Evaluation of dissolved air flotation unit for oil produced water

• Carlos Rojas PETROSEMA-Venezuela
• Nancy Rincón Universidad del Zulia-Venezuela
• Altamira Díaz Universidad del Zulia-Venezuela
• Gilberto Colina Universidad del Zulia-Venezuela
• Elisabeth Behling Universidad del Zulia-Venezuela
• Elsa Chacín Universidad del Zulia-Venezuela
• Nola Fernández Universidad del Zulia-Venezuela

Palabras clave: dissolved air flotation (DAF), production waters, oils and grease, suspended solids

Resumen

In this investigation a dissolved air flotation system was evaluated. The reactor used was to the lab scale. The Flotation system was used for the treatment of production oil waters, from a separator API located at the Patio Tanks ULE, in Tía Juana Zulia (Venezuela). The samples were characterized by determining parameters such as: pH, chloride, alkalinity, turbidity, suspended solids, oil and grease. The optimum coagulants dosage, and the coagulant to be used were evaluated by the “Jar Test”, using commercial chemical coagulants to help the flotation process in a dissolved air environment. The results showed that, the Cationic Flocculant of High Molecular Weight (FCAPM) was the most appropriated at a concentration of 0,006% in volume (3, 54 mg/L). The flotation tests were carried out at three different pressures (30, 40 and 50 psi), and for each condition the recycle percentage was varied (30 %, 40% and 50% of the feeding). The operational condition in which the best results were obtained were for pressure 40 psi and recycle percentage 40%, at this values the removal of oil and grease was 90%, suspended solids 72% and effluent clarification 70%.