Swelling of Brazilian Organoclays in Some Solvents with Application in the Petroleum Industry

Abstract

Brasgel clay has been modified via cation exchange reaction using quaternary ammonium chlorides (stearyl dimethylammonium chloride, Praepagen). Basal spacing, interlamellar structure clay have been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The organoclay was characterized by the Foster Swelling test. The results indicated that the quaternary ammonium salts were intercalated between the layers of clay. The Foster Swelling Test results indicated that the affinity of stearyl dimethylammonium chloride, Praepagen occurred in the treated clay tested in all organic solvents (diesel, gasoline, toluene and p-xylene), without and with agitation. the treated sample presented a high swelling capacity (with and without agitation) when tested in gasoline. On the other hand, when inserted in diesel oil without agitation, the treated samples presented low swelling capacity, but when the assay was performed under agitation, it yielded an intermediate swelling capacity. In Toluene, the samples presented intermediate swelling, both without and with agitation. In p-xylene, the samples presented low swelling, without and intermediate swelling, with agitation. Therefore, this clay can be used for the removal of oils and greases from polluted aqueous effluents of the petroleum industry.