Доминирующая роль самоэмульгирования в процессе контактного взаимодействия пены с углеводородами

Abstract

Introduction. The results of a series of experiments on the interaction of fire extinguishing foam with various hydrocarbons are described, which make it possible to understand the processes that affect the extinguishing efficiency. Goals and objectives. The purpose of this work was to explain self-emulsification during mass transfer as a possible dominant factor in the process of contact destruction of fire-extinguishing foam by hydrocarbons. For this, the following tasks were set: - to experimentally establish the possibility of self-emulsification during mass transfer in contact of foaming agent solutions with hydrocarbons; - to show the relationship between the stability of the foam and the stability of the emulsion formed in the foam films; - to establish the effect of foam parameters (multiplicity) on the possibility of stabilization (or destruction) of foams under the action of the resulting emulsion. Research methods. The main research method in this work was to observe the stability of the foam on the surface of hydrocarbons at different temperatures. Results and discussion. The paper presents the results of experimental studies showing that the contact of solutions of the investigated foaming agents with hydrocarbons leads to the spontaneous appearance of an emulsion. In the case of using aromatic hydrocarbons, this process is more intensive than for saturated ones. For solutions of a foaming agent in the form of a thin film, the process of self-emulsification during mass transfer is significantly accelerated and can take place at room temperature. A stable emulsion, introduced into the foam, stabilizes it, and an unstable one destroys it. Low expansion foam is usually stabilized in contact with hydrocarbon. Medium expansion foam is destroyed even under the condition of thermodynamic stability of foam films. Conclusion. The experimental data obtained made it possible to propose a mechanism for the contact interaction of foam with a hydrocarbon, according to which a more stable foam on the surface of a hydrocarbon can be obtained by a foaming agent, which, in addition to foaming properties, is a good emulsifier. Keywords: fire extinguishing foam, hydrocarbon, oil product, contact destruction, self-emulsification during mass transfer.