Dynamic cross-flow filtration of oilfield produced water by rotating ceramic filter discs

Abstract

The purpose of this research paper is to assess the effects of the process parameters—membrane rotational speed (1,200, 1,500 and 1,800 rpm), volume concentration factor (VCF) and feed characteristics—in terms of oil and total organic carbon (TOC) separation capability, permeability and permeate quality. For this, a series of membrane filtration experiments were carried out systematically using rotating ceramic filter discs in a fed-batch operating mode. The variation of membrane rotational speed was found to minimize the membrane fouling in a significant amount. High oil (>99%) and TOC rejection (>98%) was achieved with both microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) membranes, independent of the rotational speed and the feed concentration The experimental results are presented for the dynamic cross-flow MF (0.2-μm pores) and UF (7-nm pores) of oilfield produced water as well as oily model solutions (OMS).

Keywords:

• Oilfield
• Produced water treatment
• Ceramic membrane
• Rotating filter
• Membrane fouling

Acknowledgement

The authors gratefully thank the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology Germany for the financial support (FKZ: KF2829802RH1). Furthermore, the authors would like to thank Dipl.-Ing. Martin Müller, German BP AG, Oil Refinery Emsland, Lingen, Germany, for providing us with the TDPW.

Notes

Presented at the International Conference on Desalination for the Environment, Clean Water and Energy, European Desalination Society, 23–26 April 2012, Barcelona, Spain