A Reversible Separation Method Process Using Nonionic Surfactants

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Abstract
An extraction method for hydrocarbons based on surfactant association structures is presented. The process utilizes the strong temperature dependence of the micellar association structures in systems of water, hydrocarbons and nonionic surfactants. The extraction is made at the HLB-temperature at which large amounts of water and oil concurrently dissolve to an isotropic solution. Reduction of the temperature (20°C) causes separation of the hydrocarbon; a corresponding increase gives separation of pure water. In this article determinations of the purity of the separated phases are reported.