Modelling an End-of-Pipe Technology for Processing Petroleum Oily Sludge

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Chem. & Petroleum Eng. Dept., University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.

2 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Denver, Denver, USA.

Abstract

An end-of-pipe technology for processing oily sludge using a hydrocyclone is modeled in this study and then compared with an end-of-pipe technology using centrifugation with a science filter treatment system.  The end-of-pipe technology design is proposed based on the characterization of physical and chemical data of oily sludge obtained from a national refinery in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons in the sludge, its metallic components, and water content were characterized using gas chromatography.  The ChemCad software is used for computer model simulation of the end-of-pipe system (hydrocyclone and compartment separator) stream flow.  The results show that the solids in the underflow from the cyclone contain about 3.8% by mass of hydrocarbons and 4.06% by mass of water. The hydrocarbon content of the hydrocyclone overhead recovered via the component separator bottoms is 97.9%, 1.5%, and 0.9% by mass of hydrocarbon, water, and solids, respectively.  The ChemCAD software is used to process laboratory results and simulate stream flow designs.  End-of-pipe (centrifugation) filter technologies for sludge treatment are designed for 75% optimal oil recovery, with zero solids and water content in the recovered oil, making it a high-quality product largely due to the filtration system incorporated. The high oil recovery of 97.9% and the low carbon footprint in our proposed end-of-pipe technology model may be attributed to the use of a natural hydrocarbon solvent (kerosene) to process the sludge in a hydrocyclone and separation compartment, which enhanced oil extraction and recovery.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
Volume 60, Issue 1
June 2026
Pages 217-240

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History

  • Receive Date: 01 March 2024
  • Revise Date: 02 May 2026
  • Accept Date: 05 May 2026

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