Work out emulsion hlb value instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
The hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of a blend is the weighted average of its components, so the fraction of the high-HLB emulsifier is (required - low HLB) / (high HLB - low HLB). Oil-in-water emulsions typically need HLB 8-16 and water-in-oil emulsions 3-6, with each oil having its own required HLB.
HLB blending
Fraction of high-HLB emulsifier = (required HLB - low HLB) / (high HLB - low HLB)
From published tables for each oil, or determined experimentally by making a series of emulsions across an HLB range and finding the most stable. Mixed oil phases use a weighted average of required HLBs.
No. It predicts the direction and rough stability but ignores emulsifier chemistry, interfacial film strength, phase volume and processing. It narrows the search rather than giving the answer.