english Air flotation clarifiers are highly effective for oil-water separation, achieving 90-99% removal efficiency for free oils, grease, and emulsified hydrocarbons. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their performance:
1. Key Factors Affecting Oil Removal
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Bubble Size: Microbubbles (20–50 μm) provide maximal surface area to adhere to oil droplets.
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Chemical Aids: Polymer coagulants (e.g., 10–50 ppm) improve oil agglomeration and removal.
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Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT): Optimal at 10–30 minutes for most industrial applications.
2. Performance Metrics
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Free Oil (≥50 μm): Removes 95–99% (e.g., from API separator effluent).
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Emulsified Oil (1–50 μm): Achieves 80–95% removal with coagulant assistance.
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Output Quality: Reduces oil content to <10–20 ppm (meets discharge/reuse standards).
3. Advantages Over Alternatives
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Compact Design: 50% smaller footprint than gravity separators.
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Speed: Processes oily wastewater 3–5× faster than conventional skimmers.
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Adaptability: Handles variable oil loads (e.g., 100–5,000 mg/L influent).
4. Limitations
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Chemical Dependency: Requires precise coagulant dosing for emulsified oils.
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Energy Use: Consumes 0.3–1.5 kWh/m³ for air dissolution and pumping.
5. Industrial Use Cases
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Oil Refineries: Treats sour water stripper effluent.
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Food Processing: Removes animal fats (e.g., slaughterhouse wastewater).
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Metalworking: Cleans coolant-laden wastewater.
