Removal of oil from stable oil-water emulsion by induced air flotation technique

The present study investigates the application of induced air flotation technique on oil removal performance of a separator column (d = 10 cm; H = 150 cm). A preparation method to produce a very stable synthetic emulsion was developed. The stability rate constants K_st were determined under different conditions, and K_st for very stable emulsion was 0.000907 h ⁻¹. Several parameters affecting the performance of the separator were investigated. The experimental data were also analyzed in terms of a first-order kinetic rate model. A removal rate constant, K_r, was obtained. The maximum oil removal obtained from stable emulsion contained 4% by weight sodium chloride was 78.1%, and the corresponding K_r value was 9.18 h⁻¹.