US4415426A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrodes for electrical coalescense of liquid emulsions
Assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Co
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Filing: 1981-07-27
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Granted: 1983-11-15
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Expires: 2001-07-27
Abstract
Abstract Improved electrodes for electrically coalescing water-in-oil emulsions in an AC electrical field, wherein the improvement comprises insulated electrodes having a dielectric constant of at least about 3 and a hydrophobic surface in contact with the emulsion. This invention results in faster coalescense of emulsions than can be obtained with insulated electrodes having a lower dielectric constant even if the surface of the electrode at the electrode-emulsion interface is hydrophobic. Formation of spongy emulsion and decomposition of the oil phase under the high voltages required for rapid coalescense is minimized and even eliminated.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward C. Hsu
- 👤 Norman N. Li
- 👤 Taras Hucal
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 13:56
CPC Classifications
C; C10; C10G; C10G33/00; C10G33/02; B; B01; B01D; B01D17/00; B01D17/06; B03; B03C; B03C11/00; B03C2201/00; B03C2201/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
55 words
An apparatus for coalescing a water-in-oil emulsion in an AC electric field in a coalescing zone between two or more cooperating electrodes wherein at least one electrode is an insulated electrode comprising an electrically conductive material insulated with a solid dielectric having both a dielectric constant of at least about 4 and a hydrophobic surface.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
55 words
An apparatus for coalescing a water-in-oil emulsion in an AC electric field in a coalescing zone between two or more cooperating electrodes wherein at least one electrode is an insulated electrode comprising an electrically conductive material insulated with a solid dielectric having both a dielectric constant of at least about 4 and a hydrophobic surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of said cooperating electrodes comprises an aqueous layer of coalesced aqueous phase of said emulsion.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of either of claims 1 or 2 wherein said insulation comprises a composite of two or more materials.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
An insulated electrode for use in coalescing water-in-oil emulsions comprising an electrically conductive material insulated with a solid dielectric having both a dielectric constant of at least about 4 and a hydrophobic surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
An insulated electrode for use in coalescing water-in-oil emulsions comprising an electrically conductive material insulated with a solid dielectric having both a dielectric constant of at least about 4 and a hydrophobic surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The electrode of claim 4 wherein said insulation comprises a composite of two or more materials.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-11-14 | 1987-05-16 | 1987-11-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-11-14 | 1991-05-16 | 1991-11-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-11-14 | 1995-05-16 | 1995-11-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |