Regimes of Multiple Emulsions of W1/O/W2 and O1/W/O2 Type in the Continuous Couette‐Taylor Flow Contactor

Abstract

AbstractThe flow regimes of multiple emulsions in the continuous Couette‐Taylor flow (CTF) contactor and characterization of the dispersion state are reported. The proposed method of multiple emulsion preparation is a one‐step procedure on the contrary to the classical two‐step procedure. The effect of operating parameters in the CTF contactor on multiple emulsion appearance, structure (drop size and packing), and rheological behavior is discussed. The key factors affecting multiple emulsion preparation in the CTF apparatus were the phases ratio, the rotational flow, and an annular gap width. The influence of an axial flow was more significant in the range of small rotational rates. The operating conditions were optimized to find the best characteristic multiple emulsions (largest interfacial area). The paper presents the same exemplary data of using W1/O/W2 emulsions as emulsion liquid membranes (ELMs) in the extraction process and O1/W/O2 for control active agent (drug) release.