Particle-Stabilized Emulsions in Heavy Oil Processing

The landscape of oil production is shifting, with non-conventional oil resources seen as a credible option to meet the ever-growing demand for oil. In this chapter, the separation of water from heavy oil is considered. The work highlights the fundamental mechanisms of droplet stability, the direct impact of indigenous components of oil and fine particles on droplet interfacial properties, and finally the mechanisms by which droplet interaction and coalescence can be promoted through chemical addition. The chapter aims to provide scientific direction in this challenging research field.