In the maritime industry, the challenge of managing oily water is a persistent issue that impacts both environmental compliance and operational efficiency. A recent study led by Dunja Sokolović from the University of Novi Sad, published in the journal “Material Protection,” sheds light on how the viscosity of the dispersed oil phase affects the efficiency of coalescence filtration—a vital process for treating oily water.
Oily water is a byproduct in various sectors, including oil production, petrochemicals, and ship maintenance. With the growing emphasis on sustainability and regulatory standards, effective treatment methods are more critical than ever. Sokolović’s research investigates how different viscosities of oil influence the performance of coalescers, devices designed to separate oil from water.
The study explored three types of emulsions created from domestic oil and other oil fractions, testing them through two types of waste polymer fiber beds. These beds varied in permeability, which is crucial for the filtration process. The researchers found that when the viscosity of the oil ranged from 10 to 168 mPa s, using a low-permeability polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bed was most effective. However, for oils with a viscosity exceeding 80 mPa s, a higher-permeability polypropylene (PP) bed performed better, allowing for greater flow rates and reduced coalescer size.
Sokolović emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “In cases of higher viscosity, the coalescer dimensions can be reduced, which is beneficial for space-limited environments like ships.” This insight opens up commercial opportunities for maritime operators looking to enhance their oily water treatment systems while optimizing space and resources onboard.
The implications of this research are particularly relevant for ship owners and operators who must navigate stringent environmental regulations. By choosing the right filtration materials based on the viscosity of the oily water they encounter, they can improve treatment efficiency and potentially lower operational costs.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve with a focus on sustainability, studies like Sokolović’s pave the way for innovative solutions in oily water management. The findings not only contribute to academic knowledge but also provide practical guidance for professionals in the field looking to implement effective treatment strategies. With the ongoing challenge of oily water disposal, this research could be a game-changer for the sector.
