Abstract
Naphthenic acids (NAs) are soluble in water and are concentrated in oil sand process water (OSPW) as a result of caustic oil sands extraction processes. Significant environmental and regulatory attention has been focused on the naphthenic acids. A laboratory scale photocatalysis system was developed using UV254 florescent lamps. Experiments were conducted to determine the NA degradation efficiency of this system in presence of TiO2 catalyst. Degradation kinetics for total NAs as well as individual z-families was calculated. The developed treatment system was able to degrade OSPW NAs with half life values ranging between 1.55 and 4.80 h. This system also completely reduced the acute toxicity associated with NAs (up to 5 min. IC50 v/v > 90%) based on Microtox assays.
Highlights
Naphthenic acids (NAs) are natural constituents of bitumen and the oxidative product of petroleum hydrocarbons
Corrosion due to NAs is a major concern for petroleum refineries, which limits the choice of materials used in equipment and supply chain
Results (R2 = 0.944) indicate that initial concentration of the sample has no effect on the reaction kinetics of the NA degradation
Summary
Naphthenic acids (NAs) are natural constituents of bitumen and the oxidative product of petroleum hydrocarbons. NAs are solubilized and concentrated in oil sand process water (OSPW) during oil sands extraction and enter surface and subsequently ground water systems through mixing and/or erosion of riverbank adjacent to oil sands deposits [1]. Clemente et al [2] reported that OSPW in the Athabasca Oil Sands (AOS) north of Fort McMurray (Alberta, Canada) may contain NAs as high as 110mg/L. In addition to contributing to OSPW toxicity, NAs cause corrosion in the oil sands refining processes. Most natural NAs occur in their sulfide form, mainly responsible for corrosivity. Corrosion due to NAs is a major concern for petroleum refineries, which limits the choice of materials used in equipment and supply chain
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
