Chapter 6 - Crude oil storage tank clean-up using biosurfactants

Abstract

In the production of crude oil, one of the most significant expenses is attributed to the cleaning of sludges and waste oil deposits from storage and holding tanks. As traditional pumps cannot remove them, sludges and heavy oil deposits are deposited in the tank. Tanks need to be cleaned regularly, and the process typically involves risk, requires a lot of human labor and time, and is quite expensive. Researches have shown that these residues affect the product quality and reduce the tank’s capacity. Hence, to resolve this problem, removal of oil sludge and the internal cleaning of the tanks is necessary for the requirement of inspection and maintenance. As a result, more and more focus has been placed on researching, developing, and applying novel technologies that may eliminate contamination caused by these substances. Biosurfactants have found broad use in the process of cleaning contaminated water and soil, as well as in the primary stages of the oil production process, which include extraction, transportation, and storage. This diversity of applications can primarily be attributed to the advantages of biosurfactants, such as biodegradability, low toxicity, and improved functionality in harsh environments as compared to synthetic analogs. In addition, biosurfactants can be produced using waste products from agroindustrial processes as the substrate, which helps reduce the overall cost of production. This chapter aims to provide an up-to-date overview of biosurfactant roles, applications, and possible future uses related to crude oil storage tank clean-up.