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Pentane stripping of toxic organics from water
Author
Lau, Judy Li San
Supervisor
Teo, K. C.
Abstract
Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and chlorinated organics known to be carcinogenic and mutagenic, are routinely released into the environment either during production, storage, transport, use or disposal.
This work aims to develop an economical and effective treatment method for removing such pollutants from contaminated wastewater. The liquid-liquid extractive method with n-pentane as solvent, also known as 'pentane stripping', was used. Removal efficiencies as high as 99 % had been achieved for most of the model organic pollutants in a single extraction stage. The use of cosolvents greatly improved removal efficiencies, especially for phenolic compounds, which had low removal efficiencies ranging from 3% to 80% by using pentane alone. For example, the removal efficiency of 2-chlorophenol improved from 47% to 95% with the use of butyl acetate as cosolvent (50%V/V). The effectiveness of pentane stripping on diesel contaminated water was also tested.
The uniqueness of pentane stripping is that the pentane used for the extraction is completely recyclable and the process can be carried out at room temperature and pressure. The technology has low energy requirements and hence results in low cost and ease in operation. An added advantage is that the method is capable of treating pollutants down to ultra trace levels (e.g. ppb range). It is certainly capable of being developed into a successful marketable technology for environmental clean-up.
This work aims to develop an economical and effective treatment method for removing such pollutants from contaminated wastewater. The liquid-liquid extractive method with n-pentane as solvent, also known as 'pentane stripping', was used. Removal efficiencies as high as 99 % had been achieved for most of the model organic pollutants in a single extraction stage. The use of cosolvents greatly improved removal efficiencies, especially for phenolic compounds, which had low removal efficiencies ranging from 3% to 80% by using pentane alone. For example, the removal efficiency of 2-chlorophenol improved from 47% to 95% with the use of butyl acetate as cosolvent (50%V/V). The effectiveness of pentane stripping on diesel contaminated water was also tested.
The uniqueness of pentane stripping is that the pentane used for the extraction is completely recyclable and the process can be carried out at room temperature and pressure. The technology has low energy requirements and hence results in low cost and ease in operation. An added advantage is that the method is capable of treating pollutants down to ultra trace levels (e.g. ppb range). It is certainly capable of being developed into a successful marketable technology for environmental clean-up.
Date Issued
2001
Call Number
TD423 Lau
Date Submitted
2001