Study of the electrodes length influence on the trajectories of water droplets dispersed in oil and affected by non-uniform electric field

Abstract

The paper presents the results of numerical modelling of the processes accompanying movement of drop viscous media (water) in oil under the influence of exterior forces of the electric and dynamic nature. Systematic calculations of influence on the electric field heterogeneity drops, created by a symmetric and asymmetrical configuration of electrodes are carried out both in inter electrode and behind electrode areas taking into account a complex operation of dielectrophoresis forces, buoyancies and drag, as well as the variability of electrode sizes. The analysis of drop movement trajectories shows that the asymmetrical configuration of electrodes can be applied for an electro-coalescence intensification of water-in-oil emulsion. Correctness of calculations of the mathematical model and numerical methods are confirmed by good results if compared with the available data of the other authors.