Formation and Stability Study of Nano-Emulsions: BTX- Separation

Abstract

The selective separation of aromatics (benzene, toluene and p-xylene, BTX) from aliphatic (n-heptane) is investigated using simple permeation and facilitated transport emulsion liquid membrane mechanism. The separation performances, represented by the permeation rate and separation factor, are analyzed systematically by varying the operating parameters. One of the major obstacles to the application of emulsion liquid membranes to industrial separations is the stability of emulsion globules. In the present study, stability of emulsion liquid membrane is studied by varying different parameters e.g. surfactant and feed phase concentration, stirrer speed for emulsification. Dispersion destabilisation of emulsion is detected by Turbiscan. Effects of interfacial tension on internal droplets size and size distribution are also systematically investigated. Stable emulsions under optimal conditions are used for the separation of aromatics (BTX) from aliphatic (n-heptane) in a synthetic feed mixture.