Intensive petroleum operations are commonplace as we strive to meet global energy demands. However, the associated risks and waste management concerns must be addressed. Technologies capable of separating oil and water in a rapid, effective and economical way are needed for the treatment of oil and gas streams such as produced and flowback waters as well as oil-contaminated ocean water. This research focuses on a novel technology that utilizes a membrane contactor for the recovery of insoluble oil from oil and water emulsions. Results from our research demonstrate the feasibility of this technology for oil/water separation at both high and low oil concentrations without significant membrane fouling. Current research efforts are focused on elucidating fundamental mechanisms ultimately allowing prediction and optimization of the technology for oil-removal in diverse water streams.

Hydrophobic microporous membranes for the recovery of insoluble oil from emulsions

251st National Meeting (2016)

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