Rapid demulsification and phase separation in a miniaturized centrifugal demulsification device

• A MCDD with efficient demulsification performance and low energy consumption is proposed. • MCDD can be used for demulsification of both water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions. • Controlled mechanism of demulsification efficiency and separation time are obtained. • The maximum η is up to 99.9% and the aqueous phase is completely clarified. • The mean energy dissipation rate is lower than that of the other active equipment. To achieve effective demulsification of stable emulsions, we proposed a miniaturized centrifugal demulsification device (MCDD) based on the centrifugal force and microscale effect. Various parameters were studied to determine the demulsification efficiency, phase separation time, and mean energy dissipation rate per unit volume of the reactor. Detailed investigations of the controlled mechanism of demulsification efficiency and phase separation time are discussed. A demulsification efficiency of up to 99.9% was achieved. The relationship between phase separation time and demulsification efficiency was obtained. In addition, the mean energy dissipation rate per unit volume of the reactor primarily ranged from 0.32 × 10 4 to 4.76 × 10 4 W/m 3 , which is one order of magnitude lower than that of other active demulsification equipment. Furthermore, competitive demulsification for both water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions can be achieved with the MCDD. This study is the first to propose an MCDD with high demulsification efficiency, fast separation time, and low energy consumption.