Predesign Cost Estimation of a Potential Wastewater Treatment Plant for Jordan Petroleum Refinery-Electrocoagulation

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate whether simulated Jordan refinery wastewater can be treated through electrocoagulation (EC) to conform to the most stringent Jordanian norms for reusing this wastewater for irrigation of cut flowers and to perform cost analysis for a treatment plant whose core are the EC reactors. The method used for estimating the fixed (capital) costs of the treatment plant is taken from literature and is based on a study estimate (factored estimate) that depends on the knowledge of major items of equipment. Most of the operating costs are estimated based on percentages which are also taken from literature. The best percentage removal of COD, BOD, TSS, fat, oil & grease (FOG), bicarbonate (HCO3−), and phenol from simulated Jordan refinery wastewater, so that it conforms to Jordanian norms, were 84.4%, 82.1%, 27.3%, at least 98.8%, 94.9%, at least 96.7%, respectively, at a current of 10 A, treatment time of 5 min, Al/SS electrodes, and inter-electrode distance 10 mm. Overall treatment costs for the simulated wastewater was found to be 10.75 $/m3 (27 $/kg CODremoved). It is concluded that simulated Jordan refinery wastewater cannot be treated so that it conforms to the most stringent norms for using it for cut flower irrigation but could be treated to conform to the norms for using it for irrigation of cooked vegetables, parks, and playgrounds. Moreover, EC is a suitable technology for the treatment of Jordanian recalcitrant refinery wastewater and the cost for its treatment is affordable. • An affordable overall treatment cost for Jordan refinery wastewater was found. • Optimal pollutant removal efficiencies were achieved in electrocoagulation tests. • During wastewater treatment the most stringent Jordanian norms were not reached.