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Published on: April 17, 2018
Oil droplets and solid particles removal using circular separator with inclined coalescence mediums: comparison
1Swinburne University of Technology, Jalan Simpang Tiga, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. lngu@swinburne.edu.my
Summary
Counter-current flow in oil-water-solid separators enhances separation efficiency. This flow pattern achieved higher removal rates for oil and total suspended solids (TSS) compared to co-current flow, meeting environmental discharge standards.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Separation Processes
Background:
- Efficient oil-water-solid separation is crucial for industrial wastewater treatment.
- Circular separators with coalescence mediums are utilized for such processes.
- Understanding flow patterns (co-current vs. counter-current) is key to optimizing separation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of co- and counter-current flow patterns on separation efficiencies.
- To determine the relationship between flowrate, influent concentration, and removal efficiencies.
- To develop predictive equations for flowrate requirements to meet discharge standards.
Main Methods:
- Experimental testing of oil-water-solid separation in a circular separator with inclined coalescence mediums.
- Varying influent concentrations and flowrates to assess removal efficiencies.
- Developing power equations to correlate removal efficiencies with flow parameters.
Main Results:
- Removal efficiencies increased with decreased influent flowrate, described by power equations.
- Counter-current flow demonstrated higher removal efficiencies than co-current flow.
- Counter-current flow achieved 13.16% higher oil removal and 5.89% higher TSS removal.
Conclusions:
- Counter-current flow in circular separators offers superior oil-water-solid separation performance.
- The enhanced efficiency of counter-current flow is attributed to increased coalescing area and consistent plate spacing.
- Predictive equations enable optimization of separator operation for environmental compliance.
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