Control of water–diesel emulsion stability using turbidity measurements

This paper describes a technical solution for emulsion homogeneity monitoring. It consists of turbidity sensors mounted in existing emulsion storage tanks, an electronic module, and corresponding measuring instruments. An experimental setup was developed to test the metrological characteristics of the turbidity sensors using standard kaolin suspension samples. Experiments have shown that turbidity sensors have an extensive measuring range, high sensitivity, and a close-to-linear transfer function. Using turbidity sensors allows for monitoring the stages of emulsion breakdown, such as sedimentation, coalescence, and complete separation into two liquids. Detecting the moment of emulsion breakdown in real-time makes it possible to apply three different modes to restore emulsion homogeneity by repeated mixing at different time intervals. An automated system for monitoring emulsion homogeneity, consisting of turbidity sensors, an electronic module, and a programmable logic controller, is proposed. Monitoring the emulsion destabilization process in real time makes it possible to use three different modes to restore its homogeneity by repeated mixing at different time intervals. This provides a significant reduction in the time to restore the homogeneity of the water-fuel emulsion. The proposed system can be integrated into most existing installations for the production and storage of water-fuel emulsions.