated.

On one hand, a flow containing the oil and the demulsifier appears, on the other hand there is a aqueous phase, without any oil or solids.

To operate a separation of the salt and heavy metals in the demulsified water, an other treatment can be applied later: using a precipitating agent for heavy metals and a flocculation with a EKOFLOC flocculent adjuvant.

The optimum efficiency of the EKOMULS demulsifiers can be guaranteed by:

• A regulation of the pH Value
• The use of EKOFLOC an anionic flocculent adjuvant
• Heating up the emulsion
• The use of EKOPUR absorbing additives

The EKOMULS demulsifiers can be used as concentrates or as a diluted aqueous solution. The effect of a dilution or the demulsifier is a better diffusion inside the emulsion to be treated, using an agitator.

The doses vary between 0,5 and 6,0kg/m3, depending on the type of emulsion and the oil concentration. In an installation with charges, the necessary dose can be determined in advance thanks to a laboratory test.

The use of EKOMULS demulsifiers offers lots of advantages compared with usual processes:

•  Dosing and easy manipulation
•  The use of inorganic precipitants (such as ferro-chlorids) is largely reduced or almost nonexistent
•  The formation of salts in nonexistent
•  Great reduction of the volumes of sludge and reduction of the elimination costs
•  Minimized costs for the operation of the installation
•  Secured process
•  Decrease of the DCO value in the clear water
•  Oil recycling is made possible