Introduction:
Refinery operations generate significant volumes of oily wastewater, presenting challenges for effective treatment while minimizing environmental impact. Over a 4-month period, a pilot test employing PolyCera Titan ultrafiltration membrane was conducted in a petroleum refinery to comprehensively treat oily wastewater for reuse purpose. This innovative approach aimed to address the complex composition of the influent, which contains high oil and suspended solids content.
Background:
Oily wastewater in refineries typically contains high concentrations of oil and suspended solids, posing challenges for traditional treatment methods. The pilot test utilized PolyCera Titan ultrafiltration (UF) membrane to treat comprehensive oily wastewater, with oil content reaching up to 100 mg/L and suspended solids content nearly reaching 1000 mg/L.
Process Flow:
The treatment process involved several stages, as depicted in the following process flow diagrams:
Results:
The pilot test demonstrated significant achievements:
- The PolyCera Titan UF system operated reliably through backwashing and chemical-enhanced backwashing, with in place chemical cleaning (CIP) restoring membrane flux to its initial state.
- The system achieved an average removal of oil and suspended solids from oily wastewater exceeding 70%.
- Water produced by the system contained less than 10 mg/L of oil and less than 30 mg/L of suspended solids, exhibiting superior quality and stability compared to an existing two-stage air flotation processes.
Value Proposition:
The use of PolyCera Titan UF membrane in refinery oily wastewater treatment offers several key advantages:
- Chemical-Free Operation: The system operates without the need for additional chemicals, reducing the generation of additional sludge and the burden of hazardous waste disposal.
- Treatment of UF Concentrate Stream: UF concentrates from the treatment process can be treated by the equalization tank by oil skimmer and solid collection system without generating more hazardous waste, contributing to sustainability efforts.
- Closed System Operation: The system operates in a closed manner, eliminating unpleasant odors and promoting environmental friendliness.
- VOCs Emission Reduction: One-step filtration replaces two-stage air flotation, resulting in reduced VOCs emission and lower carbon dioxide emissions.
- Simplified Operation and Maintenance: The system’s short process, simple operation, and easy maintenance contribute to operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Quality Produced Water: The high-quality membrane filtrate water reduces the burden of subsequent advanced treatment processes, further enhancing operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Conclusion:
The successful pilot test highlights the effectiveness of PolyCera Titan UF membrane in treating oily wastewater in refineries. By achieving high removal of oil and suspended solids while minimizing chemical usage and operational complexity, PolyCera membranes offer a sustainable and efficient solution for addressing the challenges of oily wastewater treatment in refinery operations.
Keywords
Oily wastewater treatment, Refinery, PolyCera Titan ultrafiltration membrane, Oil removal, Suspended solids removal, Chemical-free operation, Environmental sustainability.
