Utilização de adsorventes (carvão ativado e argilas organofílicas) no processo de separação de emulsões óleo/água.

Abstract

This study aims to characterize and evaluate the use of adsorbents (activated carbon and organoclay) in the process of separation of emulsified oil in water. One goal of this work was the preparation and characterization of adsorbents (organoclays. The method of preparation of organoclays was by replacing the cations (Na+) interlayer of clay by quaternary ammonia cation. Characterizations were performed using the following techniques: X-Ray Diffraction, Cation Exchange Capacity, Physical Adsorption of Nitrogen, Infrared Spectroscopy, Adsorption Capacity in Organic Solvents and for Foster Swelling Test. Tests showed X-ray diffraction to obtain organoclays, since showed that the distances of the basal clays BSN-03 and BSN-04 were modified, indicating that the quaternary ammonium salt was intercalated. Tests proved the adsorption capacity of organoclay improved efficiencies in relation to the clay in its raw and with activated charcoal regardless of solvent used. Test results of swells Foster indicated that the affinity of the quaternary ammonium salt in organoclays was evaluated in all organic solvents, showing better performance with activated charcoal. The other objective of this study aimed to evaluate adsorbents (organoclays and activated carbon) and compare their Removal Capacity (Qeq) and their Percentage of Removal Oil (% Rem) present in a synthetic effluent through a finite bath system. We used a factorial design 22 with 3 Points Central evaluating two variables: Initial Concentration of oil (100, 300 and 500ppm) and Mechanical Stirring the Finite Bath (0, 100 and 200rpm). Relation to efficiency in the process of removing oil / water, the three adsorbents showed high values Percentage removal and oil removal capacity, the three adsorbents removed on average 99% of emulsified oil to a capacity of 49 mg of oil per gram of adsorbent. The organoclays were as efficient as activated carbon, with an economically viable alternative due to its low cost compared with coal, its value being approximately 70% lower than that of activated carbon.