Dye Solubility Test In this test, when an emulsion is mixed with a water soluble dye such as amaranth and

observed under the microscope, if the continuous phase appears red- then it means that the emulsion is o/w type .

if the scattered globules appear red and continuous phase colorless- then it is w/o type. (Fig 1)

Dilution test In this test the emulsion is diluted either with oil or water.

If the emulsion is o/w type and it is diluted with water, it will remain stable as water is the dispersion medium

if it is diluted with oil, the emulsion will break as oil and water are not miscible with each other. (Fig 2)

Fig 2: Dilution Test for oil in water emulsion

Conductivity Test This test is based on the basic principle that water is a good conductor of electricity.

incase of o/w emulsion , this test will be positive as water is the external phase (Fig 8)

Fig 8: Conductivity test for oil in water emulsion and water in oil emulsion

Cobalt Chloride Test When a filter paper soaked in cobalt chloride solution is added to an emulsion and dried If it turns pink then it is O/W emulsion. If there is no change in color ,it is W/O emulsion. Fluorescence Test If an emulsion on exposure to ultra-violet radiations shows continuous florescence under microscope, then it is w/o type . if it shows only spotty fluorescence, then it is Oil in o/w type. Staining Test A small amount of emulsion is mixed with scarlet red or methyl blue and examined under

microscope. The test may fail if ionic emulsifiers are present . If dispersed globules appear red, it is O/W type emulsion as scarlet red is soluble in oil but not in water. If dispersed globules appear blue, it is W/O type emulsion as scarlet red is soluble in water but not in oil.