REMOVAL OF OIL CONTAMINANTS FROM SOIL BY FLOTATION

摘要

There are many methods, which have been suggested for the cleaning of large quantities of oil-contaminated soil. Froth flotation is one of the least costly and more efficient methods when compared to other methods. The process involves two steps, release of oil from soil, and separation of the released oil emulsion by flotation. Since the conditions for achieving the highest efficiency for both steps are different, more detailed study of process variables is required. A model system of quartz sand oiled with mineral oil was used. For separation of hydrocarbons from sand, the suspension of contaminated material was treated with ionic and non-ionic surfactant solutions with and without ultrasound treatment. Flotation of released oil was then carried out in a conventional flotation cell, Denver type. For improving oil recovery, cationic flocculants were used to enhance coalescence of the oil emulsion.