creaming | Energy Glossary

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creaming

1. n. [Drilling Fluids]

The separation of phases of an emulsion with the lighter phase on top and denser phase on bottom. When oil muds are stagnant, the less-dense oil phase rises and the denser aqueous phase settles. This behavior is not necessarily related to emulsion weakness, nor does it portend breaking, as does coalescence.

See related terms: coalescenceemulsionoil mud