Briefly describe the relationship between the HLB value and the cloud point of reverse demulsifiers
How to use reverse demulsifier testing method to comfirm the cloud point? There is a certain relationship between the HLB value and the cloud point of reverse demulsifier in oilfield, as follows:
1.The influence of the HLB value on the cloud point:
General trend: Under normal circumstances, the function of reverse demulsifier with a lower HLB value have stronger lipophilicity and the hydrophobic groups account for a larger proportion in the molecular structure and the interaction with water is weaker. The cloud point of such reverse demulsifier in oilfield is relatively low because their solubility in water deteriorates at a lower temperature and they are prone to precipitate from water to form a turbid liquid, so the cloud point is low. In contrast, the function of reverse demulsifier with a higher HLB value have stronger hydrophilicity and there are more hydrophilic groups in the molecular structure and the interaction with water is stronger. The cloud point is relatively high and phase separation and the generation of the cloud point will occur only at a higher temperature.
Special cases: But this is not an absolute rule. For some reverse demulsifier to treat oily wastewater with a more complex structure or special functional groups, the relationship between the HLB value and the cloud point may deviate. For example, some the function of reverse demulsifier with special molecular structures may, due to special intermolecular interactions, result in a cloud point that is inconsistent with the result judged based on the conventional HLB value.
2. The feedback effect of the cloud point on the HLB value:
By measuring the cloud point of the reverse demulsifier in oilfield, the range of HLB value in oilfield can be inferred to a certain extent in reverse. In practical applications, if the cloud point of a reverse demulsifier to treat oily wastewater is known at a certain temperature, then based on experience or relevant research data, the HLB value range of the reverse demulsifier in oilfield can be roughly judged, thereby providing a reference for the selection and application of the reverse demulsifier.
In general, there is a certain correlation between the HLB value and the cloud point of reverse demulsifier, but this relationship is affected by various factors such as the molecular structure and composition of the demulsifier, and comprehensive consideration is required in practical applications.