FLOCCULANT USE ON TANKERS

This report presents the results of shipboard studies of flocculants to improve oil-water separation in tanker slop tanks. Experiments were performed in matched pairs of slop tanks. Montmorillonite clay in fresh water and a clay activator were mixed into the slop waters at levels of 100 mg/kg (ppm) and 20mg/kg (ppm), respectively. Flocculation improved the oil-water separation at a very rapid rate. After the best method of application, flocculant-treated slop water contained about 20-50 mg/kg (ppm) of oil compared to several hundred mg/kg (ppm) in the control tank undergoing unaided gravity separation. Since flocculation would require supplying and handling of additional materials as well as operational effort, other methods of achieving oil-water separation may be preferred. Unanswered questions concerning flocculant use include the fate and effects of the clay and the economic recoverability of flocculated oil.

• Corporate Authors:

  Exxon Research and Engineering Company

  P.O. Box 101
  Florham Park, NJ  United States  07932
• Authors:
  • Shewmaker, J E
• Publication Date: 1976-3

Media Info

• Pagination: 50 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Chemical processes; Flocculating agents; Pollution control; Water quality management
• Uncontrolled Terms: Flocculation; Oil separators
• Old TRIS Terms: Pollution abatement measures; Slop tanks
• Subject Areas: Environment; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00138547
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: EE.5TMR.76 Final Rpt., MA-RD-940-76035
• Contract Numbers: MA-1-35049
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 4 1976 12:00AM