Content uploaded by Wisam Hussam Alsaba
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Wisam Hussam Alsaba on Jan 20, 2021
Content may be subject to copyright.
The Removal of Emulsified Oil From Produced Water Using Synthetic Resins
Hania Albatrni, Raafat Alenany, Nagat Elrefaei, Wisam Alsaba, Mai Bassam, Mohamed Zamzam, Shadwa Safwat,
Hazim Qiblawey, Majeda Khraisheh and Samer Adham*
Department of Chemical Engineering, Qatar University
* ConocoPhillips Water Technology Ltd QSTP-B
Abstract
In this study, the application of synthetic resins for the removal of emulsified oil from
produced water was investigated. Key parameters such as adsorbent dosage, contact
time, initial oil concentration and pH were evaluated for Optipore L493, Amberlite
IRA 958, Amberlite XAD 7 and Lewatit AF 5. Oil removal rates up to 98% were
achieved using AF 5, XAD 7 and L493. IRA 958 recorded removal rates of less than
25%. Isotherm data were further investigated and fitted using Langmuir, Freundlich,
Toth, Flory Huggins and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. Langmuir model fitted best
adsorption isotherms obtained using resins XAD 7and L493 while Dubinin-
Radushkevich best described the removal using AF 5 resin. Kinetic studies assessing
the rate of removal for each resin were conducted and results fitted using pseudo-first
and second order equations in addition to intraparticle diffusion models. Experimental
results were best fitted using pseudo second order kinetics. The study confirmed the
applicability of the resins for the removal of oil from produced water.
Objectives
•Synthesize produced water in the lab as that is appropriate feed for tertiary
treatment
•Investigate the potential of synthetic resins to remove oil from produced water
that is prepared in the lab
•Predict batch kinetics and adsorption isotherms to evaluate adsorption capacity
of the synthetic resins
Methodology
The potential of synthetic resins to
remove oil from water was investigated
by varying the adsorbent dosage, contact
time, initial oil concentration and pH for
the four different resins. Batch
experiments were conducted at room
temperature and pressure and pH of 6.7 at
a fixed volume of 50 ml where samples
were agitated on a mechanical shaker for
24 hours at constant speed of 180 rpm.
Results
Effect of changing parameters
Surface characterization using SEM imaging. (a) AF 5, (b) IRA 958, (c)
L493, (d) XAD 7.
(a) (b)
(c) (d)
Four commercial synthetic resins were tested for the removal of oil from oil in
water emulsion. The adsorption isotherms revealed that the adsorption of oil onto
XAD 7 and L493 was efficiently described by the Langmuir model. However, the
adsorption on AF 5 was best fitted to Dubinin-Radushkevich model. Also, the
adsorption kinetics study showed that Pseudo-second order was the best suited
model to describe the experimental data. The study confirmed the feasibility of
using synthetic resins as potential adsorbents for the removal of oil from water. For
future studies, it is vital to test regeneration methods of synthetic resins in order to
assess their ability to be used in a number of successive adsorption/desorption
cycles.
Conclusion
It is defined as waste byproduct generated in the exploration and production of oil and
gas from onshore or offshore wells. It is also defined as water extracted from
underground formations and brought up to the surface along with the oil and gas.
Produced Water and its Management
Management
of PW
Reinjection into
formation
•Maintain well
pressure
Reuse in petroleum
industry operations
•Drilling
Apply in other uses
•Irrigation,
wildlife
consumption
Discharge to the
environment
•Treatment to meet
regulations
Primary
Skim tanks
API separators
Secondary
Hydrocyclones
Gas flotation
Centrifuges
Tertiary
Membranes
Biological
treatments
Adsorption
We would like to acknowledge Central Laboratory Unit (CLU), Gas Processing
Unit (GPC) and Chemical Engineering Department –Qatar University for their
support and allowing us to use their facilities.
Acknowledgement
AbsRef: 0455
[PP-101]