Electric Field Driven Separations: Phenomena and Applications

Abstract

Abstract The efficiency of separation processes can usually be assured either by an energy input or by external forces. The majority of conventional sep- arations applies mechanical or thermal energy in combination with pressure or gravity forces. The ability of superimposed electric fields to improve separation processes has been well known for many years. The familiar industrial applications range from solid-solid separation in the beneficiation of ores in the mining industry, coalescence of “water-in-oil” emulsion in the petroleum industry, to cleaning of exhaust gases from solid particles in various technologies.