Can some one explain what causes the seperation?

[fun_guy88]

Allright guys so Im doing a S2B and well my vessels are full so I have to get a another one and split them and have more room how ever im noticing that my Naptha and NAOH/MHRB/H20 Mixtures are not separating...


Seem like everything is just in a even mix.

What im asking is what is the chemical reaction going on that is causing the separation of the Naptha and sodium Hydroxide since right now my solution is not separating at all. Should I check the PH and if its low should I add more Sodium Hydroxide if its high should I add more H20 or should I make more of a solvent

if some one could explain the reason why the separation occurs and what i can do to correct it?

 

[Xt]

When the layers mix and will not seperate this is called an emulsion. It can be caused by several things such as mixing too hard, detergant residue inside a vessel or a lack of base.

The other thing is that the solvent you already added my be in one of your now two vessels and not the other.

To break up an emulsion you can try:

Adding more lye (slowley)
Sitting the vessel in a hot water bath.
Gently rolling the vessel to burst the tiny emulsions via gentle agitation.
Adding some salt (iodine free)

or, sitting the vessel securely ontop of a loud speaker and playing some Sun o))).

I would however, before any of these things resort to giving it some time.

 

[endlessness]

Check the FAQ. Hope it helps!