Abstract
Experimental studies of the steam pyrolysis of oil sludge were performed using a flow-type pilot plant with 300 kg/h capacity (raw material) to obtain energy-valuable products, such as liquid hydrocarbons (30.4 wt%), semi-coke (39.6 wt%), non-condensable gas-phase compounds (26.5 wt%), and bitumen (3.5 wt%). The pyrolysis process was conducted at a temperature of 650 ° C and with a steam flow rate of 150 kg/h. Liquid hydrocarbons were considered a target product. Comprehensive studies of their physicochemical characteristics, atomization process, droplet ignition, and combustion were carried out. The studied sample had physicochemical characteristics similar to traditional fuel oil (calorific value—42.6 MJ/kg, sulfur content—0.8 wt%). The jet spraying angle was 25° in view of the improved rheological properties of the test sample, with a homogeneous jet structure and a predominant droplet diameter of no more than 0.4 mm. The flame combustion process was accompanied by the formation of microexplosions, the frequency and intensity of which depended on the temperature of the air (Tg = 450–700 °C). This study, in view of its applied nature, is of interest in the design of new installations and technological systems for hydrocarbon pyrolysis.
Highlights
This paper presents the results of comprehensive studies of the physical and chemical characteristics of energy products yielded by steam pyrolysis of oil sludge (OS) using an experimental setup
The market product of steam pyrolysis of OS is liquid hydrocarbons, and combustible gas-phase compounds and carbon residue are considered as a secondary energy carrier to compensate for the energy costs of the setup when generating superheated steam
Bitumen formed from heavy compounds of the steam–gas mixture is a direct analogue of the additive used in the manufacture and laying of asphalt [30]
Summary
Oil is one of the most abundant energy resources worldwide [1]; its extraction, transportation, storage, and processing are associated with the formation of a significant amount of waste, including oil sludge (OS) [2,3,4,5,6,7]. This type of high-hazard waste comprises water, oil, mineral impurities, and different deposits (sand, clay, silt, etc.) [8]. Because of the lack of resource-efficient and environmentally friendly approaches to sustainable OS management, their long-term accumulation can cause global environmental problems, such as the large-scale pollution of soil, atmosphere, and groundwater, that endanger human health
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
