Oil removal from produced water by conjugation of flotation and photo-Fenton processes

J Environ Manage. 2015 Jan 1:147:257-63. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2014.08.021. Epub 2014 Sep 17.

Abstract

The present work investigates the conjugation of flotation and photo-Fenton techniques on oil removal performance from oilfield produced water. The experiments were conducted in a column flotation and annular lamp reactor for induced air flotation and photodegradation steps, respectively. A nonionic surfactant was used as a flotation agent. The flotation experimental data were analyzed in terms of a first-order kinetic rate model. Two experimental designs were employed to evaluate the oil removal efficiency: fractional experimental design and central composite rotational design (CCRD). Overall oil removal of 99% was reached in the optimum experimental condition after 10 min of flotation followed by 45 min of photo-Fenton. The results of the conjugation of induced air flotation and photo-Fenton processes allowed meeting the wastewater limits established by the legislations for disposal.

Keywords: Flotation; Integration; Oilfield; Photo-Fenton; Produced water.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Extraction and Processing Industry / methods*
  • Groundwater / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Iron
  • Kinetics
  • Models, Chemical
  • Petroleum / analysis*
  • Photolysis
  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / methods*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Fenton's reagent
  • Petroleum
  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Iron