3.3. Modelling the emulsion separation process
For the water droplets at the top of the beaker of liquid to fall to
the interface layer means they must travel a set distance, depending
upon the water content used; for example water droplets in a
70/30 emulsion must travel a maximum distance of 5 cm. At room
temperature the minimum velocity of water droplet of a set diameter
can be calculated using Stokes’ Law and the physical properties
of the oil [17], and the separation time calculated based on
the time to travel 5 cm at that velocity. The separation times for
a range of droplet sizes are shown in Fig. 8.