Measurement of electrode potential in oil in water emulsions

Abstract

This study was performed taking into account the problems found when common reference electrode systems like SCE with a satured KCl bridge are used. Tests were carried out to establish the most appropriate reference electrodes for measurement of electrode potentials in emulsions kerosene in water. Four reference cells were tested, looking for compatibility between aqueous and oil phases inherent to the nature of these emulsion systems. The cell SCE/Sat KCl/Agar 3% + 0,1 M KCl// was taken as reference cell. The corrosion systems studied were aqueous solution of satured KCl, aqueous solution containing 1.000 ppm of anionic surfactant (GR-7M) and kerosene in water emulsions with 5, 20, 40 and 60 weight per cent. The cell //AgarGR7M (1%)/GR7M (1%)/SCE was chosen due to its long stability with time and small joining potentials.