Oil Load Reduction of Oilfield-Produced Water by Applying Swirl–Cyclonic Flotation: A Pilot-Scale Investigation

Abstract

A swirl–cyclonic flotation (SCF) apparatus was fabricated by combining hydrocyclone and air flotation separation to reduce the oil droplet load of oilfield-produced water. The apparatus was designed as three concentric cylinders with functions of swirling, air flotation separation, and oil collection. Influencing factors such as influent flow, oil concentration, and aeration rate were investigated in the pilot-scale test. The oil concentration of the effluent was below 100 mg/L during the continuous operation under an influent flow rate of 1.5 m3/h and an aeration rate of 0.4 L/min without addition of any chemicals. Results could be explained by the improvement in the floating velocity of oil droplets, resulting in oil load reduction. The oil and water separation mechanism of the SCF apparatus was determined by analysis of oil droplet size distribution. Compared with other flotation apparatus, the SCF apparatus had the advantages of high oil removal efficiency, low retention time, and stable water treatment quality. The apparatus also had no chemical agents added and had less floor area, leading to reduced chemical cost. The designed SCF apparatus has potential industrial application as pretreatment for oil–water load reduction.