Permeation of hydrocarbons through liquid surfactant membranes and formation of liquid crystalline structures

The separation of benzene from its mixture with heptane can be achieved by emulsifying the feed mixture to form an oil-in-water emulsion and then dispersing this emulsion in kerosene. At high agitation intensity a gel-like structure develops which prevents phase separation and thereby interferes with the overall mass transfer process. These gel-like structures have very high viscosities, and show rheopectic behaviour; polarising microscopic examination of these gel-like structures revealed the existence of liquid crystalline structures on the surface of the emulsion globules dispersed in kerosene. A possible mode of development of such liquid crystalline structures is presented, 1-Pentanol added to kerosene prevents gel formation and assists phase separation. Its action is explained on the basis of Winsor's theory of solubilization. Typical results for selectivity and benzene yield are presented.