The utilization of citrus hystrix and citrus limon as an organic demulsifier formulation

Abstract

During the production process, emulsion problems often occur. The emulsion is water dispersed in the oil phase. Emulsions are a problem that needs to be surmounted by a demulsification mechanism to separate the water phase from the oil. It is transformed into a chemical compound that is expected can be emulsion blocking or usually known as demulsifier. Environmental issues need to be assessed as result of commercial demulsifier usage generally formulated from chemical active compounds that difficult to decipher the environment. Organic demulsifier is one of the best solutions to prevent environmental pollution without diminishing its main functions of emulsion breaker. Bottle test method is an empirical test in which a number of potential demulsifier formulas with various variations are added to a series of tubes or bottles. Organic demulsifier can be divided into 4 formulas that consisting of organic such as Citrus Hystrix, Citrus Limon, and Liquid Soap as supporting materials. Furthermore, there is a comparative formulas derived from the commercial demulsifier and base case condition of the oil emulsion without any addition. Based on temperature test, concentration test, and the effectiveness of each formula that obtained optimal condition appropriate higher demulsification efficiency. Based on the research, optimal condition of organic demulsifier is formula 2 (5 mL, 70°C) derived from the mixture of Citrus Limon and liquid soap, with demulsification efficiency amount 23 mL (92%). The result obtained from the organic and local material can increase emulsion breakdown process effectiveness compared by commercial demulsifier and base case condition.