Behavior of an Emulsion in a Centrifugal Field: Kinetics of an Increase in the Excess Pressure and Destruction of an Emulsion

Abstract

The effect of centrifugal forces on a decrease in the content of the dispersion medium in an emulsion (increase in its expansion), decrease in the pressure in this medium, and increase in the capillary pressure was conductometrically studied, as well as the effect of these forces on the destruction of the emulsion as a whole. At low rotational speed of the centrifuge (< 500 rpm), the hydrostatically equilibrium capillary pressure and expansion are established in the emulsion. At higher angular velocities, the emulsion column is rapidly destroyed, as a certain “critical” pressure is reached in Plateau borders of the emulsion; this pressure is smaller than the pressure balancing the forces of the centrifugal field.