Characterization of water-in-crude oil emulsions in oil spill response

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Wei, Qu-fu | Mather, R.R. | Fotheringham, A.F. | Yang, R.D.

Affiliations: Heriot-Watt University, Scottish Borders Campus, Galashiels, UK

Abstract: The formation of water-in-crude oil emulsions occurs when crude oils are spilled into sea. The water-in-crude oil emulsions significantly change the properties of the spilled crude oils and in turn influence the choices made relating to oil spill countermeasures. The water-in-crude oil emulsions were characterized using various techniques in this study. The environmental scanning electron microscopy observation of water droplets in the emulsions is also presented. It is a powerful tool in emulsion observations.

Keywords: oil spill, water-in-oil emulsions, oil spill response, DSC, ESEM

Journal: Journal of Environmental Sciences, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 506-509, 2003