Abstract
Purpose. To explain the behavior of air-mechanical foam in contact with hydrocarbons, there are generally accepted ideas about the thermodynamic stability of asymmetric aqueous films. These concepts cannot be considered exhaustive, since they do not explain the phenomena of foam stabilization in contact with hydrocarbons. The reason for the stabilization of foam films is the formation of stable emulsions in them caused by mass transfer. The aim of the work is to investigate the phenomenon of mass transfer between the aqueous phase and hydrocarbons on the stability of foam in contact with hydrocarbons. The following tasks are set in the work: to experimentally establish the effect of mass transfer on the contact destruction/stabilization of foam and the effect of hydrocarbon emulsification on the stability of foam from foaming agents of various nature. Methods. The experimental research method consists in measuring the rate of destruction of foam in contact with liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons, as well as with hydrocarbon vapors. Findings. The paper presents the results of experimental studies, on the basis of which it is shown that the intensification of the mass transfer process between the aqueous phase and the hydrocarbon contributes to the stabilization of foam in contact with hydrocarbons. A study of the destruction of foam in hydrocarbon vapors has shown that, regardless of the nature of foaming agents, the greatest stabilization of foam is observed in the case of compliance of the foaming agent with the optimal hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of hydrocarbon, at which its emulsification occurs. Research application field. In this paper, the effect of mass transfer between the aqueous and hydrocarbon phases on the stabilization of foam in contact with hydrocarbons is investigated. The results obtained can be used for scientific and educational purposes in the study of the physicochemical properties of air-mechanical foam. Conclusions. It has been experimentally shown that the intensification of mass transfer contributes to a more intensive formation of an emulsion, which helps to stabilize the foam. All other things being equal, a foam more stable on the surface of hydrocarbons makes it possible to obtain a foaming agent, which in this system exhibits the properties not only of a foaming agent, but also of a good emulsifier.
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