A method of removing dispersed oil from an oil in water emulsion employing aerated solutions within a coalescing media

摘要

Removing dispersed oil from an oil in water emulsion, comprises: (i) entraining gas in water to form an aerated mixture; (ii) introducing the emulsion into the first compartment of a treatment vessel separated in two by a divider extending from its bottom, where it contacts a first assembly of closely spaced matrix plates formed of oleophilic material; (iii) introducing the aerated mixture into the treatment vessel to mix with the emulsion as it contacts the plates, causing oil droplets to coalesce on the plates and gas bubbles to stick to the droplets and make them rise in the emulsion; (iv) maintaining a liquid level in the vessel, so the oil droplets can rise to the surface; (v) extracting oil accumulating on the liquid surface; and (vi) removing water that flows over an upper edge of the divider into the second compartment, and through a second matrix plate assembly. Also claimed is a system for carrying out the above method.